Doodle Negativity

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I know there have been many discussions on this
particular topic, but I just wanted to share my recent story.  I had my
first ever conversation with a doodle-disliker today.

I ran to Walmart today -- I know, I don't like it much either, but I'm a student on a budget :) -- to get some things and, like always, had to visit the pet section to check out some toys for Albus.  I got him three squeaky toys.  As I was getting my stuff checked out by the cashier, she noticed I had the dog toys and asked what kind of dog I had.  I told her I had a goldendoodle, and her disgusted response was, "It's a shame to spend a lot of money on a mixed breed dog like that."

Umm....excuse me?  I was flabbergasted.  Just the way she said it was snotty.  It was like she was trying to make me feel guilty, but I certainly don't remember asking for her opinion about my choice of dog.  I had to bite my tongue really hard so I wouldn't let the F-bomb fly or really let her have it.  I simply replied, "He's worth every penny I paid for him, and I wouldn't trade him for anything."  It was hard to hold back, but I really didn't feel like getting into a debate with the ignorant woman.  Clearly she's just uninformed and biased.  I wish I could have thought of something "mouthier" to say, but I really was at a loss for words.

What would you have said in this situation?  Would you have handled it differently than I did?  I'd like to know for next time, so I can have more things to say :)

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

Lately I just respond "Yep, love my designer mutt" and smile and walk away. We are in an area where the dog parks are pretty much loaded with mutts of other sorts!!! Lucca is the cutest of course:)

[Rose Ann and Amante]

I would of said since I haven't asked you to pay for him keep your opinion to yourself!

 

I have to say this to my Mother in law all the time. She doesn't like dogs and doesn't think they belong in the house. "They are a waste of money"  I have to stick up for Amante All the time!

[Lynda Kamrath]

I would just respond that it's obvious that she does not know much about these dogs, and leave it at that. You don't have to outdo her, and it probably isn't possible anyway.

[ej]

I would have replied the same way as you did; very sincere and well mannered. The cashier was just RUDE!

Fortunately we do not get this type of negativity here in our country. Owning doodles is a current fad, and it is deemed as a "hobby" of the rich. A puppy doodle here has a price tag of between USD5000 to USD6500. This started just after President Barack Obama expressed his initial interest on getting either a Labradoodle or a Portuguese Water Dog.

However I did get quite a bit of negativity OTOB. I choose not to respond to most of the criticisms and negative comments. I respect that everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion, just as long as he/she is not downright rude or offensive.

[Kyoko]

I got similar comments at local small family owned pet store from its owner!!! Needless to say, they lost my business.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I might have left my stuff on the counter and as I walked out, said loudly, "I don't think I want to shop at a store that allows its clerks to have such prejudices!" Or not. I often just say I have a poodle mix if I think it won't be well-received.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I spoke yesterday with a woman who is the of a huge Director of a Golden Retreiver rescue. During our conversation, I asked if she ever met doodles in person - she said no and asked me about my girls and what makes them so special. My reply ' take the smarts, love, heart, goofiness, & playfulness of GR and add to that smarts, love, heart, goofiness & playfullness of a poodle and you have a doodle'. Then add to the equation those who shed don't shed as much as a GR.
Who wouldn't want a doodle??

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I have used that response too. For someone that is being nice and curious, I tell them this is a very intentional breeding because the two breeds are so much alike. It's not like putting a poodle with a terrier. I add in that I prefer the look of a doodle to either a poodle or retriever (love both breeds though!).

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

I think that is why many of us who were previous GR or Lab owners converted over to Doodles. I know for myself when I started the "search" I realized what a great combo it was and the low shed was a plus (those who've had a GR can relate). These guys are the best of the best:)

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

We have definitely encountered those who are not huge fans or ask about the price. I think my most interesting conversations have come from those who absolutely love them, but say that they believe in rescue and you'd never find a doodle in rescue. I obviously then tell them about why and how so many doodles are ending up in rescue and you can see the attitude towards doodle ownership shift a bit.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You know, it's funny. People hear about what doodles cost, I guess, but they don't realize what a purebred from an exceptional breeder costs. My last dog was bred for show, although I didn't show her, and her price reflected that. Yet nobody ever asked me what she cost or commented about spending that much money on a dog. It's interesting that these people even know that doodles can be expensive. How do they know that, unless they've looked at breeder websites, perhaps wanting one themselves?
I did get continuous negative comments about her being a poodle, though, for her entire 16 year lifetime. That's why these stupid comments about doodles don't bother me.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Negative comments about a poodle? So weird. I get negative comments about T. being a chihuahua - those yappy lap dogs, etc...I don't care anymore.