Genuinely interested - why all the poodle crosses? What puts people off a ‘proper’ poodle?

[MissShapesMissStakes]

I have a gorgeous mini poodle. He’s out first dog and so far has been a dream. Never made a sound at night, really lovely with the kids, easy to train (as he lives to eat!). He is such a cutie (I think). People round us all have poodle crosses and are always reall surprised when I say he’s a poodle and not a cross.

Do people think they are born with Pom poms on their feet and tail? (DH did! but I assumed he was the exception). But I genuinely can’t think of another reason. No shedding at all and they even come in small, medium and large!

The poodle cross Labrador idea started with a breeder for guide dogs for the blind (in Australia I think, but may be wrong). He wanted to create a guide dog for blind people who were allergic to dogs. Instead he created an insane fad for idiotic, extremely expensive mongrels of all kinds. He deeply regrets the whole thing and has said so publicly but it is now completely out of anyone’s control given the large numbers of irresponsible buyers who are paying a lot of money for ipunscrupulous breeders to cross no matter what kind of dog with no matter what other kind of dog.

Poodles are neither vicious nor hysterically energetic. They are a wonderful breed, with a lovely temperament and a very good choice of first dog. The Pom Pom trimming fashion for their coats is ridiculous and does put a lot of people off. If you keep their natural coat, or give them an even overall trim they look lovely.

Because of fashion.. Latest fad... Once it was cockerpoos (which then so many people find they can't manage because it has a wealth of undercoat as well as woolly topcoat and Cockers aren't exactly laid back), malti poos, shih poos, malti chis, etc etc now its French bulldogs in a myriad of colours and flavours.. Must have the latest shade though which will likely cost you more than the previous colour 🙄 I just love a Poodle!

@Booboostwo amen to that.

I think they are ace! Mine would definitely have a lamb cut though.

I think nearly all the cross breeds are the ones injecting the nuttiness! Poodles are intelligent though, my JRT is not blessed with brains so pretty easy and fortunately is trainable if food is involved.

It is their reputation of being high energy nutters so mixed with lower energy calmer breeds appeals.

My friend has MS and uses a wheelchair - her assistance dog is a standard poodle. She’s the calmest, cleverest dog I’ve ever met.

The issue is their reputation is inaccurate!

I'm with you OP - we have standard poodles and have never, ever met a breed with a better temperament. Fast to learn, obedient, loyal, friendly, great with kids and old people, etc etc.

We keep them trimmed and legs shaved etc but no docked tails and no fancy coats - always get asked what they are and people seem surprised!

The idea that they have a bad reputation is new to me - never heard that one before.

MIL has 4 poodles and they are all evil. Possibly the most evil dogs I have ever met. Maybe they are angry because they have the Pom Pom cut

Dammit I wrote a long post but it wouldn't save for some reason. We have a goldendoodle as DH is allergic and wanted a big dog to take places. Didn't realise it was so frowned upon - not a puppy farm dog still have meet ups with the DM and the siblings.

Aha that post has worked phew.

We weren't allowed to get a rescue because we use dog walkers on the two days a week that neither of us are home. Neighbour is quite active is Romanian rescue dogs but have heard some bad stories about dogs that don't like men or keep running away. DDog has an easygoing temperament even as a young puppy.

Rookie - no frowning here from me. Just interested. Why did you rule out a standard poodle and go for a cross? Or was a standard never on the cards?

You have made me want a poodle again - we had a toy brown scruffy poodle as children, and she was the loveliest most chilled out dog, perfect pet, not nippy or poncy at all. Our friends have a cockerpoo, and he is mental, barks none stop. I'm loving the pictures- please post more!

Do you know we didn't actually think of a poodles. DH wanted a "manly" dog to go up hills with him, and my friends DM doted on a yappy poodle so I wasn't well disposed towards the breed. Picture of DDog may or may not post

Until about 5 years ago, we've (as a family) had poodles all my life. Started with a black miniature/toy cross, then an apricot standard (think Roly from Eastenders), then 2 brown standards, and most recently a champagne standard (looked like a womble).

All have been amazing - scarily intelligent, not in the least bit aggressive and really good family pets.

I'd have another tomorrow in a heartbeat, if my works (and cats!) allowed it.

There's a black standard poodle in my pub on a Friday. Truly beautiful with a gorgeous coat and vey well behaved as he's still under a year old.

I have a 12 pound female poodle who is 3.5 years old. She has a delightful personality. She's not a barker, she cuddles, she's never met a stranger, loves to play fetch, smart, obedient, and eager to please. Not nippy at all. The idea that poodles are high strung is most likely due to owners who don't play with or walk their dogs regularly. Poodles need exercise. Any neglected dog will quickly become unhappy. Now that I've owned a poodle, I'll never be without one.

My last dog was an apricot standard poodle.

I had young children so we weren't suitable to rescue a dog.
I looked on the kennel club website and it said the breeds suitable for young children were staffies and standard poodles.
Staffies were a bit small for my tastes.

He was so chill. Like a cliche greyhound temperament. He liked a run around then would doze after.

I kept his coat clipped short.
He was no trickier than any other dog.

Just very sweet and cuddly and he never barked.

Good with other dogs.
I would have had another but I do prefer a rescue dog if possible if one would fit in with us and there aren't many rescue poodles. And dp isnt so convinced. Greyhound was the closest in vibe to my old poodle I could find.

We have standard poodles. They are clipped to the same length all over and never have shaved faces or feet. Beautiful dogs. It's a very rare day when we don't get asked if they're labradoodles.

It's such a shame people don't realise what fantastic dogs they are with such a lot of potential. I don't think those owners that shave faces or make the dogs look pointy do the breed reputation any good at all.

My dogs were poodles (died at 18 and 15) they had poodle clips usually a working clip and poodle face.
They were both very calm and placid and loved being fussed by children or adults.

I blamed Dennis the menace for their bad PR.

I'm on the other side of this. My dogs are always being mistaken for poodles. Lol. They are Bedlington terriers but there are now many of them in my area.

Now = not

The cockerpoo ( well working cocker cross miniature poodle) has been around since 1859 as a cross to give a ground and water working dog. So not a new thing.

That’s interesting lonecat. I didn’t know they’d been around so long. I wonder what needs to happen for it to be ‘officially recognised’.

I only know one cocker spaniel. She’s bonkers. And so so fast! My dog has no chance of keeping up ever. Despite his best efforts.

KAT - they are lovely. I love a bedlington

Thank you