AIBU to think this is rude?

[HollyBrrr]

We own a standard poodle - my family has bought them from the same breeder for several decades because of their good temperament and intelligence. We don't cut her in a traditional 'poncy' poodle way and TBH apart from when she's just been to the groomer's she looks like a bit of scruffball. However, the way she carries herself does give her a bit of a 'wow' factor (as much as a dog can have a wow factor, IYKWIM!)

We've had her a year, and ever since we moved to London we've had at least two instances a week where total strangers have stopped us and asked how much she costs. AIBU to think this is really rude? I would never dream of asking a stranger how much something of theirs cost - I might ask where they got it or comment on how nice it was, but this seems a bit out of order to me.

I also never quite know how to respond. I usually laugh and say 'Yes she looks like a diva doesn't she?' or 'Ah well she's priceless to us' but I'm getting a bit pissed off now, especially when they push the question. WIBU to say, "I'm sorry but I don't think that's any of your business?" or words to that effect?

Before you all give me s and to put this in context, dog thievery isn't unknown in our area so that adds to my

YABU you sound easy to piss off.

YABU to buy from a breeder too, there are many lovely dogs in rescue centres looking for homes.

How can you be bothered to be bothered?

Your point about dog thievery would make me wary as well. I think I would be reluctant to say how much she was worth. You never know if you might be followed home by a potential dog thief.

We are frequently asked how much one of ours costs - probably because you don't seem many of this breed around. The other two don't get quite so much attention. I can't say it really bothers me.

I've looked at getting a dog, and specifically a rescue dog. However unless you're happy with a short stock dog with a chunky jaw, there's not much choice from a rescue centre. While I love dogs, and have great sympathy for rescue dogs, why should my choice of breed be dictated by those happy to abandon dogs?

I feel sorry for you to be so bothered by something so trivial. And then to write a whole post about it.

Well you bought an accessory dog, then.

Be happy that others like your accessory enough to want one.

It doesn't hurt to tell someone how much a beautiful dog would cost them to buy, does it?

"I feel sorry for you to be so bothered by something so trivial."

You clearly didn't read the point about dog theft in the OP's area then.

Just answer £100, or £1,000, depending on what you feel more comfortable with. Or just "I can't remember!"

But that's the trouble with accessories. Other people covet them!

Rescue a 'short stock dog with a chunky jaw' and nobody will be that interested.

But buy a beautiful dog and then complain that people notice.....??

Twice? Oh. Just smile, ignore and walk away.

My Dog has it's own Facebook page so I direct all queries there.

"How much does she cost?"
"She isn't for sale."

Good answer Reluctant

It's a bit forward of them. But I can't see why it bothers you so much. I agree with saying she isn't for sale.

I have a beautiful lurcher from a rescue collaborate and I found there was a lot of choice of types of dog. I didn't have a particular breed in mind though, I'm not really sure why it's so important.

'Why do you ask ?' should do it - not that a potential dog thief would answer truthfully but might have a perfectly legitimate reason for asking. Or get an email address or something off them or facebook name and say you will send them details of your breeder. Anyone up to no good would be filtered out/lose interest at that point.

they might have a perfectly legitimate reason for asking ! The enquirer not the dog thief obviously.

Well breed is fairly important tbh. It has a massive effect on how much exercise they'll need, temperament etc etc.
in fact, perhaps if more people paid attention to things like this there would BE less dogs in rescues.

You've only had two instances and you're getting pissed off?

I agree with the PP who said you sound easily pissed off.

Maybe they like Poodles

My dog is from a rescue centre. Hes crossed by everything I think and is the loveliest dog I have ever had. Hes getting on a bit now. He has red setter colouring but is small and long like a dauschund but has a little mushed up face. He will never win a beauty contest but he is priceless to us.

YABU - it's a general question. We get it about my Dalmatian sometimes.

You sound far to easy to enrage. Just say your not sure

It's rude and I think telling them, albeit politely, that it's none of their business as you suggested is the best response.

As for the merits of rescue dogs and otherwise, it's also not really any of anyone's business on here why the OP has chosen her dog. I'm the first to advocate rescue dogs and that's the way I get mine, but as long as people aren't supporting puppy farms and are otherwise being responsible owners then you have no idea why they chose a particular dog. For what it's worth I'm not at all a poodle fan but they are far from just 'accessory dogs', they are extremely intelligent and rewarding pets.

And Happy Sunday to all!!

OP- is there somewhere you can point them in the direction of? (in case it's a genuine question), like the kennel club for example? But I don't blame you regarding dog theft.

And there are lots of reasons for choosing a particular dog:

You like that breed
You are fairly assured of the temperament of that breed
You want it for a specific purpose (family dog/working/show etc)
Etc etc

Yes it is lovely to rescue a dog, but you have no guarantee of temperament/nature especially with a mongrel. My sister had a dog from Battersea. At the time there were no young children in the family until I had mine and although he was okay with my DS and BiL, he didn't particularly like men and he really wasn't good with children. Could never be trusted.
So it's not an easy answer.