How do you deal with doodle snobs?

[jamiegirl]

Ever had a not-so-friendly response to your doodle?

I took our girl to the vet today and saw a couple with a couple of toy poodles. The lady started off by saying that Jamie needed a haircut. (I don't think that she does because she looks just like the other doodles on this site.) To sort of make small talk, I confirmed that the dogs they had were indeed poodles before I commented on how hers and mine can be distant relatives. She looks at Jamie, scoffs and says "Hmph, I don't think so!"

I was so surprised by her response that I wasn't quick enough to react the way I wanted to. We usually get compliments or at least curiosity about our doodle but nothing negative till today. I went home upset at myself for not being able to stand up for our Jamie. I know that she will not be registered by the AKC as a pure breed but we love her anyway.

Have you had any similar experiences? How have you handled them?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I thought this was only happening to me. I have given it a lot of thought and concluded it was competitive with some, ignorant with others and many are just plan jealous. We had this happen twice with some golden retriever's owners a few weeks ago ( we haven't met any poodles yet ) Once at Pets Mart and again at the dog park. The woman at the dog park actually said, " That's just the worst way to ruin the Golden Retriever Breed"!!!! I too was left without words and that is for the best. We can't change others minds or teach them manners. Obviously it's too late. I was more upset because we had no one to play with and both dogs seemed disappointed that the play was quickly interrupted by this woman.

[Debbie and Thomas]

She is just a very rude person. Anyone who owns or loves dogs should not care if they are purebred or not. They admire the dog for what it is. We were walking out GD the other day and a couple walked over and told me that they thought he was the most beautiful dog they had ever seen-I thanked them and asked if they had a dog. They had two german shepherds and had just lost their wire haired fox terrior. Both of these breeds were purebreds-but they still had admiration for a dog that they just met on the street. Don't be upset with yourself, you showed dignity in not responding to this rude womans comments.

[Chris & Boys]

I mentioned that I got Fozzy Bear from a rescue. Someone commented to me that since they are mixing the two breeds that they are creating dogs that are genetic"problems" and people are having so many problems with them that the rescues are full of them. I discounted his theory by telling him his mom was a puppy mill rescue, and she was a golden and that he was not surrendered or abandoned. I commented that I didn't find that to be true when I was searching for a rescue for months. At that point I decided explaining hybrid vigor and describing the HUGE number of poodles up for adoption would have been a waste of my time and breath. I love my Dood and I could care less that for some ignorance is bliss....

[Christine Lavallee]

Jealous! Because Doodles are so darn cute!

[Deena Womack]

I am really sad that so many people can be downright mean about the doodles. We have been very fortunate in the fact that people are very interested in Cali. If we are out walking people stop us all the time asking what kind of dog she is and to tell us how beautiful she is. In fact, one of my neighbors stopped by just today to tell me that she just got a doodle after losing her two sheep dogs. She said she wanted a doodle after seeing Cali. So it is really too bad for the people who would rather be snobs as they don't know what they are missing....

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Oh I hear you. I hate the comments like "In my day we called that a "mutt" and now you pay good money for a mutt!" GRRRR! SO I start in with the "first of all a mutt is a dog of unknown parentage and the parents have unknown parentage etc... a hybrid dog is a purposeful cross to get the traits desired...without the inbreeding. Hybrids are healthier, smarter, etc...etc..."

I would rather pay for a genetically superior hybrid than an inbred purebred! And thats my opinion on this!

[2sforeqbpo84w]

Oh yes I have and it was awful. On the first day of training at a local facility, the trainer said about my doodle, "What is the world coming to?" Need I say more. She then continued to 'harass' us at each and every class, often in front of the entire class for a long lecture. I left in tears 2 times and didn't finish the last classes. The other students were appalled also and could feel my misery. The director of the school then went on to blame me for not saying something at the time that it was happening. Gets my blood boiling just thinking about it. I've since heard the same type of incident happened with someone else/different type of dog. I think for her, what goes around comes around will apply.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Hi Jennifer,
We had this happen to my last dog at puppy class with the trainor. Everyone else was permitted to play before and after class. We were ask to leave our dog leased and leave before the social sessions began@!!

[Teri Fann, Goldens-n-Doodles]

I know this is a late post but I wanted to add that I enjoy pointing out that we have a numbr of F1 standard goldendoodles that are therapy and/or service dogs for children with autism and angelman syndrome, as well as some that visit hospitals and nursing homes, and that my breeding program enriches others' lives. Additionally, we are approved by www.Wilderwood.org because they are receiving so many specific requests for the goldendoodle because of the wonderful golden retriever personality but low to non shedding which allows them to go in public places without affecting others with shedding - all thanks to the wonderful standard poodle. There's not much someone can say negative about a dog that can make an autistic or angel child's life better - and if they are that kind of person, then people already know to steer clear of them.

[Mallory]

I have not had a Poodle owner scoff at us, but often people hear Doodle and say why would you have something mixed with a poodle? Well! Stop the discrimination against any breed of dog!
Yes breed similarities and traits will always be there, but it is the nurture and the way your dog is raised that matters.
Just the same I don't understand why any person would pick a breed of dog and bad mouth them...it is a dog, an animal that loves unconditionally and without seeing color or nationality.
Rottweiler, pitbull, poodle, chihuahua, Schnoodle, Doodle, Yoodle, whatever, it is a dog.
Love them all, well behaved, bed wetters, bowl splashers, shoe chewers, ear scratchers, face lickers, mood softeners, animals have the ability to heal and cause laughter. Love them all, help them all, and don't judge until you take the time to get to know one.