Anomoley

... it's driving me absolutely up the wall lately!

I don't even have a poodle yet, but I don't get why anyone would go to a breeder and spend thousands of dollars for a mutt. Here in SoCal, it's the latest "in" thing, and everywhere I go I keep hearing multiple times a day about someone either buying the latest doodle mix, or how "adorable," "hypoallergenic" and "smart" they are.

My best friend bought a cockapoo from a "breeder" over a year ago, and when she first told me about it back then, I kept encouraging her to check out the shelters/rescue organizations if she wants a poodle mix. She just stopped talking to me about it and showed up at my place with her cockapoo a couple of weeks later.

That dog's had every behavioral issue in the book since the very beginning, and she's constantly asking me for guidance. It's anxious, aggressive, shy, possessive of its toys and food, bites (yes BITES) other dogs (including mine on multiple occasions)... still pees in her house over a year later -- this is after she's worked with behaviorists and taken it to puppy classes, she's really tried to correct these issues.

Now here's what inspired me to even start this thread -- I needed to vent because I'm fuming right now, after she just emailed me this:

"OMG I am getting a miniture goldendoodle!!! Here is the site they will have them soon!!! Super excited!!!! :-D http://prairiegoldendoodles.tripod.com/miniature-goldendoodles.html"



Really?!? Come on, I don't even know how to respond to that!

I feel angry for so many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that these horrible "breeders" with horrific practices are being supported by people like her!! I mean, they're actually willing to sell ANY of their dogs for breeding purposes, too... this is pure insanity!!

And how do I even deal with this friend?! She's a great girl and we've known each other for a good decade now, but I just don't even know how to talk to her anymore. Just so upsetting!!

Locket

That's really tough.

I think I would be pretty upfront with her about it and tell her that you do not support her decision and maybe remind her of all the problems she had with her cockapoo, and she could encounter the same issues with this puppy too. You might not be able to change her mind on getting a mini doodle, but perhaps you could at least point her in the direction of a breeder that does some health testing (they do exist)??

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MaryLynn

I would have a heart to heart with her. I have been in a similar situation, and I had to sit down with a friend and talk to them about their dog. I am very vigilant in my advocacy for the fair treatment and ethical keeping/breeding of dogs, and what they were doing to their dog was borderline abuse. It puts a strain on your friendship when they step all over your values unknowingly.

petitpie

Show her the many mixed dogs on rescue and shelter sites as a result of over-breeding, not to mention the same of purebred dogs. It opened my eyes.

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Poobear

I would ask her why it is she wants to pay so much money for a mixed breed when there are plenty in shelters. A poodle can grow its fur out and look JUST like a doodle, and the golden doesn't even enhance any behaviors in the dog...I just don't get why they are so popular. It's not like one dog makes the other breed better and you get the perfect dog. Both breeds are great!! And to pay sooo much money for one? Just doesn't make sense to me. Ask her why she wants the mix instead of a purebred poodle or golden retriever. I am totally with you on this one! Your friend sounds a lot like my mom lol, always wanting that "in" cute little dog and then never keeping it because of behavior issues.

Poodlelvr

There are so many fad driven people who believe they must have the latest and the greatest. There is no reasoning with them. They believe because something is new, it is better. Fools do not learn from experience or the experience of others. Take a deep breath, have a glass of wine, pet your poodle, and enjoy your life.

liljaker

There are SOOOO many "doodles" in rescue it's not funny. I guess some people think pets are disposable.......if it doesn't work, I will just get a different kind, or sell it. Since I have been on many of the mailing lists for female mini poodle rescue/rehomes, I was shocked by the stories of reasons people just give up their dogs. Owning poodles for 30 years, I guess I just never considered "dumping" a dog if it became inconvenient --- but so many of the designer dogs end up that way. Tough way to deal wtih a friend's excitement.......but you may want to mention that temperment and health are key when looking for a pet, and mixes are sort of an "unknown" in the temperment and health areas.

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Ladyscarletthawk

Arrgh!! Golden doodles tend to be Crazy hyper and mat up just by looking at them. Not my favorite!! Owners normally don't brush but want them fluffy...


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Laura, Eve, and Fergie

FozziesMom

had a similar situation. Friend was asking on facebook about maltipoos. I explained as you guys did (in a private message) what I had observed and heard about. She never even thanked me, and a few days later, oh guess what, the kids get a puppy for christmas.

some people don't really care about anything other than looks or fad. I also have a pet theory that the way poodles are shown at dog shows detracts from their popularity. Given the popularity of Portuguese Water Dogs after President Obama's family got one, I would think that if Poodles could be shown in hunting clip or some kind of modified puppy cut, that would cut down on the "poodles are foofy" meme that seems to scare people off.

(edited to add the following)

One reason for my pet theory is all the people who ask me time and again if Fozzie is a "real" or "full" poodle and comment on his pet clip and how attractive he is to them, always saying they thought poodles were foofy/sissy.

And don't get me started on the doodle owners who try to claim their mutt is a cousin to my purebred boy, the son of generations of champions!

optimus21

I have to agree most people are going after the look and have no idea what poodles can really look like. They just want something cute and in fashion. I once had a coworker who stayed on a 10 month waiting list for a labradoodle.

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DSC_6210 by optimus21, on Flickr