The Real Reason Some People Hate Doodles
Doodles may seem like the perfect dog. They’re cute, fluffy, and often described as great for people with allergies. But there’s a growing group of dog lovers who aren’t on board. After all, Doodles come with grooming issues, and there are ethical concerns about how they’re bred. Understanding these reasons doesn’t mean Doodles are bad pets—it just means they’re not the best fit for everyone.
Here’s what some have to say when it comes to Doodles and the issues they raise.
Their Personality Can Be a Wild Card
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Doodles inherit traits from two different breeds, and that can lead to unpredictability in behavior. Even within the same litter, temperaments can vary a lot. This unpredictability can tire owners expecting a consistent personality or behavior pattern.
Not All Doodles Are Low-Shedding
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Many believe these pets won’t trigger allergies, but that’s not guaranteed. Some inherit the Poodle’s tighter, low-shedding coat, while others take after the non-Poodle parent and shed more. There’s no way to know for sure until the coat grows in.
Grooming Can Be a Full-Time Job
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Keeping the coat tangle-free takes greater work than many expect. Frequent brushing and professional grooming are necessary to avoid matting and skin problems. The cost adds up quickly, and daily care at home takes commitment.
There Are Concerns About Overbreeding
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Doodles are in high demand, and that’s created a market where some breeders prioritize profit over health. This has led to poorly bred litters with health and behavior issues. Overbreeding can also strain rescues when families return dogs they weren’t prepared to care for.
Marketing Creates Unrealistic Expectations
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It’s common to see ads that promise the perfect combination of traits—smart, friendly, allergy-friendly, and low-shedding. But those promises don’t always match reality. Some Doodles have tough temperaments or health problems. Owners can feel disappointed or even misled about what they signed up for when things don’t go as advertised.
Some Groomers Don’t Want to Handle Them
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Their coats may look soft, but they’re often tricky for groomers. The fur mats quickly and becomes painful to work with. Groomers sometimes charge a higher sum to handle Doodles, especially when the coat is neglected.
The “Designer Dog” Label Isn’t for Everyone
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For some dog lovers, Doodles are more trend than breed. Critics argue that creating new mixes for fashion or profit can lead to irresponsible breeding. Others feel these pups overshadow rescue dogs or established breeds with known traits. That “designer” label can come with baggage in certain circles.
They Have Tons of Energy
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There’s no denying that Doodles are active dogs. They need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. Without it, they can get bored and destructive. That energy level isn’t always obvious at first, and some new owners struggle to keep up. Daily walks alone usually aren’t enough to burn it off.
Owners Don’t Always Get the Support They Need
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Since Doodles aren’t a recognized breed, there’s no single set of guidelines for raising or breeding them. That makes it harder for pet parents to find consistent information or reliable support. Without guidance, things like training, grooming, and nutrition become difficult to navigate—especially for first-time dog owners.
Doodles Get Judged
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Some dog enthusiasts, especially those loyal to traditional breeds, view Doodles as second-rate or gimmicky. While that judgment isn’t fair to the dogs themselves, it does exist. You may sometimes face criticism, even from trainers or groomers, just for having this breed.
They’re Not for Everyone, and That’s Okay
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Doodles can be great pals—but only for the right families. They need attention, structure, and lots of grooming. That’s a big ask, especially for people who aren’t prepared for it. Choosing the right dog takes honesty about your lifestyle and limits. For some, a different breed is simply a better match.