How to respond to personal attacks about owning a doodle?

[Camilla and Darwin]

I did so much research on what breed of dog to get, I was shocked when I started getting attacked for being ignorant. As soon as some people hear I have a doodle they go on a rant about not buying designer dogs, how he is nothing but a good for nothing cross breed, you shouldn't pay money for a cross breed, I should have done more research, etc. I feel so frustrated because I considered both purebred and crossbred dogs in my search, and did extensive study on the Goldendoodle breed. Yes, I know they are a cross breed. (I do not feel that only purebreds are worth money. That is ridiculous! A worth of a dog should not be determined by pedigree) I also know that they can be unpredictable as far as shedding, size, temperament, etc. I try to calmly explain this to them but it's as though I have morally offended people. Do you get the same response from some people for "buying into the designer dog craze"? How do you respond?

[Diane, Baker & Oskar]

I've had people refer to Baker as a mutt & I just laugh. First of all, why do they care & why do they think you should care about their opinion? I'm a grandma now & the one thing I can say that's great about getting older is that it's actually OK to do things that make sense to you & know that you don't owe anyone an explanation. I, like you, used to think I had to explain to people for their approval...it's much better if you just ignore them. You'll never convince them anyway :) Good luck :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a true response. Your thinking is a variation on my theme that one of the good things about getting older is not caring much what people think. My family thought I was crazy to get a second dog but I realized that I had thought it through and could do what i thought best. also, at a certain age you get to "If not now when?" Doodles are great and if others don't want them they should not get them.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I am in total agreement! Definitely getting older has it's perks - 'Personally my dear Scarlett, I just don't give a damn'! Yes, I get insulted and I want to choke them but in the end, they are the ignorant ones. They just have no clue how fantastic our Doodles are!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I can't remember--maybe it just my age : ) -- anyone being nasty when I tell them what the dogs are. Most often they offer compliments or bring someone else over to see them.

[Debbie Penny]

I can so relate to your response, exactly how I feel.

[Azure & Muppet]

Camilla, I think I've seen others express similar experiences. You are definitely not alone. I know many doodle owners have encountered similar reactions from people. I'll try to find and post the link to those discussions about this topic because they might be helpful.

[gene]

Ask them nicely if they own a wolf......if they say "No"....then they have a cross breed also, LOL!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Great idea!

[Missi]

Just let them be. I wouldn't want idiots like that to own a doodle anyway. So it's better they don't understand how wonderful they are. That's my opinion. Obviously you know what's up, and they don't.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I guess I'm lucky...nobody has ever said this to me. Maybe they just don't get a chance, because I'm so busy telling everyone about what a fantastic breed our Doodles are. They may be thinking it, but I guess they know how I would react if they said anything...it would get ugly! LOL

[Frances Pendrous (Horan)]

This is the first dog for my husband and myself. We have both had dogs in the past and also other marriages :) I personally have rescued so many dogs and cats during my lifetime that I have lost count, so I do consider I have "done my part". I currently also own four cats (rescued) so I feel I am still "doing my part". When we decided to get a dog I wanted another standard poodle (I have rescued three in the past) and my husband wanted a labrador. We went around and around on it and then one day, we saw a labradoodle at a local fair. Upon inquiring as to "what breed of dog is that"? There ended our "war of the roses" and it was into research for our four-legged baby. It has now been 3 months since Frankie entered our lives and all I can say is this truly is the best dog I have ever owned and those people that make those very "ignorant" comments regarding the "designer" status of Frankie are just jealous and I agree...they do not deserve to own such a wonderful breed as our DOODLES....

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I usually tell people that Jack is a Slovakian Slobhound. Or a Poodlador...depends on my mood.