Originally bred as a pet from a family of hunting dogs, the Cavalier is an exceptionally loving and affectionate dog. They are famous for their puppy-dog eyes and are extremely loving and attentive. They weigh 6–8 kg and are around 30 cm tall. Originally from Germany (not France!), the poodles are incredibly intelligent, curly-coated canines whose coats provide protection for retrieving water. The German phrase "Pudeln," which means to play in puddles, is where their name comes from. They shed extremely little, so when they are untidy, their curly coat gets long and scruffy.