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Original poster

Dog breeds are now a Middle Class indicator?

562 replies

Brightonbabe5 · 29/12/2020 10:24

Or at least in my dcs school (private). We thought it was bad in September with all the new puppies on the school run... Mostly the same breeds poodle crosses (cockapoos, labradoodles) bichon friese crosses (cavachons, cavapoos etc)... Insta tells me Christmas has brought a whole new pack of fluffy things.
I said this during the lockdown that these particular breeds are now a status symbol & the new MC accessory. Although DH claims a land-rover is also needed to transport the fluffy dog. Friends agree they are also as these breeds tend to be non shed & hypoallergenic...
DC also want one in the worst way😢 We're refusing based on the fact that we don't want a dog type that's considered a status symbol in our area & they cost a bloody fortune.... They are irrestible though with gorgeous temperaments but out of our range unfortunately

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Tulipshoots · 30/12/2020 17:37

@CaptainMyCaptain

I have heard a few bad things about rescues from abroad but our NDN has a Romanian rescue who is lovely and good natured although she does have a mind of her own. When she arrived we thought there might be fireworks between the new dog (who had survived the mean streets) and our feisty, territorial JRT but it was love at first sight.
I wager most people criticising overseas rescues have never rescued an animal in their life too.
Tulipshoots · 30/12/2020 17:44

The hidden suffering of the dogs bred to be cute
And I don’t care that it’s the daily Mail either, one of the points in their favour is animal welfare.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Dogs
TarnishedSilver · 30/12/2020 17:47

Sitting outside the supermarket earlier I observed a black Cockapoo stroll past a golden lab. The Golden Lab went straight into attack mode, snarling and barking...the cockapoo behaved impeccably barely gave the snarling mutt a second glance - breeding doesn't automatically deliver good manners - but then anyone who has read this thread and observed the poor manners of those who think they are superior, would already be well aware of that.😁

umpteennamechanges · 30/12/2020 17:50

@SimonJT

Who calls people 'new money or Nuevo-riche' these days?

People who are really insecure.

People who are being satirical...

bluebluezoo · 30/12/2020 17:52

@Tulipshoots. that article pretty much sums up my feelings about designer crosses.

Many people are duped into buying cute sounding dogs with no idea of the issues.

Especially when there are plenty of existing breeds and breeders that fit their requirements.

umpteennamechanges · 30/12/2020 17:55

@minsmum

We are working class, drive a swift, the Fox hound takes up the whole back seat. When we went to the rescue he was the only dog they had that they said could live with cats. He is brilliant with our cats, every other cat he meets, loves all dogs and children has no prey drive and neutered so not interested in sex. Has about 90 minutes of exercise a day and is too clever. We live in the London suburbs

He sounds perfect!

We will be in the same club when we eventually get a (rescue) dog. Anything that won't eat our cats!

umpteennamechanges · 30/12/2020 17:57

@TarnishedSilver

Is it only poos that deserve such hate or is it all crossbreeds?

Just the crossbreeds.

Mummy used to have them drowned by the Groundskeeper.

LobotheBotanist · 30/12/2020 18:03

Nuevo Riche? Those bloods Mexican immigrants at it again? Wink

jessstan1 · 30/12/2020 18:04

I think there is nothing new about this. I remember in the 1970s when Afghan hounds were in vogue.

However, what is important is to buy or find a dog that suits you, your home and circumstances, your personality and that of your children. Take lots of advice from those who know and read up on it well beforehand. I would add, choose one that is low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Don't worry about breeds (though some breeds are known for being better with children than others), a 'bitsa' is just as good.

Everyone will be pleased to see you and your lovely, well behaved, but quite friendly dog, regardless of how much they have paid for theirs. That is how real animal lovers are and is all that matters.

Good luck.

wetotter · 30/12/2020 18:15

@LobotheBotanist

Nuevo Riche? Those bloods Mexican immigrants at it again? Wink
They'll have a xolo Xmas Grin
Vates · 30/12/2020 18:15

I mean it's silly and I hope all those dogs are looked after properly at the very least. I would love to have a dog but no garden so it's a no go. I wouldn't base my choice of either puppy or adopted dog on their breed and what people in my community thought/some sort of status. That's pretty mental. I have a particular fondness for whippets though.

