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I'm A Vet And Would Never Own A Type Of 'abomination' Cross-breed – I Love My Patients But They're 'nuts' And 'neurotic'
A VET has revealed the type of "abomination" cross-breed he would never own.
He loves his patients, but there is a limit to his devotion.
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Poodle cross-breeds should be avoided said a vetCredit: GettyThese mutts might look adorable but they're "nuts" and "neurotic," he said.
He was referring to the proliferation of poodle mixes.
The list is huge and ever-growing but not everyone is happy about it.
There are Labradoodles, Golden Doodles, Cavapoos, Shih-poos, ad infinitum.
"What in the world is happening," asked an exasperated vet on Reddit.
"I swear every other dog that comes into the clinic is a Labradoodle, Aussiedoodle, or some other poodle abomination," he said in his post.
"Can we stop this mayhem?" he pleaded.
This cross-breed's popularity has soared in recent years.
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TV weatherman who abused boys seen shopping at Waitrose after being freed earlyMany new owners have been attracted to a mongrel that requires less grooming.
But there is a catch and be careful what you wish for, suggests our vet.
"I get that people want hypoallergenic dogs but it's too much," he said.
"I actually love a normal standard poodle but the crosses are nuts."
He figured there were several reasons cross-breeds were so problematic.
I'm a vet and there are 5 dog breeds I'd never own - including the pooch that only lives up to around 7 years OWNERSHIP"It attracts a certain type of owner who has no concept of how to train a dog, let alone an extremely neurotic one like a poodle," he said.
POODLE CROSSES ARE NEUROTICDespite what they might read, these are not good family dogs, insists our vet.
"The number of times clients complain about their Labradoodle not being controllable or have extreme separation anxiety that causes them to destroy the house is way too high," he said.
TRAININGIf you insist on having a poodle cross-breed, then invest in some training, he said.
"I love all our patients, even the crazy ones, but I would never own one of these without doing lots of formal training," he wrote.
"I don't want to shame clients for their choice of dog but I really wish I could stop this trend or at least warn them before they get one that it's not what they expect," he said in a final plea.
Redditors were inclined to agree with all his points.
"Honestly, one of my vet teachers told us that if it wasn't for these people breeding dogs we'd be out of a job," said one person.
It was a similar experience for another person.
"About 30-45% of the dogs we saw in my vet school's internal medicine specialty (as in, the worst/weirdest diseases) were doodles. Maybe it's just a coincidence but they seem to have a ridiculous amount of health problems for some reason," she said.
Yet another Redditor reported a similar situation.
"I just always found it interesting that they were actually more affected by weird rare conditions than even German Shepherds. Lots of cancer, and autoimmune diseases, things you only ever hear of in textbooks. It was always the doodles," she wrote.
One owner couldn't cope with her cross-breed.
"I fostered one for a short time and my mental health suffered. It wasn't his fault he was the way he was. When I found him the perfect home I wept tears of joy, and many of them were for my own freedom," she said.
But it wasn't all bad news for some owners.
"I have a rescue labradoodle who was the result of an over-run puppy mill and just needed a home. She is the best dog I have ever met hands down," she said.
"All my friends and family agree that she is a gem and I got incredibly lucky to have a solid dog training foundation and such a healthy doodle. The chances are probably one in a million," she added.
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But some commenters loved their poodle crossesCredit: Getty'Socially Anxious' Labradoodle Taken To Dog Park, Goes Exactly As Expected
The heartwarming moment a "socially anxious" dog ran through a bustling dog park to get back to his owner has left people in stitches online.
A video posted to Instagram showed Charlie, a 2-year-old labradoodle, momentarily separated from his owner, Danny, in a New York park and quickly rushing back with an air of determination and slight panic.
The text overlay joked: "POV: You leave your socially anxious dog for 2 minutes at the dog park."
"I shared this video because it made me laugh and wanted to have others laugh and also normalize that it's OK to have an anxious pup at the dog park," Danny told Newsweek.
In the caption, Danny explained that Charlie loves the dog park but isn't a fan of losing sight of his beloved owner: "When he loses sight of Dad, he freaks out," he explained.
Pictures of the "socially anxious" labradoodle making a run back to his owner. Commenters were delighted by Charlie's reaction to being at the dog park. Pictures of the "socially anxious" labradoodle making a run back to his owner. Commenters were delighted by Charlie's reaction to being at the dog park. @therealcharliemax/InstagramDogs build a strong connection to their owners and often see them as a place of safety and comfort.
Some dogs also lack confidence and may need a little extra support when doing new things or meeting new people or fellow pets. It is possible to boost your pet's confidence, though. ASPCA Pet Insurance advises a few things for owners looking to help their dogs relax more.
