[looking]

Hi,

After spending months and months deciding what kind of dog to get for our family, we finally decided upon a Labradoodle, got a breeder recommendation, visited and chose our puppy, and are now waiting 2 weeks to go pick her up. We are so excited. She was expensive, but my husband is allergic, and from everything I learned in talking to folks and reading, I think that this is a great choice for our family. My problem? I've just noticed on some internet boards, and in discussions with some folks, when I say we are getting a Labradoodle people some are really anti-doodle. I've have people flat out ask my why I didn't get a shelter dog, why I would spend so much money, etc. Anyone else run into this? Is it a common sentiment? I'm starting to feel defensive when I say what kind of puppy we are getting.

Thanks,

Julia

 

[OLIVER DOODLE]

Hi Julia,

Yes we have encountered comments like you have described and some worse then that. Even some people in my family thought we were insane to spend that kind of money on a "mutt" there words, not mine. We have come across mixed reviews, some people are just as doodle crazy as my husband and myself. We picked a labradoodle because we have allergies and asthma in our family and although I know not everyone is able to own a doodle that has allergies and asthma, it works for our family. Oliver has melted the hearts of the nay sayers in my family and in fact one of my cousins is now getting a labradoodle from the same breeder as we got Oliver. We also chose a doodle because they have wonderful temperments and are wonderful family dogs.

I think you just have to ignore the negative comments. Everyone has an opinion. I know people that slam purebred dogs like dobermans, german shepards, shelties etc. The breed or mixed breed that we choose is a personal choice. That's all I say when people scoff.

I personally think that you made the best choice.

We are picture crazy on this forum, can't wait to see pictures of your new addition. Welcome. :mrgreen: :lol: :mrgreen: :lol: :mrgreen: :lol:

 

[Raleighsmom]

Welcome to the forum Julia!!!! Glad you joined! Like Kimberly said, just ignore the negative comments...you will never be sorry you got a Doodle! We've had a few different breeds over the past 32 years, and the Doodle by far is the best we've ever had..they're a smart, funny, loving, snuggly, inquisitive, ball of fur all rolled up into one! Please post pics of your new baby when she comes!!! Can't wait to watch her grow! What did you name her? :wink:

 

[kirama]

I have gotten some of those comments too, I either ignore them, or if they are honestly interested in my reasoning, I explain that I got a labradoodle on the recommendation of a friend of mine who is a vet. She knows the pain we have gone through with purebred dogs, an Aussie with lupus, a chesapeke bay retriever with diabetes, a boxer with cancer at 8 years of age. She is a firm believer that alot of those disorders are genetic and caused by inbreeding, she said that purebred dogs pedigrees go back only 5 generations and if you were to look past that you would find extensive inbreeding because the 'pool' of show quality dogs is limited so they are present in almost every breeding program if you look back far enough.

She recommended that we get a hybrid, but one whose appearance and temperament could be predicted rather than a mixed breed where you know nothing about the sire and dam. She said labradoodles or goldendoodles from a good breeding program where the parents have been DNA checked for inherited disorders would be perfect. We were suprised at first when she warned us what such a pup might cost us, but she asked what it cost to care for our other dogs -Red (our chessie) requiring insulin and numerous hospitalizations for the last 4 years of his life from his diabetes. The cancer treatment for the last 2 years of our boxer Elsa's life. Not to mention what it has been like to give Kira (our Aussie) as normal a life as possible for 9 years while she suffered from lupus. That sort of removed the logic in the argument about paying alot of money for a labradoodle.

 

[Sandi&theBees]

Hi and welcome! I have a Rottweiler and a Labradoodle. There will be negative comments about both! One just can't make everyone happy :lol: :lol:
I feel it's more important to find a dog that comes from a competent breeder, one who tests and socializes. When I was bringing Brewster in for vaccines, my Vet mentioned a neighbor of mine who took in a shelter puppy. The puppy had Parvo and it cost the woman more for medical bills than if she had purchased an "expensive" pup.

 

[tuffystar]

Hi and Welcome! Yes I have run into that attitude at the dog park. Just Saturday a lady ask me what kind of dog my Tia was and I told her a Labradoodle. She said "Oh well I hope they aren't breeding them"! I said yes they were and she ask me what about the shelters full of dogs. I explained that when you buy from a reputable breeder there are advantages. I went on to explain those advantages. I then told her we had a rescue dog too. She ask me how to tell if a breeder was reputable. I shared what I knew and she said "OH I don't want to have to do all of that"! I sweetly said "that is why there are both shelters and breeders". She said very quickly "I have to go!" So there you go it is everywhere.

 

[deepnite10]

most of the negative comment s have come from my own siblings..one has
a golden retriever..another a black lab and the other has a golden lab..

the main comment was that Toby look s *weird* :?

but, my mother just loves him to death..

