This makes sense considering the fact that the word "pooch" is often used to refer to small, short-legged dogs, similar to the poodle, which was originally bred to retrieve waterfowl from water.
However, there are other theories as well:
* "Pouche": Some believe it comes from the French word "pouche" meaning "pocket", referencing the dog's compact size.
* "Pouch": It could also be related to the English word "pouch" meaning "a small bag" or "a pocket", alluding to a dog's belly.
Ultimately, the exact origin of the word "pooch" is unknown, but the "pudel" theory seems the most likely due to its association with the poodle breed.