Doodles

Doodles cringe? Not so fast.

Look I get it — these things are everywhere. Their owners are not often the greatest examples that humanity has to offer. Even the Labradoodle creator said being the father of the mix was his greatest regret in life. I completely understand concerns regarding ethical breeding but also feel that Poodle mixes bear a vast majority of that brunt as compared to their purebred or other mixed bred peers.

I have plenty of thoughts and feelings on breeding, specifically regarding moral showboating I see regarding the breeding vs 'adopting' 'debate', but I'll save those for another day. If we're assuming there are little to no qualms with breeding in the first place, then I urge you to reconsider the poodle mix.

Let's start with the facts here. We're starting with the poodle, which objectively, is one of the very best breeds. I'm talking on paper. Consistently ranked as the second smartest dog behind Border Collies (insanely high energy, big shedders, huge behavioral issues if not given proper stimulation — good luck satisfying that). They do not shed. They are hypoallergenic. They are the second most trainable. Among the friendliest, best with families, athletic, affectionate — I could go on.

However, they are not free from flaw. They're a bit high energy for a low key owner, they're a bit too smart for their own good, the coat can be a lot to deal with and they can also be picky eaters. Well, I've got good news for you. Mixing that poodle, preferably keeping a majority of the near perfect poodle, with other breeds to balance out those shortcomings? Incredible results. Among the best to mix are the small and super affectionate Maltese (Maltipoo), the social butterfly and long-eared Cocker Spaniel (Cockapoo), the sweet-natured and strikingly beautiful Irish Setter (Irish Doodle), the goofy Wheaten (Whoodle) and the crown jewel — the human-velcro and impossibly cute Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Cavapoo).

Have we gone too far with the mixes? Perhaps. But are we as close as literally possible to creating the absolute perfect pet for most people? You bet.

So then why all the hate? Here's the thing about a huge majority of haters — they hate us cause they ain't us. It's rooted in jealousy. It's hard to appreciate a dog that is objectively better than your own, no matter how deep your bond. And if you don't hate on the doodle or think they're cringe? Congratulations on being a mature, secure and well adjusted person.

So next time you find yourself quick to judge a poodle mix and their owner, I urge you to think one layer deeper. Are you hating because of the dog, or are you projecting judgement you really have for the owner, their lifestyle or even yourself — onto this dog?