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 :)

[Lauria Orr]

Wow, it sounds like there are some very rude people about. I have been lucky with Melody, every where I have taken her, and especially at the Groomers. She even called me on the phone to ask where I had gotten her as another client wanted one like this. The only slightly curious response I have gotten so far was from my vet, who was just wonderful with my Beagles. She said she was surprised I'd gone with a Doodle. I didn't comment at the time, and it could have meant she knew how much I loved my Beagles that she was surprised I hadn't gone with another one. She didn't seem as taken with Melody as she had been with my Beagles. It could have been a fluke. I need to take Melody in again, and will see how it goes. Usually people ask what kind of dog she is and seem very positive.

[Lesley, Wellington & Bingley]

I would have said ' You clearly haven't met my dog.... AND every dog was a 'mix' at some point AND far healthier for it.

I would never pay good money for a pure breed dog - now that I've had a doodle.'

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Talking about about Doodle Negativity, here's another example I found in Facebook which upsetted me. It's a group called Labradoodles are Stupid.

The creator of the group (Jane Anderson of Bluegrace Portuguese Water Dogs in Australia) has since left and the group is no longer active. I think she's somehow threathened by the popularity of Doodles as her PWDs are also positioned as non-shedding.

Here are the screenshots of the group.

In case you cannot read the group description, it says "This group is for people who believe labradoodles are stupid. What the heck are they trying to achieve?"

 

 

 

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Here's the screenshot of the wall

[Pat and Traveler]

You could have said something about how Albus is helping pay her salary.  I wouldn't have thought to say this at the time, but maybe I'll remember it for next time.  I wish I'd thought of it when a vet tech said labradoodles get the worst of both breed genes.  Jeez. And Trav was helping pay her salary too. 

[Livia Free]

That's why I started answering to the question, "What kind of breed is your dog?" with, "She's a golden retriever and a poodle mix!" True, without the doodle label ;)

[Dudes mom Kelly]

I use to have a pit bull, and let me tell you....get some of those haters fired up!!!  I had a cashier do the same thing to me....loud enough to involve everyone and basically said they should all be euthanized.  I was MORTIFIED for my lapdog. I said let me tell you something lady, people like YOU need to be euthanized for hateful ignorant behavior like that!! How DARE you!!  I went for the manager and she fled the store before we got back. I use to fight the big fight for my kids...it's nearly a cicvil war for that poor breed :(

[shelley knopf]

I would have said they are the sweetest, cutest most loving dogs and I would have 10 if I could!!!!!!