Border Collie Poodle Mix: Bordoodle Breed Information

Thinking of adopting a Bordoodle, the adorable result of a Border Collie Poodle mix? Let us introduce you to this rather famous Doodle mix, the Bordoodle. This pup combines the Border Collie with a Poodle. These two breeds are two of the smartest dogs in the world, so you can be sure you are getting an extremely intelligent pup. But is it the right dog for your family?

Bordoodles are energetic dogs that need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. They hate to be left alone for too long. If you are looking for a gorgeous teddy bear lookalike, who also comes with brains, look no further than this pup.

But he hasn’t just got beauty and brains. He also brings fun, entertainment, and cuddles to your everyday life. What more could you want? Well, there is a lot more to the Bordoodle than just this. So, let’s take a look at what else they have to offer and, more importantly, if you’ve got what it takes to be a Bordoodle mom or dad. Let’s go!

Parent Breeds

Because the Bordoodle is a mixed breed, he will inherit characteristics from both of his parents. Although this might sound obvious, many owners take on mixed breeds hoping that he will turn out just like one parent. But this is not how it works, and you need to like both parents just as much as each other. So, let’s learn a little more about them both.

Border Collie

The Border Collie is one of the best herding dogs in the world, and he is from wee bonnie Scotland. He is a workaholic, and he either needs a job as a ranch herder or he needs to be placed with a family that can offer him intense exercise and mental stimulation.

He is also ranked as the most intelligent dog breed in the world time after time. With this comes responsibility, in that you need to provide him with exercise and mental stimulation to keep his smart brain happy. He is suitable for all families, but you might find him trying to herd young children or smaller animals in the house.

Border Collies are affectionate with their family. They enjoy an evening snuggle in front of the fire with those they are closest to. He is a sensitive dog who prefers the company of his own family. Rather than living with a sociable family who is continually inviting friends and strangers over to the house.

Poodle

This guy is a duck hunter from Germany. However, he is also the national dog of France thanks to his pretty pompon haircut and frolicky nature. But there is more to this guy than his looks because he also has the brains. The Poodle is another smart breed that regularly tops intelligent dog breed lists.

He is a working dog breed who also has a lot of energy, and he regularly forgets to switch this off in the home. He is fun and fearless and provides a lot of entertainment for his family. Only after a fun-filled day will he settle for the evening.

The Poodle’s coat is hypoallergenic and sheds much less than other dogs. It is for this reason that he is chosen as a mixer for hybrids. There are three sizes of Poodle, the toy, the miniature, and the standard. Their size difference is vast, as are their energy differences and personalities.

Bordoodle

Are Bordoodles good pets? Yes, when in the right home, with caring owners. Thanks to both of his parents, the Bordoodle has the brains and the beauty. The personality and appearance of mixed dogs are never a given, but this guy usually takes the best of both of his parents. He really is the whole package, so let’s find out if he is the canine bundle for you.

Temperament

Bordoodles are loving and gentle dogs when it comes to family time. He loves to cuddle up with his human pack. And with his fluffy coat, he makes a terrific canine hot water bottle. He doesn’t have a favorite family member, but just whoever is up for fussing over him the most.

He is aloof with strangers, especially ones who come onto his property. But thanks to his Poodle genes, he will eventually warm up to them. He won’t be too in their face, which is a bonus for those guests who aren’t a fan of doggy hair on their outfits. This balance of stranger friendliness makes him approachable and lovable. And it creates a positive interaction for all.

He has lots of energy that needs an outlet. Otherwise, he might take it out on your favorite furniture. So, in addition to his exercise time, he needs a family that can play with him continually throughout the day. If you’ve always dreamt of having a dog who loves to fetch, this could be the one for you.

This hybrid hound is also super-intelligent and, as such, very obedient. So, if you want a dog who can perform tricks and is at your every beck and call, he might be the one for you. This guy doesn’t just become perfect on his own, though. He does need training like all other dogs, but he’ll catch on much quicker than most. People often ask if the Bordoodle barks a lot due to the vocal nature of his parents. The good news is these mixed pups tend to be less barky than either parent breed.

He is an adaptable dog just as long as he gets the exercise that he needs and the company and attention that he deserves. This means that he is suited to most family environments and has an overall well-mannered temperament that most people love.

Size & Appearance

The Bordoodle’s size is entirely dependent on the size of his Poodle parent. Usually, the Bordoodle will be mixed with the standard-sized Poodle. If he is a puppy of the standard-sized Poodle, he will measure between 16 and 22 inches tall. And he will weigh between 35 and 65 pounds. 

