Aibu that dogs are now a class identifier??

[MammabearX1]

Just that.... Since my dc have returned to school (London prep) the school gates are crowded with little fluffy pups.... All expensive cockapoo or cavachon types... Thorough breds seems to be gone out of fashion & there's not a mongrel in sight... I'm thinking these are a class identifier as those fluffy dogs are so expensive... My husband thinks it's down to the dogs size making them perfect for London living with smaller garden space etc... Is it just our school? When I was young the posh kids had cocker spaniels or some type of working dogs but then I grew up in the country...

I have no idea what my dog signifies about me, she's a full border collie, didn't cost a fortune, is a great walking buddy, (and is excellent with the cat). She loves to swim too, (why she's soaked in that photo, she'd just been for a paddle).

Tbf though what I saved buying her initially, I think I've made up for in food costs n times over already. She's like a bottomless pit (I'm assuming because she's so active/hyper/high metabolism?).

I live in a naice house in the home counties, but I have a German shepherd. Am I a middle class chav?

Cockapoos and many other mixed breed dogs are mongrels, not recognised by the Kennel Club.

My DC are at Private school and I don’t know anyone with a poo cross there, although obviously I don’t know what dog every single person owns
Pre Covid dogs were allowed on site so you would often see people with dogs at pick up or events. Lots of Spaniels, Labs and terriers. The Head has rescue greyhounds

My friends dd has just bought a £3k dog - I can’t remember what they’re calling them but it’s a cross breed (think cockerpoo) mixed with another different cross breed (maybe a cavachon) So a mongrel basically. £3k!!!

They rent a tiny house, have basic-salary jobs and are constantly moaning they’re skint. It’s up to them of course but I find it ridiculous.

@Meatshake

I live in a naice house in the home counties, but I have a German shepherd. Am I a middle class chav?

German shepherd isnt chav.

Staffordshire bull terrier, pitbull type dogs, and a fraction of rottweiler owners (not all) probably are.

Proper mongrels, the unidentifiable Heinz 57's, are rare to see these days, although I have seen one in the last year.

It's all Greyhounds, Frenchies, Pugs, Cockapoos and Labs here.

You can hear the Frenchies and Pugs coming, that recognisable heavy rasping sound they make.

We don't live in a particularly posh area.

I wouldn’t say they’re a class identifier - rather more an identifier of people who are followers of fashion - or perhaps slavish followers of fashion.

@bloodywhitecat

He's gorgeous, I have the blond version , but it won't let me post a picture for some reason.

We rescued a greyhound last year. No requirement for a 6ft fence, we have a 7yo DD, there is shift work etc but a sensible breed specific rescue who match the dogs and owners so they fit well.

Not sure what class we are, probably middle but only due to mortgage, car, etc.

What's the name of the podcast @Xiaoxiong ? I like the sound of that.

Those poo type dogs look very sweet when little (like that bloody Waffle the Dog) but less appealing when older. I think the people who buy them are unimaginative and just getting what everyone else has. There are also millions of tiny dachshund puppies round here in London - they are also sweet when little but then often become unfriendly to other dogs.

Posh people I know have labradors/spaniels or terriers, breeds that rub along well with others.

Dogs have always been a class signifier.

@Loopyloututu2 have they factored in grooming, daycare, insurance, vet costs?

We are MC, own two poo crosses and live rurally (south east). We see all types of dogs around here, lots of spaniels, JRTs but a lot of the MC families with young children seem to have poo crosses, they are v popular, I am biased of course, but I say with good reason; they are just the sweetest natured dogs we have ever had, clever, affectionate and funny.

All the poor staffies being associated with the lowest of humans!

And Alf is gorgeous.

I couldn't manage a collie here, but would have had 2 where we used to live - but wasn't allowed by rescues centres.

I’m sure I’ve read this exact same post before a few months ago.

@Literallynoidea

What's the name of the podcast *@Xiaoxiong* ? I like the sound of that.

Those poo type dogs look very sweet when little (like that bloody Waffle the Dog) but less appealing when older. I think the people who buy them are unimaginative and just getting what everyone else has. There are also millions of tiny dachshund puppies round here in London - they are also sweet when little but then often become unfriendly to other dogs.

Posh people I know have labradors/spaniels or terriers, breeds that rub along well with others.

Dogs have always been a class signifier.

Well our poo crosses are fully grown and still ridiculously appealing, they get stopped constantly by small children, "there is Waffle dog", we get lots of "your dogs are incredibly cute", etc etc etc from adults as well.

I do wish people were careful about dogs. I have a seven year old cockerpoo, had since he was nine weeks. He needs a lot of exercise, a decent amount of space and a great deal of attention. They are one of the most ‘needy’ types and will not do well when people go back to work and leave them alone all day.

Where do Heinz 57 dogs even come from these days?

I would've thought they would be very rare considering the UK doesn't really have a big problem with stray/street dogs, pet dogs are commonly neutered and most people don't let their dogs roam around!

@Aloethere I have a basset hound! I'll never understand why they aren't more popular as they are the most amazing breed (I'm very biased), so goofy, laid back and gentle with kids. But I'm secretly glad they aren't popular as I don't want the breed to be exploited like others.

I love Labs they have that proper dog look (to me). Bumbly and happy - ones we had at home anyway.

I like the pop cross as you get the soft fur but not full poodle.

So many great dog breeds out there when you start looking. I like the big full hair ones too, bounding things

The poo/oodles around here are owned by those who are trying to appear that they are posh. They may have money but that's not the same thing.

Those with real class have terriers, spaniels and labradors

I think the opposite really. I think the people who buy poo cross dogs are following fashion trends so more money than class.

Possibly. I think it's more of a bandwagon thing rather than class IDer. Certainly all the cliquey mums round me have all suddenly acquired dogs or cats. They are all rather sad people- you know, the kind that buoy each other up continually on FB.

I don't give a shit personally; my family are allergic to cats and I've never been able to cope with dog bacteria, despite it arguably being good for you.

@GreyhoundG1rl

Major of the bullies. They're my dream dog.

Here's another one for you, my rescue baby.