 

[MaxandMe]

i;ve given up on anti-doodle sentiment esp/after a neighbor went ballastic on me earlier this summer

for me, i and those who are close to me know that Doodles are the best kept secret in town :wink:
and i've also had people stop and wait for me in parking lots or outside the bank etc when i am training max
to commend us.......3 of these people got doodles since last summer

anyway, the anti-doodle people? till they meet one or take the time that is, perhaps we should be happy they don't have one?
as they're not meant for everyone just as a papillon, rat terrier, rottweiler, or great danes are not for everyone.

no mattter where you go there is always going to be a person that has an opposing view
so i guess the way you handle it is more important ......i even get a giggle at time in past when i say

OH Max? he's my baby or i say He's a snickerdoodle, makes me laugh all the time
Peanut? ohhhhhhhhhhhh she's a tank-a-doodle hahaaaaaaaaaaaa and a golden pocket theiver :lol:
(she unzips coat pockets and bags all the time)

 

[Jac]

Hi, welcome!
Trust me, you have selected one of the best dogs ever!
Now, with the President considering a Doodle, people are getting even more upset.
I would say to be prepared for the comments and when people ask you, simply say, "Why do you...want to know, or need to discuss it or care?" And if they are kind, then go forward...if they are combative, roll your eyes and walk away...or say, "Pity that your prejudice will keep you from knowing a great dog."
The best thing you can do is to be armed with facts...check out the Canine Diversity Project http://www.canine-genetics.com/ smf and you might want to have these articles to hand out...good info about why good breeders are necessary, written by a shelter rescue family: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=12428 and, finally, understand the difference between back yard breeders/puppy mills and reputable breeders...when you are armed with this information, you can handle any situation with class!

Kathy, great comeback!

 

[cindy456]

I know what you mean, and I won't even have my puppy until Monday! Some people at work have said they thought of getting one, or that she is very cute. But there are those who like the ones you are talking about state she is a MUTT, well I informed them that she wasn't since we know who her parents are :lol: Some laughed at that, another one kept going about how they were inbreed :?: going to be sickly :?: etc. I told him that her parents were tested and are fine, she is coming from a reputable breeder~which gets us to the next comment about MONEY. First of all I don't think it is anyone's business what I paid for her, on her breeder's site the amounts are listed but it is still my business not theirs, nor do I ask others what they paid for the televisions since that would be their business. I wonder why people feel they need to judge a pet by a price?? I just finally gave up since that person seemed bent on making a big deal out it, and said I was thrilled with her and that is all that mattered, and then I left my classroom and went home. (The custodian was the one making comments about her). Also, the teacher I am co-teaching with this year (not next year, will have my own classroom), stated that the dog wouldn't be allowed in the room with him there, I just laughed because I knew what next year will be like not sharing his room. Those that are rude, I would just smile and say I love my dog she is "priceless". I have had dogs from the shelter, and there were a lot of issues with them, health and mentally. This time around I want the best.

Maybe you should ask them why they drive the car they do and how much did it cost??? :lol: Tell them there are a lot of used cars out there that need a home.....

 

[Jac]

Hahahahahaha...and a lot of mechanics that need work and by buying a new car they are making sure that those mechanics are not putting food on the table!

Yes, you can also ask them if they own computer games...and how much they invest in them...and then say, hmmmm....a computer game...if you spent that money and time on your family, wouldn't your family be enriched...instead you choose to spend it selfishly and take time from your kids so that you can play wii.

With a dog, you are enriching your life and the lives of your children...far more than a boat or television system or golf lessons...it is a matter of priority.

Now, Cindy, about those people you work with...DOODLES ARE NOT INBRED! It is the pure bred dogs that are inbred! Tell them that their stupidity is showing...and their prejudice.

When we moved here, our neighbors were introducing themselves and their dogs and our dogs were not here yet and I said that I am a dog breeder...this neighbor has show dogs, Chesapeke Bay Retrievers...she asked what dogs we bred and I said Labradoodles and Goldendoodles...I DONATE THEM AS SERVICE DOGS...whereupon I could follow up with the question, what is more important, to show a dog or to give them to disabled people? But I don't...I did have to laugh at her though because when I said what we breed, her face scrunched up and she SHIVERED! hahahaha

I left it at that...well, we have been here since around October...the other day the neighbor (we are now friends) said, "You know, your dogs are sooooo cute! I see them looking at us through the fence and they just have the cutest faces!" She has also commented about how good they are not to bark and how great it is that they get along so well...

Reasonable people will come around...others...well to he** with them! hahahaha

 

[cindy456]

Jac, I agree about pure bred dogs. I have one and she has some health issues that are common with her breed, but I have no clue about her parents' health. Isn't that funny that they weren't tested for a thing, and yet here my doodle's parents have been??!! I asked him what he meant about being "inbred" and all he could say is that it will have health problems, whatever. You just have to shrug off some people and their attitudes. Another person at our school said therapy dogs would be cut back at schools, well that isn't true either, she doesn't like dogs so guess she was trying to persuade me not to get one. Some people make no sense at all. I look at like I am happy with my choice, price, breed, and breeder so that is all that matters. Unless they plan on supporting my dog, they have no right to say a word to me. I don't mean that to sound rude, but I think some things are personal choices and people shouldn't make judgements about what you do. I wouldn't tell someone they shouldn't have the dog they have in their family. Now if someone wants to know about my dog and are genuinly curious, that is another matter and of course I would happily tell them about her.

