Why the prejudice against poodles?

Question

So many people want designer dogs with "low shedding" (yes I know you can't predict in a crossbreed), yet refuse to buy poodles because they "don't like them".

Why? What's so wrong with them?

Is because of the image of them that was portrayed in old cartoons? Does that image still prevail in so many people's minds?

No thumbs down or flaming, honest answers however they come are fine by me. I'm interested to know WHY so many people dislike the breeds so much.

(for the record - I don't own a poodle. I'm not being defensive about my dog)

Knownowt's answer was very telling. Although I disagree with you, I appreciate your feedback.

Liz - I personally don't care for the show cuts - not just wrt poodles but with a few other breeds. Like you say though - plenty of cuts available.

Answer 1

I think it is more of a preference thing, really.

I like poodles although I don't own one. I would consider getting a standard poodle, though.

I think part of it is that they have been massively over-bred in a lot of places which makes for some neurotic lines of poodles that tend to be aggressive, fearful, or overly-hyperactive. Someone has to do a very thorough search to avoid getting a dog from that kind of lineage.

They also have this public perception of being very foofy, princess-y dogs, which most people prefer to avoid. There is this perception that any man who owns a poodle is foppish, and any woman who owns one is high-maintenance and snobby.

And as I said earlier, a big part of it is just preference. Some people prefer Chihuahuas, others Great Danes.

Take my best friend, my mother, and myself for example: While I love most breeds; I am a huge fan of mutts and Sighthounds, especially Italian Greyhounds. While my best friend likes some mutts, she hates Sighthounds because of how skinny they are. She prefers breeds like Bulldogs, Boxers, and Pit Bulls. My mother prefers non-shedding terrier-type breeds, like Miniature Schnauzers; where I dislike their looks and I don't like the yappy, tyrant like personalities I have seen in most Miniature Schnauzers. I am sure that there are dogs of that breed that aren't that way, but all the ones I have met are.

So in conclusion, the reason as to why there is such a widespread prejudice against poodles varies from person to person. It could be that they don't like the stereotype; it could be that they have only met the neurotic, poorly bred poodles, or it could be that poodles just aren't that person's kind of dog as a whole.

Anyway, that is my two cents.

Good luck; I hope that helps!

Answer 2

I agree....this is a question I always ask when people want one of these designer breeds. Poodles are a great breed. My parents and sister both have/had a standard poodle and they just rave about them. They are smart, athletic and great family pets. Their coats are so soft and..yes...they are one of the few breeds that don't shed. I think many people don't like the cut they see at the shows...I personally think a show cut on a poodle is magnificent, but I wonder if people understand they can have a poodle clipped differently. They don't have to have the feet or face shaved ....they can have the dog scissored everywhere instead....leave a beard....round the feet and just have the body shortened. In fact...some of these "labordooles" I see around look like an ungroomed standard poodle. Some people say the miniature and toy poodles are snippy...but if bought from a reputable breeder...the temperament should be sound. It's really too bad that people are not educated about the breed....they are a great breed and I wish people would open their eyes and educate themselves before they say anything bad about them.

Answer 3

I had a poodle for 16 years up til last year when he died, He was an amazing dog I know what you mean about the image but i think people think all poodles are cut the same way a cartoon character figure but they can be cut basic and they are no different than any other dog.

Answer 4

I think its because of appearance. Most people don't understand that they are intelligent dogs, and that the unusual cuts they give them were invented for practical reasons, as they were working water dogs and the balls of fur on certain points kept joint and organs insulated, and also helped buoyancy and swimming, since pluffy feet act like flippers. Whereas the shaved legs helped the animal cut through the water easier without drag.
People think that daft women who like pink and all that froo froo stuff invented the cut, and that the dog looks stupid, and is merely a designer dog. They have been used in circus acts because of their appearance, and that gives the impression again that they are made just to look 'silly,' and do tricks, when in fact they are very intelligent working dogs, and every bit a man's dog too. I know a man who aspires to get a standard poodle- he knows all their history, and is no poofy kind of guy- he's a big guy who rides motorbikes.
Even the miniature and the toy poodles were originally bred smaller for different jobs, not just as cute pets, which is now their most common role.

Answer 5

I'm really surprised to know that there was this feeling about poodles. I must admit being over 6 feet tall quite a big fellow, when I bought the first poodle for my wife I found it a little embarrassing to walk it. But after a few months I found we had a very intelligent, clever, obedient member of the family and that's the only way I can put it. Give me a poodle anytime.

Answer 6

Poodles are great dogs, and someday I would like to own a standard poodle. However, the miniaturized versions have appeared as fashion accessories for a lot of really supercilious people that it has contributed to a stereotype of them as rather flightly, brainless dogs, which they are not. Big dogs don't work well as something to clutch in your arms during a photo op, so tend not to get stereotyped this way.
I've nothing against poodles, or any dog for that matter - it's some owners that make my eyes roll back into my head.

Answer 7

I personally love poodles and would recommend them over a crossbreed any day, including a standard poodle. I dont particularly care for smaller dogs but I ADORE standard poodles, they are full of energy but not obnoxious and are sooo fun to watch. I dont really care for the way they look but with a crossbreed you often end up with that "poodle look" anyway. Schnauzers dont shed either. I like large strong dogs and I like them to look strong If i needed a dog that didnt shed I would get a Giant Schnauzer. I've seen 5 different coat types in one litter of lab/poodle mixes and only one of those had the non shedding coat. And it looked like a poodle! go figure. I think its silly that people expect to have it their way every time.

Answer 8

I personally never liked poodles - i thought they were snappy little things and the big ones 'werent real dogs' because of the Lion Clip the show dogs have.

However since growing up a little and meeting some of these dogs ive found them to be lovely things - nothing like how i always thought they would be like when i was younger.

I cant understand why people would buy these designer breeds - if you do not like either of the breeds that go into your dog why buy it? Its just a mix of the two!

Answer 9

Playeret:
Standard poodles are bigger than your German Shepard.
I love standard poodles but decided on a toy as we travel abroad a lot and wherever I go my poodle goes too.
I must agree with Eric that I was worried about a little dog at first but I would die for her now.
They are not barkers as someone said but they are super intelligent and need training. Mine will bark on command and stop on command. She is trained to bark at anybody that comes onto the property until we acknowledge them when she will stop.
She loves the water so is easy to bath every 2 weeks so she always smells great. Poodles have wool not hair so they are never smelly and do not shed their wool.
I know what you mean about peoples thoughts on this but I cannot walk in our village without being stopped every few meters.
Someone told me that the police never used them because of peoples impression of them but are now training them because they are mare intelligent than most dogs.

By the way as I do not show her she has a short cut all over except her top knot and ears.

Answer 10

I personally don't like designer dogs at all. There are so many beautiful breeds out there.
As far as people not liking poodles, they do happen to be number 3 on the list of dog breeds that bite the most.