Taking dogs for walks and inviting company over can help your pet become more acclimatized to being around people and in unusual situations while keeping a positive attitude yourself is important too. Dogs pick up on their owner's feelings and if you're anxious, it is likely your dog will be, too.
For owners really struggling to help their pets feel more comfortable in different situations, the ASPCA suggests speaking to a professional veterinarian or pet behavior expert for more personalized advice.
The video garnered thousands of comments on Instagram from users who were delighted by Charlie's antics.
"This is fantastic," said one commenter. Another person wrote: "Omg! I'm cracking up! So unbothered by other dogs."
Danny did clarify that Charlie isn't always anxious: "He is usually very friendly and engaging. This was just a moment in time," he said.
He was thrilled to be able to share Charlie with the world on Instagram.
"I feel good about the viral reaction! It's fun to spread joy and share Charlie's cuteness with the world," he said.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.Com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
15 Best Dogs For First-Time Owners
Becoming a first-time dog parent is a truly rewarding experience. You're gaining a new loyal dog as a best friend and have a wonderful adventure ahead of you. That said, we'd be remiss if we didn't acknowledge that learning the ropes of pup parenthood can come with some curveballs. From basic obedience training early on and puppy-proofing your home to patiently tackling the delights of potty training, there is a lot to consider with dog ownership. Fortunately, certain dog breeds can make it easier on you. The best dogs for first-time owners tend to be lower-maintenance, easier to train and mesh well with families.
"When you are thinking about getting a dog for the first time, the first thing to ask yourself is what you envision your life with a dog looking like," says Marissa Sunny, a canine behavior specialist at Pasadena Humane. "If you want a dog to get you out of the house and go running with, then a high-energy working breed may be for you! If you are looking for a Netflix buddy, then an adult or senior dog may be for you."
Whether you're considering the most popular dog breeds or lesser-known pups available for adoption, there's a lot to mull over as a first-time dog owner. To help you determine the best first dog for you, we spoke to two canine behavior specialists and a longtime veterinarian. Ahead, you'll find the best dogs for first-time owners, according to the dog experts themselves.
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Known for its loving and playful personality, the bichon frise is an intelligent and charming lapdog who befriends just about everyone they meet. They are one of the best dogs for first-time parents because they're typically easier to train and are great with kids.
Another perk, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), is that their fluffy white coat is considered hypoallergenic and they don't shed much. They do need to be bathed about once a month and benefit from daily combing. A visit to the groomer every four to six weeks can also help keep them looking great. One caveat: The bichon is notorious for being hard to house break, according to Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds. "If you have priceless oriental rugs, this may not be the breed for you!" she says.
Breed overview Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches Weight: 12 to 18 pounds Life expectancy: 14 to 15 years Ease of care: 4/5 2. Golden retriever
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Arguably one of the best dogs for first-time owners, the golden retriever is one of America's most beloved canines for good reason. According to Nicole Savageau, DVM, veterinarian with The Vets, a national mobile pet care service, this lovable pup is exceptionally friendly, gentle in nature and devoted to its owners. As a bonus, goldens are also known for being obedient and easy to train, so teaching them to fetch, sit and stay is likely to be a breeze—this is one of the reasons many service dogs are golden retrievers. Perhaps most important though is their gregarious and outgoing personalities, which make them fantastic as first-time family dogs.
"This breed is intelligent, friendly, loyal and good with families," Dr. Savageau says. "Plus, they have a moderate energy level and are relatively easy to train." Do note that this breed benefits from a good brushing once a week—and perhaps more during their twice-annual shedding spree.
Breed overview Height: 24 inches Weight: 55 to 75 pounds Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years Ease of care: 5/5 3. Papillon
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The papillon, which means butterfly in French, is a wee-sized pup weighing up to 10 pounds. They are an affectionate dog breed, says Dr. Savageau, and they also get along well with children. Although very small, this toy breed is surprisingly athletic and spritely and benefits greatly from playtime. This is the most successful toy breed in the sports of obedience and agility, as they are active and biddable.
"I would describe this breed as intelligent, friendly and active," Dr. Savageau says. "They have a high energy level and require mental stimulation. However, training can be a bit challenging due to their independent nature." This just means you'll need to be more proactive and remain consistent in your training. Bringing in some outside help via a dog trainer can also be advantageous.
Another potential drawback for this breed is that they're not too keen on hanging out with other animals. However, they are surprisingly easy to groom thanks to their lack of an undercoat. A good bath every month and a weekly grooming session are all they need.
