"The worst of both breeds..."

[Pat and Traveler]

That's what a vet tech said this morning, when the conversation in the examination room turned to hairy ears.  The vet hastily said, "Or the best!"  But this comment by the vet tech was just a reminder of how polarized opinions seem to be about our doodles.  The first groomer I took Trav to informed me that she couldn't understand why anybody would mate two perfectly fine breeds to create a...labradoodle.  (I could almost hear what she REALLY wanted to say instead of labradoodle.)  That groomer shaved Trav's nose, not once but twice--even though I specifically asked one time that he just be bathed, not clipped or trimmed in any way.  We don't go there any more.    

I know there have been discussions before about how people react to labradoodles and goldendoodles.  Seems to be love 'em or hate 'em.  But nobody has ever said 'the worst of both breeds' in my presence before.  Trav was there too, but he didn't care.  :)

Has anybody else's doodle been called something derogatory?  And why do people think it's okay to make comments like that to a dog's owner?   

 

    

[Pat and Traveler]

Thanks for asking, Joanne.  His ears are a bit tender and he's shaking his head some, but seems to be fine.  The whole ear hair thing is a bit gross--especially if you've neglected doing it.  :)

[John Doerich]

We have never had anyone say anything derogatory about our goldendoodle, Woody.  He is a therapy dog and we take him almost everywhere with us and so far we have only received compliments.  We have had people even stop their car to ask us what kind of dog is that.  Well, maybe we can take that either way.  Mostly we hear words like gorgeous, beautiful, lovely, looks like a sheep and so forth.  Our neighbor hosts a big dog play group and she calls Woody the Food Ninja because he will snag any food left unattended or that he can reach.  We have to keep a careful eye on him.  If someone did say something derogatory to our face I would probably say something back.  Our groomer loves him, matts and all.

[Pat and Traveler]

Woody the Food Ninja sounds like a dream doodle!  No groomer has loved or even much liked Trav, though I think his reception would be better now.  He doesn't have any matts, just a few little snarls and tangles.

[Michael Gurley]

I've heard similar things while working at Petsmart. I can't bring my dog, obviously, but I eavesdrop on conversations customers are having near me (while I'm cleaning out fish tanks!) and on one occasion, an older lady and her husband said that they do NOT donate money to rescue groups if there is a designer breed dog in the rescue because it's absolutely disgusting that those designer dogs exist. She said a lot of other things, but I tuned her out after this!!

 

At the dog park, several people have asked about Sunny's breed, then immediately asked about her price! I usually shrug and say "way less than she's worth!"

[Pat and Traveler]

Michael, that customer just makes me sick.  Let all dogs die if they've been contaminated by the presence of a designer dog??  I've never been asked how much I paid for Trav, but I'm ready with a great answer now!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Yes! Way, way less than they are worth! Thank you for that one, Michael!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Yes, they get called mutts. But you are right about the love em or hate em.I'm thinking our vet doesn't really care for them (or maybe it's just our because they act sp spastic htere) he himself has a cockapoo. Anyway, we mostly get funny looks when we tell them what they are. (I'm like well, you asked!) They are also mistaken for soft wheaton terriers. That was out of line I'm sorry.

[Pat and Traveler]

Jennifer--sure they're mutts, but I don't understand why people who supposedly love dogs suddenly hate one particular mutt-mix. 

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I think they are just jealous! They sure don't know what they are missing not having them!

[Gail+Kathleen,(Sydney+Olivia:)]

Oh, yes......Kathy took Olivia to the vet for an exam when she was about 6 months old.  It was not our usual Vet but another who worked at the clinic.  When he saw Olivia's breed on the chart, he sarcastically said "People think they are getting the best of both worlds when they get these dogs".  Kathy hugged Olivia and said "Yes, I did get the best of both worlds!"  Then during the exam, the Vet proceeded to pull the hair from Olivia's ears with his instrument (which looked like a plier).  Kathy asked if that would hurt Olivia.  Once again, with a sarcastic tone he said "What do you think".  Olivia cried very loud.  We never went back to that vet Doctor.  We always wait for our regular Vet when it is not an emergency.

Also, at our last grooming appointment a few weeks ago, the groomer decided not to cut Olivia after her bath since she said there were too many mats.  She seemed in a bad mood that day.  We decided that we would work on Olivia ourselves a little at a time, trimming and brushing her which we have done before.  As we left the groomers, she said, I don't know what kind of coat this is (touching Olivia).  I have never seen anything like this.  She previously told us not to recommend her to any of our friends that have Labradoodles.  We are searching for a new groomer.

[Michael Gurley]

When I hear stories like this, I realize how incredibly lucky I am that I have an amazing groomer for Sunny. Kristin, the groomer, loves Sunny and all Sunny's friends we recommend to her! Kristin never says anything bad about Sunny, even when Sunny had a bout of diarrhea at the salon (she was still a puppy... she had a sensitive stomach and Kristin's assistant had given her some treats that didn't agree with her!) and she pulls the hair in her ears without complaint. She has even alerted me to a budding ear infection once, and she taught me how to clean Sunny's ears properly by myself.

 

I did recommend one lady to Kristin because she had a labradoodle just like Sunny (actually is her half-brother) but this lady went bonkers after Kristin did exactly what she asked for. Apparently 45 dollars was too much to pay for a bath, brush, and full scissor cut!

[Pat and Traveler]

Michael, you really are lucky!  No groomer (four of them) has been happy to see Trav, and he's a real sweetheart.  Even when all I wanted was a bath!  And I'm a good tipper.  I've given up, and just comb and clip him myself.  Of course, he looks like moths have been chewing on him.  :)