 

[deepnite10]

don t get me wrong..i luv my brother-in-law..it s just that he s a pedigree snob..
the the dog has to belong to AKC..

him being a avid golfer..i told him Tiger Woods is a doodle owner.. :lol:

 

[MaxandMe]

:lol: :lol: :lol: deepnite!!!

know what? there's some GD's and Ld's in the school system here in rochester NY
all are for kids with special needs....what a difference in attitude they make to people when they're trained and in a setting
helping out.
EVEN at the Rochester Airport the guys there LOVE doodles as when i went to put Beau on a plane (but didn't)
all they could talk about was how great Doodles are and how the one is this guy's son's class was fantastic
in the special ed class!!!

so take the grumpy attitudes with a grain of salt as down the line they usually change their opinions
it's almost like they SEEING is BELIEVING goes to work then

i know when others see me doing hand signals only with Max they go, "WOW they're nothing like what others say"
and become PRO DOODLE

 

[cocoandjane]

My own family screwed up their faces at me
when I told them I wanted a Labradoodle for our next dog.
They were most put off by the name....they thought it really sounded goofy.....
and not "masculine, or macho" enough for them to have to tell people what it is....
HOW STUPID IS THAT!! After having two, they LOVE them
and appreciate all the incredible qualities Doodles have.
However, they still cringe when someone asks what kind of dogs they are...
they don't want to have to call them anything with "oodle" in it. Silly, huh??

Other than their objection to the name....I have had only a few folks negatively comment...
I have answered those with....."to each his own".....
or "well, if you knew more about them, you wouldn't feel the way you do."
If that raises a huffy attitude....I just say well, they are the best dogs I have ever owned!!

I did have to "justify" them to my vet...who quickly changed
her tune as I informed her about the incredible attributes this breed has....
She is a "pure" breed Mastiff show/breeder.....and also breeds, greyhounds, I think...
Her husband does one and she the other.
When she told me that my Coco had hip dysplasia and I
told her I wouldn't be breeding her...she applauded my decision.
( I saw the xrays and yes, it's true....she wasn't trying to dissuade me from breeding her
at all....and was totally honest about the condition of Coco's hips.)

She was also thrilled to hear I intend to test future breeders and that
I would attempt to produce the most healthy puppies for healthy forever-home environments...
(meaning I will do everything I can to insure that my puppies don't end up in shelters) and
she again was impressed with the standards I was setting for my program.
I told her I really didn't know anything but
excellent breeders raising labradoodle/goldendoodles and that I have learned a lot
from them....some local and some long distance. She thought there were several
people breeding labradoodles without any interest about the breed and/or integrity in their "program"
...just dollar signs in their eyes. I told her I am sure that was true, but generally speaking I am
very impressed with the community of doodle breeders and owners.

All that to say.....don't worry about the negative comments....
explain why they are wonderful when you have the opportunity,
otherwise....blow them off. They are hot air bags.....

 

[KingstonTodd]

I get "why a labradoodle?" questions all the time. I answer them with "we LOVE LOVE LOVE labrador's but wanted a lab personality that didnt shed". Doodles RULE!

 

[OLIVER DOODLE]

I get "why a labradoodle?" questions all the time. I answer them with "we LOVE LOVE LOVE labrador's but wanted a lab personality that didnt shed". Doodles RULE!

Yup us too, and I fell in love with how goofy and sweet, and cute, and fluffy (some), and smart, the doodle mambo dance, the please please please eyes, the doodle 500's, well I could go on and on. You are right Doodles do Rule.

 

[looking]

Thanks for so many nice replies. I guess my experience isn't unique. We are so looking forward to puppy's arrival, I started to second guess myself with some of the weird responses I've gotten from people asking about our new family member.

Someone asked whether we have named our puppy yet. Well, we talk about it day and night, but we just can't settle on one that all 4 of us like. We have 1.5 weeks left to find the perfect name, for what I am sure will be the perfect puppy. I'll post a picture . . . once I figure out how. She is so cute, and you can see that my kids are just smitten.

Julia

 

[Jac]

Aw, Julia, we will be so happy for you when you get your puppy and, of course, we MUST see pictures!

You know, sometimes a name just has to wait for the puppy to tell you what it is. )

You can give him/her one or ten names now...and your smart pup will learn them all...and chances are, one of the names you never expected will just "fit"!

There are some great posts on this forum about names...see if a search will bring them up for you. It might help you get some ideas.

We are happy that you joined us and we look forward to hearing all about your baby!

 

[KingstonTodd]

And if you pick a name and it doesnt feel right, you can always change it. Gus was called Root Beer before we got him, and we changed that ASAP and he picked it up really well.