Breed overview Height: 8 to 11 inches Weight: 5 to 10 pounds Life expectancy: 14 to 16 years Ease of care: 4/5 4. Labrador retriever
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The Labrador retriever is another one of America's most popular dog breeds. They are most noted for their outgoing personality and friendly demeanor, and they are also one of the best-behaved dog breeds. "Known for their affectionate nature and ease of training, labs are ideal for active families seeking a hearty and loving companion," Phifer says.
These playful, easy-going pups—which come in chocolate, black and yellow—are very sociable. This allows not only for easy bonding with the entire family but with other animals too. Because they love to make their owners happy, labs are also easily trainable, making them one of the best dogs for first-time owners. They are very strong and strong-willed, which can make them hard to control as youngsters; once grown though, they are incredible companions. Plus, occasional baths and brushing are all this dog needs to keep it looking its best.
Breed overview Height: 24 inches Weight: 55 to 80 pounds Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years Ease of care: 5/5 4. Cavalier King Charles spaniel
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A sweet combination of a small toy breed and spaniel, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a gentle, graceful, athletic and high-spirited pup. They make our list of the best first dogs for new owners because of their adaptability and smarts, which make them both easy to get along with and train.
"With their friendly disposition and adaptability, Cavaliers are excellent companions for various households, especially those with children," Phifer says. These unfailingly sweet pups are also keen on pleasing their humans, making them excellent for a range of owners, including couples, families, seniors and individuals.
A bonus is that this breed is known for being effective therapy dogs. According to the AKC, they do require a little more grooming than other pups on our list and need daily brushing, weekly ear checks and monthly nail trims. They can have some hereditary health problems that may cut their lifespan short, says Coile, so be sure to work with a breeder who health tests their dogs.
Breed overview Height: 12 to 13 inches Weight: 13 to 18 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years Ease of care: 4/5 6. German shepherd dog
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The noble German shepherd is an excellent dog for first-time owners for many reasons. For starters, they are exceptionally smart pups that are easy to train, which is one reason why they are utilized in K-9 units.
Dr. Savageau says they are gentle with their owners and unfailingly loyal—and to that end, they serve as great guard dogs. "They are protective, loyal and can be intimidating. Their intelligence and trainability make them suitable for guard and protection work," she says. A big bonus is that German shepherds are easy to groom. The AKC says they benefit from brushing a few times a week to remove loose hairs and that they only need occasional baths.
Breed overview Height: 22 to 26 inches Weight: 50 to 90 pounds Life expectancy: 7 to 10 years Ease of care: 5/5 7. Poodle
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Recognized for their fluffy, pillow-like hypoallergenic coats, the poodle is a notably smart and athletic family companion, says Dr. Savageau. Because of these positive qualities, poodles have been bred with many other breeds to get designer breeds, including the labradoodle, golden doodle and cockapoo. "Intelligent, trainable and hypoallergenic, poodles have a moderate energy level and are often good with families," Dr. Savageau says.
Do note that as puppies, poodles can be high-energy, so they'll need to be able to run off that steam. They also may require more persistent training (possibly with the help of professional dog trainers), and they do require daily brushing. Dr. Savageau says it's also very important to have them professionally groomed about once every month or two to combat matting and keep their coats lustrous.
Breed overview Height: 18 to 24 inches Weight: 45 to 70 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years Ease of care: 4/5 8. Pembroke Welsh corgi
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The Pembroke Welsh corgi is a friendly homebody and an incredibly calm dog breed that is happiest around its people, making it one of the best dogs for first-time owners. With its short and stumpy legs, fluffy behind and incredible sense of companionship, the corgi has been the go-to dog of the English royals. In fact, Queen Elizabeth raised more than 30!
According to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America, these are sensitive and intelligent dogs that are highly skilled at tracking and—even with their short legs—surprisingly athletic. Bonus for new pup parents: They are known for being highly obedient.
Breed overview Height: 10 to 12 inches Weight: Up to 30 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 13 years Ease of care: 4/5 9. Yorkshire terrier
anouchka/Getty Images A truly petite-sized pup, the adorable Yorkie is a tiny terrier that weighs about 7 to 8 pounds. Although tiny, they do have major personalities! This breed has a reputation for being brave, tenacious and sprightly. They are also exceptionally friendly.
"Alert and trainable, Yorkies serve as effective alarm systems and are low-shedding but require regular grooming to maintain their coat," says Phifer. In fact, the breed's long, low-allergen coat mimics human hair more than dog fur, making them one of the more popular dogs for those who deal with pet allergies. The trade-off is that their long hair does require daily brushing, weekly bathing and regular professional grooming.
