I am considered the national dog of France, although I originated in Germany where I was commonly used by hunters as a water retriever as far back as the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

I am a member of the AKC Non-Sporting Group. I am smart, loyal, proud, and fun. I am an intelligent dog and carry myself with pride. I am politely reserved around strangers, but I have a playful sense of humor. I enjoy the challenges of obedience training.

My breed comes in three types - standard, miniature and toy. My coat lends itself to a variety of hairstyles. My face, throat, and feet are often shaven. I often have hair around my head and body that sometimes looks like a lion's mane as well as puffs and pompons on my body. My carefully sculpted cut reveals my breed's history as a water retriever hundreds of years ago. The hair around my head and body kept me warm when I swam in cold water. Small puffs kept my forelegs warm. The pompon on my tail rose above the water so hunters could see me while I swam. My topcoat is thick, harsh, and curly. My undercoat is woolly and warm. My coat doesn't shed much, but it requires daily brushing and regular professional grooming.

What breed am I?