Except that it’s very doubtful that the French created them, no.
[the French did, however, use them as police dogs for a long time...quite effectively]
History
Poodles are retrievers or gun dogs, and can still be seen in that role. The poodle’s appearance made it popular as a circus dog and pet for the wealthy. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale lists the country of origin as France, but some experts believe poodles may have originated in Russia or Iberia; Germany is also frequently cited, including by the American Kennel Club, since the breed’s English name has German origins[2]. (The name poodle comes from the German word pudel, short for pudelhund or “splashing dog”, reflecting the breed’s development from a water dog; the word pudel is related to the English word puddle.) However, most sources concur that the French are responsible for developing the modern breed into its current form, and developing the different sizes. The French name for the poodle is caniche, referring to ducks and the poodles’ water dog origins.
Even the little miniature poodle I had as a kid spent her free time in the barn going after vermin.
Silly as it sounds, she was a great bodyguard, too.
10 pounds of fluff couldn’t really inflict much bodily harm but she sincerely gave it all she had.
Our Maltese is a great body-guard—she guards my wife, especially at nap time.
We had a 4lb. toy that was completely fearless. Went after a Belgian Shepard that came into our yard one day, charged right at him and snagged the ‘dangling bits’ and would not let go. Now that's a howl I'll never forget! Smartest furry critter I have ever known, and some of the others would put some two-legged types to shame.
Great dog, great friend. Mum had to put her down when I was in boot camp, still think about her everyday...