Breed overview Height: 7 to 8 inches Weight: 8 pounds Life expectancy: 11 to 15 years Ease of care: 3/5 10. Pugs
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Survey any pug owner and they'll likely be quick to tell you that this breed is one of the best family companions out there. The adaptable pug gets along with basically everyone, including kids, seniors and other animals, and thrives in both the city and country. Pugs also enjoy making their owners happy, which helps make training them a breeze. Another bonus: Their coat is considered low maintenance and only needs weekly brushing to control light shedding. Keep in mind that if you like a hot-weather dog or a jogging companion, the pug isn't a good choice as they overheat easily.
Breed overview Height: 10 to 13 inches Weight: 14 to 18 pounds Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years Ease of care: 5/5 11. Whippet
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Don't confuse the whippet for a greyhound! Although they do look similar, the whippet is its own breed (and actually quite a bit smaller). This lean and elegant pup is a lightning-quick runner that enjoys having a good chase in the backyard every once in a while.
"Despite their speed, whippets have moderate exercise needs and are affectionate couch potatoes, making them suitable for relaxed households," Phifer says. That said, as long as it's getting plenty of exercise, this breed can fare well in an apartment or a house with a yard. Another perk is that these pups barely bark.
Their short coat is very easy to care for and only requires weekly brushing and occasional baths. While smart, the whippet has a bit of a mischievous personality that can be a little tricky to reign in when training.
Breed overview Height: 19 to 21 inches Weight: 25 to 40 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years Ease of care: 4/5 12. Great Dane
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Don't be intimidated by the Great Dane's mighty stature; this pup is a true gentle giant. This sweet-natured, patient, ultra-friendly dog bonds with its family quickly and remains loyal through and through—they're even great with children. However gentle, the Great Dane also makes for a courageous and vigilant watchdog as well. Regarding training, this breed does benefit from professional obedience training in order to harness its full potential. They also should be brushed weekly, bathed occasionally and have their nails trimmed monthly.
Breed overview Height: 28 to 30 inches Weight: 110 to 175 pounds Life expectancy: 7 to 10 years Ease of care: 3/5 13. Irish setter
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If you're in the market for a lovable, friendly pup that's perhaps not quite as well-known as other breeds, the Irish setter might be your match. These sweet dogs get along and bond quickly with everyone they meet, including kids, adults, seniors and other animals. They do tend to be a bit on the rambunctious side, so a playful and active setting is ideal. They are also eager to please and respond well to patient training, notes the AKC. Moderate grooming is required, including twice-weekly brushing, monthly nail trims and occasional baths.
Breed overview Height: 25 to 27 inches Weight: 60 to 70 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years Ease of care: 4/5 14. Bernese mountain dog
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The powerful and sweet-natured Bernese mountain dog is a family companion that will bring joy to any home. They're on our list of the best dogs for beginners because they are easy to train, exceptionally patient with everyone (including kiddos) and get along easily with many personalities and even other animals. Their big size can be intimidating, but they're softies who love to stick close to their humans. In fact, they can be a little shy! Frequent shedding is an issue with this breed, and they require a good brushing two to three times a week.
Breed overview Height: 23 to 27.5 inches Weight: 70 to 115 pounds Life expectancy: 7 to 10 years Ease of care: 4/5 15. Schipperke
volofin/Getty Images. Also called schips, this dog is absolutely lovey-dovey when it comes to showing affection for its family, says the AKC. Schipperkes, named the little captain of Belgium after becoming popular on barges, are small dogs built for hard work. They are independent and do have an instinctive nature to explore, so they should to be trained to come when called as early as possible. But with appropriate training, this fox-like watchdog is eager to please and can learn almost anything, making it one of best dogs for first-time owners.
Breed Overview Height: 10 to 12 inches Weight: 10 to 16 pounds Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years Ease of care: 4/5 FAQs What should you consider before becoming a first-time dog owner?Before getting a dog for the first time, Dr. Savageau says to ask yourself why you want a pet in the first place and whether you're prepared for a potentially 10-plus year commitment that comes with monthly expenses. "Consider your motivations and whether you are ready for the responsibilities of pet ownership," she says. "Also, assess your lifestyle, living situation and preferences to choose a compatible pet. Finally, consider how a pet fits into your long-term plans and any potential changes in your life."
What dog breeds should first-time owners avoid?Ultimately, Phifer says that the best fit for a first-time dog owner will depend on individual preferences, lifestyle and circumstances. However, some breeds are known for being difficult to train, including chow chows, beagles, huskies, basset hounds, dachsunds, Chihuahuas and bulldogs.
"You must remember that individual temperament and training can vary within the breed, so prospective owners should still research and meet individual dogs before deciding," Phifer says. "Additionally, seeking guidance from reputable breeders, rescue organizations or a certified professional dog trainer can help ensure a successful match between owner and dog."
Why trust usAt Reader's Digest, we're committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece, Wendy Rose Gould tapped her experience as a writer covering pets, and then Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
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