Franticbutterfly · 30/12/2020 18:17

@Brightonbabe5

Or at least in my dcs school (private). We thought it was bad in September with all the new puppies on the school run... Mostly the same breeds poodle crosses (cockapoos, labradoodles) bichon friese crosses (cavachons, cavapoos etc)... Insta tells me Christmas has brought a whole new pack of fluffy things. I said this during the lockdown that these particular breeds are now a status symbol & the new MC accessory. Although DH claims a land-rover is also needed to transport the fluffy dog. Friends agree they are also as these breeds tend to be non shed & hypoallergenic... DC also want one in the worst way😢 We're refusing based on the fact that we don't want a dog type that's considered a status symbol in our area & they cost a bloody fortune.... They are irrestible though with gorgeous temperaments but out of our range unfortunately
Get a Cairn Terrier, they are a pedigree that looks like a mongrel and doesn't shed. Also great with kids and are happy with a couple of half hour walks per day.
BringPizza · 30/12/2020 18:25

@elQuintoConyo

Adopt a mongrel. Don't buy a backyard-bred mongrel for hundreds. Dog breeds as status symbols are appalling and wanky.

Poor fucking dogs.

This ^

Nothing else to say.

bluebluezoo · 30/12/2020 18:31

I would add, choose one that is low maintenance when it comes to grooming

Thing is, while everyone goes on about the non- shedding of doodles, they have incredibly high grooming needs. Which if you don’t keep on top of has some pretty nasty consequences.

Most dog groomers find them really tough.

TarnishedSilver · 30/12/2020 18:48

Most dog groomers find them really tough. I would expect they are the biggest part of a groomers business! But like a lot of people they whinge about their cash cows. Hmm

FrameyMcFrame · 30/12/2020 18:52

I think these cockapoo whatsits are aspirational, I'd say most prefer actual dog breeds and tend towards gun dogs

PixellatedPixie · 30/12/2020 18:59

@heydoggee

I think it's horrible and wanky to pay for your kid to get a better education than kids from less wealthy backgrounds, but if you just want to focus on the dogs then sure, knock yerself out.
Does that mean it’s “horrible and wanky” to have a holiday as other people can’t afford them? What about having a fridge full of food when other people don’t? People paying for private schools means there is way more money in the state system than there otherwise would be but you obviously wouldn’t have thought far enough to realise that.
PronkWine · 30/12/2020 19:03

Really? I'd think it was the opposite and those that choose a designer cross over a long established breed would be seen as less of a status symbol?

TarnishedSilver · 30/12/2020 19:19

@FrameyMcFrame

I think these cockapoo whatsits are aspirational, I'd say most prefer actual dog breeds and tend towards gun dogs
Most people prefer - based on what evidence? Your mates?😂

I think the trend for dogs to live inside as members of the family and this increases the likelihood that people will get practical chose breeds that do not smell or moult excessively - the lab being the worst culprit! But I'm sure there are many breeds that fall into this non moulting non smelling category (The dog owning elite will rise to the challenge and choose the stinky, moulty breeds as they have the hired help to remove the doggy unpleasantness - so no worries and breeds dying out).
In my experience people chose a breed based on what they know and who they know and if their friends have an easy going poo breed why wouldn't they get one.
We have a whippet - no smell, no excessive moulting and low exercise requirements, sleepy all day - but fun when outside, so he fits with our modern family requirements - we meet so many people who want one, so many who have a high energy dog (not the poos) they love them but just wish they were a little less bouncy and energetic.

TarnishedSilver · 30/12/2020 19:27

People paying for private schools means there is way more money in the state system Does it? I thought the state schools got paid per pupil?

matchingsocks · 30/12/2020 19:39

Private school isn't always seen as a status symbol. The ones near us are full of the children of drug dealers and dodgy business men.

AliceMadHatter · 30/12/2020 20:10

@PronkWine

Really? I'd think it was the opposite and those that choose a designer cross over a long established breed would be seen as less of a status symbol?
I've got both. They are both lovely and are like Brother & Sister.

What does that say about me? Apart from being a dog lover.

PronkWine · 30/12/2020 20:21

*I've got both. They are both lovely and are like Brother & Sister.

What does that say about me? Apart from being a dog lover.*

It says to me you need more dogs to help you choose which side of the fence you're on 🤣

We have scruffy terriers, they cross the class divide by putting everyone in their place 😁

AliceMadHatter · 30/12/2020 20:28

@PronkWine

*I've got both. They are both lovely and are like Brother & Sister.

What does that say about me? Apart from being a dog lover.*

It says to me you need more dogs to help you choose which side of the fence you're on 🤣

We have scruffy terriers, they cross the class divide by putting everyone in their place 😁

Love this. I'm not sure my DH would agree.