How to deal with snarky comments about cost and "designer mutt"?

[jenn D]

Hello fellow doodlers!

Long rant here sorry! I'm sure some of you have experienced this.

When I Take Brisby out I get comments about how cute he is, how excellent his temperment is and how well he listens. While I've done a lot of work with him I feel that some of his temperment comes from good breeding.
People often ask where we got him and how much he cost. If I choose to tell how much doodle *can* go for I get shocked looks and a lot of comment such as "you are crazy to pay that much for a dog!" Etc.
Growing up I had both purebred beagles and mixed rescue dogs. They were great and it's helped me learn a lot about training. I have nothing against people who bring a dog into their house via rescue. In fact, the first labradoodle I trained was a rescue from a kill shelter and we took her in, trained her to perform as Sandy in the Musical Annie here in my town and then found her a great home where she's lived her last 12 years.
However, after getting married and having kids I've had to adjust what type of dogs we get. My son has cerebral palsy and epilepsy and sensory disorders so I needed a very stable and reliable dog. My daughter was finishing up chemo and we needed a dog with limited shedding. Idid a lot of research and narrowed in on multi gen Labradoodles and then researched more and found a breeder who's dogs temperaments I liked.
We made a great choice and im happy with our decision. The comments about "designer dogs" and cost just get to me at times, especially when they follow a comment about how "great"our dog is.

Just not sure how to respond to the comments. Even telling people about doodle rescue and some of the costs there, they still balk. I have friends who have awesome rescues and I think that's a great avenue too. I just don't get the bashing about my "$2000 mutt" directly after the "wow what a great dog!" Why even comment at all?

Thanks for letting meget that off my chest.
Jenn

[Bonnie and Kona]

That's a great response, Linda! I will use that one in the future. ;o)

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

That is a good one Linda, I will have to remember that one:)

[Breanna]

That's a good idea :)

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I find it so invasive and mostly RUDE that people even ask.  The encounters I've had aren't even in regard to the mutt aspect, but more just that they have heard that they are expensive.  It is normally something like "Yes, I've heard they are expensive ... how much did you pay for her".  It is like sticking a knife in me feeling!  I normally just ignore it as most of the time there is more than one person and everyone is talking at the same time anyway.  People always ask questions and then don't even listen to the answers anyway, so I just usually ignore it.  If pushed I might say "well, let's just say she is worth every penny".  It is tricky for me because normally it is when I would be out doing therapy work before I lost Sophie.  I can't in those situations be rude as I'm representing other organizations while I'm dong it, so I have to be nice.  I've been fairly lucky as far as the people giving me a hard time about the whole mutt / designer dog thing.  I've encountered a couple, but I just don't engage in the conversation and it goes away. 

[Kris and Sawyer]

I like saying, "Not nearly enough as he's worth!" :-)

[Heather]

"LOVE" that Kris!!! I AGREE 100%!!!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Like, like, love your answer Kris

[Robin and Libby Louise]

Jenn -you certainly do have enough to deal with without having rude people add to the mix!  Ha, mix!  I have had people ask me about the cost, as well.  I decided to just say "priceless" - and have offered the number of the breeder as others have done.  I think some people are just unthinking sometimes - it's not always rudeness.  It's occurred to me that my Godchildren are adopted, butI never heard anyone ask how much they cost!  It's up to each person to decide what they will or will not spend on a pet, like anything else.  Don't sweat the small stuff!

[Kathy]

Trust me they know how much they cost,,there just being nosey,,,,,   I have no problem telling them when they ask,,,I always say yep,,,,and there soooooo worth it!!!!  They usually have no reply!!!! LOL

[Darcy & Millie]

I agree with you on why to comment.  People can be so rude.  I had someone ask me how much I paid for Millie and I told him she was a gift from my husband so I wasn't sure.    Yes, a little white lie, but better than go  into detail why we paid that much, or be rude and tell them it was none of their business...LOL... 

[Sally S Miles]

The comments are definitely from the ignorant - no matter the level of education.  Cost? Nobody's business - but a glance at the local paper tells the tale - anywhere from 600 to 2500.   They end up in news stories and the price is always a part of the story.

The gal who though it was a blessing to have blended Golden's with Poodle = "what an awful breed of dog". To those who are always ready with a big grin for a mutt.  Every breed is a 'designer breed'.

Now - simple math says those 5dollar Latte's every day add up to over 1800 and I am not poking fun at the patrons of coffee shops.  Priorities vary!

Where did I get her? How much? She was a blessing from heaven and she is priceless.  

Some folks just do have a way of setting off a person's nervous system. My nervous system is one reason I have my awesome 'doodle'  - it doesn't really matter, but sometimes it can be perceived as real snark and in any case it isn't kind. 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

I too find it all incredibly rude that people feel that is ok to ask what the cost of anything is! I guess the older I get, the less I care what people think of me. I have started shooting back: "Why would you ask such a personal question? How much do you make a year, and I 'll tell if you can afford a Doodle!" That usually stops people in their tracks. Of course, if they are truly interested in a Doodle, I will be Miss Congeniality :p

Jenn: how strong you must be! Sending Prayers and positive vibes your way. ((Hugs))