Would any poodle cross owners be interested in a separate forum on here where we can (hopefully) talk without judgement?

[DoodlesInTheHouse]

Genuine question. I asked MNHQ about this (under different name, if you are looking at this MNHQ) and they said to ask on here to see if there was interest.

I understand fully the views of some that some poodle crosses are not a good idea for a variety of reasons (puppy farming, health checks, various other reasons etc etc), but we also have our own reasons on why they suited our family, why we chose not to rescue at that time (and very likely will rescue in years ahead) and we are very, very happy with our choices. We are intelligent adults and made an informed choice. I come from a very dog-oriented family and knew what we were doing.

It seems impossible to ask a question about poodle crosses on here without being jumped on. It wouldn't be the done thing if we were talking about breast v formula, or SAHM v working mums, but it seems to be acceptable to ridicule the choices that some of us have made.

Would anyone be interested?

My 8 month Standard Poodle. He is the most adorable dog, calm, friendly, fun intelligent. He is fully KC registered with various health checks, his grandfather won Crufts! He cost £400 - why would anyone buy a labradoodle.

Sorry getting carried away

*ExLt^ '4. The breeders of dying breeds (otterhounds, corgis, bloodhounds etc)

They all make money, but money isn't the primary reason. Crossbreeding doesn't have that 'other' reason because nothing 'extra' comes from crossbreeds that can't be found in their original form'.

I love those breeds you mention above. I'd rather have had a whole load of breeds rather than a doodle, to be honest, but didn't find one that would suit our family. Would adore an Otterhound - but difficult to let off lead (saw a breeder at a show who was so very precious I think she would have put most people off, also). Ditto bloodhound (?? don't know much about blood hounds). I genuinely took months looking through every breed and settled on a doodle, as bizarre as it may sound to you.

I'd actually prefer a spaniel - but can't commit to that much exercise daily. I would love a collie, but don't think we could provide the stimulation. I'd love a greyhound, any sight or bloodhound, but want to be able to let off lead and live too near a main road. Eg: adore salukis, but house too noisy probably (and children would probably break it!). Would rather have a pointer or setter - ditto that I think they need more exercise than our cross breeds seem to. We get by happily on an hour plus of exercise a day plus hours of training - I wouldn't get away with that, I don't think, with the breeds we would rather have. We wanted a biddable non yappy dog too as we have a handful of children too and don't want neighbours complaining. Would be happy to consider any pure breed that fits all our criteria (the only one that I come up with is a lab - which will be our next dog when I have time to hoover every day).

I hate to think I may be being judged as someone who doesn't care about animal welfare, when in fact it was because I was concerned that we got a hybrid that we felt (having spoken to other owners we know, read everything available etc) we could give a good life.

I love poodles (in lipped, not silly looking) and also can't understand why they are not the natural choice for a family friendly, hypoallergenic dog.

Not to mention I have a cross breed myself, JRTxYorkie, I just didn't pay any money for him. As above the whole point of paying for a dog is to get a specific breed, my cross breed accident I expect to be given for a nominal price.

Despite having a 'doodle' (I'd never use that term in RL) I have fallen in love the poodle part of my lovely dog and would seriously consider one in the future. I still want to defend the 'doodle' owners though.

dallas I can't stand the breeders in your first category. The ones who breed the show dogs. With the ridiculous "standards" that are imposed which force an exacerbation of problem issues.

There is really nothing wrong with aiming to breed a lovely family pet!

poodle your dog is just gorgeous!!!!!!! I have a cross doodle myself. Am I allowed to love pure poodles AND my lovely cross?

Poodlefromcatan, oh he's lovely, beautiful stance.

Doodles, I do understand, and I'm sure your dog is fabulous. I just don't trust crossbreeders, and volunteering at Rescues I've seen the very worst of them. Breeders too, but not as many IYSWIM. Crossbreeders rarely get into it for the love of the dog, and the tears I've cried over the dumped, unloved and unsocialised dogs could fill a swimming pool.

I'd love an Otterhound too, but me buying one and then spaying/neutering it would have been a travesty for an endangered breed.

When we went looking for our Mutt all we had in mind was 'a dog'. DD was 5 so we didn't want anything too boisterous or large. I'd seen the Mutts pic on the MTAR site and already fallen for her looks (she's on my profile if you want a peek) - knowing she was probably a Springer Collie was a bonus because we knew she wouldn't grow too big. We didn't know how bouncy she'd be (springer) or how fast (collie) but knew we would spend time training her. Having her as a pup meant we could influence her personality and she's been a great asset to our home. She does have separation anxiety, but that was to be expected due to how she was found. At the time MTAR said her litter was probably a failed 'sale' from a BYB - Most Springer X Collies have a 'fluffy' coat and all the pups were flat short coated; not as desirable

dallas thd whole thing is heartbreaking. I hate to think of any dog dumped.

Our breeder interviewed every potential owner to make sure they were not cretins. Interestingly, our dog had already been claimed by someone who the breeder's husband then remembered as being unpleasant from the distant past so refused to sell him. We arrived later that day and I fell in love with our puppy. I am so pleased he is with is as he has a good life!

(I should also add that we had tried to rescue a dog but we're concerned about background with young kids. I wanted a cross breed. I chose a good breeder. I have a wonderful dog. I guess I'm one of the good news stories)

Your pup is gorgeous. I saw a gorgeous springer x collie pup the other day too that had both spaniel and collie shining through. But it's good to hear you say that you felt you could influence her personality from having her as a puppy, because that is why we didn't feel we could consider a rescue at this stage. Interestingly, the lab coated doodles from our dog's litter were the first to go, for some reason!

Poodlefromcatan I would consider a poodle next time too - our children will be less squealy by then if it does happen to be highly strung.

Thread above this one currently says Panorama looks at puppy dealers tonight

It was a horrible programme. I've heard of the NI bloke before - he is well known in the Rescue world because he 'dumps' the dogs he doesn't sell. Heartbreaking.

She's just a bit more solid now - someone needs to remind her she's a dog.

Interesting article in the Independent today with vets calling on more responsible breeding of pugs and shiz tus.

This is due to horrendous health problems caused by maintaining the breed "standard".

Labradoodle anyone?

Pugs and Shitzus are the new Chihuahuas - the 'fad' of the last decade. Rescues got loads of those in at one point, some of whom could barely walk because they'd been carried (or handbagged) all their lives.

Then we had Huskys and Malamutes whose buyers couldn't keep up with the exercise they needed (or the bloody hair they shed)

Right now I see more Bichon Frises in Rescue than any other. French Bulldogs will be next I reckon.

ExLt stop with the puppy pictures - getting broody!

Rooner like you, looking forward to our next dog being a rescue too once kids bigger. Any chance you could link to the article please? Couldn't find it in my quick search.

How much less exercise does your doodle need than a spaniel? I have a WCS I exercise less than my friend with her cockapoo and my spaniel is more settled. He is well bred though and was much cheaper.

Just thought I would join the talk here. DoodlesInTheHouse I have actually asked to have my other thread deleted because I felt judged about my choice of dog. I don't have to tell anyone why the responsible and experienced breeders of my new pup decided to breed them together - or get badgered about asking them myself!

We made our choice carefully and considerately and did a lot of research. We aren't going in blindly and getting him from some puppy farm! I shouldn't have bothered mentioning the breed in the first place