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Original poster

Judging based on dog breed/owners ‘vibe’

79 replies

JudgeyMcJudgeFace · 21/02/2025 07:38

I met a woman on my morning run who had a Mali. I didn’t really think anything of it at first as when it was clear the dog was (a) still very young and (b) very friendly, I had no issue letting my dog say hi. But the woman was so thankful - she said no one ever lets him greet their dog (I assume because of his breed) and usually avoids him!

It got me thinking, there are definitely some breeds I do avoid (XL Bullies) and sometimes I do swerve other breeds - not because I have anything against the dog breed itself, but because the owner is clearly one of those (those people who enjoy having a vicious dog - and you can spot them a mile away).

So, I guess what I am asking is this; do you judge dogs based on their breed or do you avoid dogs based on their owners appearance/mannerisms/vibe. Or is it a combination of both?

Outside of XL Bullies and Cane Corso, I judge based off the ‘vibe’ from the owner - typically it does tend to be particular dog breeds that the people I avoid own, which tbh seems a shame, but I guess that’s why they ‘fail’ the vibe check? I’ve never been wrong when I have chosen to avoid a dog and owner - I guess my spidey sense is well honed.

Just curious as to if I’m BU to judge people (and their dogs) based off my gut and their vibe and if others do the same.

OP posts:
Ylvamoon · 21/02/2025 07:46

I have smallish dogs and they are not keen on big ones. Breed is definitely not a factor in avoiding them.

Mine also don't do young bouncy dogs so it's a blanket no from chihuahua to great dance! (They do bouncy puppies & young dogs, but dog would get told off straight away- which can be tricky with the owners- but their dog would understand!)
Otherwise I mostly judge by the dogs & owners body language and how my own dogs perceive them.

Agix · 21/02/2025 07:44

I definitely have bias against certain breeds - because even the "friendly" ones seen to be lacking in behaviour and not aware of their own strength, and allowed to act that way, which is still dangerous. You can have a super aggressive chihuahua, and it still won't do as much damage as a friendly but overly playful and assertive XL bully (and can be defended against more easily with a swift kick, if necessary) unfortunately.

The vibe of the owner also matters I suppose, but matters much less. I'd have less concerns over an obviously vapid chihuahua owner compared to a vapid XL bully owner, for the same reasons above.

Youcanttakeanelephantonthebus · 21/02/2025 07:44

I avoid everyone. I like to listen to audiobooks and it's the only time I get free to do it. My dog on the other hand is a social butterfly and flirts with everyone so I am constantly having to socially engage 😔

To be honest the owners I hate most are the ones who hone a slightly eccentric look, often have a large poodle. Look like their dog.

Oh and the group of walkers who just stand in my local field but don't actually walk..I've watched them as I go miles round them and they never move. The dogs stay still too. All very odd.

goldeline · 21/02/2025 07:43

I have a very boisterous golden retriever puppy, and make her sit when other dogs are walking past as otherwise she tries to greet them very.. enthusiastically. I'm always more concerned owners of certain breeds judge me for thinking I'm judging them.