But some breeders may choose to breed the miniature-sized Poodle with the Border Collie. This is just one of many reasons why you should always work with a reputable breeder. Not only will they do what’s best for the pup, but they will also be able to show you their parents and predict what size he is likely to be.

He is usually a medium-sized dog who has an athletic body under all that fur of his. He has cute button eyes and nose, and his ears usually drop down rather than stand erect. Just like all new mixed breeds, his appearance can turn out in a variety of ways. And no one really knows until he is born.

He also might inherit heterochromia from his Border Collie parent, which is where one eye might be blue, and the other brown. This is not linked to any health concerns. It just makes him look all the more unique. But dark brown is the typical eye color of the Bordoodle. They are often mistaken for an Aussiepoo, as the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie are also very similar in looks.

Coat & Colors

The Bordoodle usually takes the coat of the Border Collie but with the loose curls of the Poodle. This makes him look like a cuddly canine teddy bear and one that all the children and grown-ups alike want to pet.

His coat is medium-length. His Border Collie parent is a heavy shedder, and his Poodle parent is a hypoallergenic dog who sheds very little. The Bordoodle’s coat may take after either parent. Or he might fall somewhere in the middle. However, if you are seeking a low-shedding dog or one who is hypoallergenic, you cannot count on the Bordoodle for this.

He usually sports the black and white colors of the traditional Border Collie parent. However, he has also been known to take on any color of the Poodle, which can be white, black, brown, silver, cream, red, and apricot. Or a combination of any of them.

Exercise & Living Conditions

The Bordoodle is an energetic dog who needs at least 45 minutes of exercise every day. However, this could be up to an hour, considering that both of his parents are working breeds. However much exercise he needs, expect that it needs to be intense to burn that energy of his up. A leisurely stroll around the block will not do with the Bordoodle.

On top of his exercise, he needs an equal amount of playtime to keep his brain busy. If he becomes bored, he’ll become destructive and unruly. Unruly behavior for this guy means losing his obedient streak and trying to herd children and other pets in the home.

When it comes to his living conditions, this guy would prefer to live in a home with access to a yard. Intelligent dogs get restless being cooped up in a house all day long. It’s doubtful that he will be happy living in a small apartment, either.

He will live happily with small children in the home, and you’ll probably find that he becomes very fond of the young people in your family. Just be careful that he doesn’t try to herd them because this can be annoying and intimidating for young ones. Equally, he might try his luck on the other pets in the house too, which could end up in a spat.

If you notice any herding behavior in the home, it is likely that he is bored. So, take it as a sign that you need to take him out more. You also need to train bad behavior out of him, which we will cover in the next section.

Training

Yes, the Bordoodle is one of the most intelligent mixed dog breeds, but he doesn’t just become that way overnight. He needs to be taught his manners and commands, just like any other dog. Get the ball rolling and start training him as soon as you welcome him into your home. This will increase your chances of having an obedient pooch by your side.

This guy is reserved, so it’s important to socialize him early to avoid him becoming too shy or overprotective. Introduce him to as many dogs and humans as possible, both on your estate and outside of the home. Make it a pleasant experience every time so that he comes to know that not everyone is an enemy.

Because of his Border Collie herding genes, you need to keep an eye on his behavior in the home. He has a tendency, especially when bored, to herd children or small animals. It is not to be tolerated, and be sure to discourage it straight away. Thankfully, as he is so smart, he’ll learn quickly that herding is not allowed.

It’s also a good idea to start grooming him right away because you’ll be doing a lot of it. He needs to become accustomed to it. And if he doesn’t like it, it’ll be tricky for you to do it. Again, make it a pleasurable experience, with lots of squeaky “who’s a good boy” and yummy treats.

Health

The Bordoodle is a relatively healthy dog that enjoys a long lifespan of 11 to 16 years. Being a mixed hybrid, he could inherit the health concerns from either breed. As with any dog, make yourself aware of the health concerns most familiar to the breeds, and make yourself aware of the symptoms.

Based on the health concerns of the Border Collie and the standard-sized Poodle, here are the conditions that might affect the Bordoodle:

Hip dysplasia: both the Border Collie and the Poodle suffer from hip dysplasia, meaning he is predisposed to this condition. Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint socket, which is painful and can lead to arthritis and loss of limb usage in later life.

Eye conditions: again, both of his parents suffer from a variety of eye concerns. The most common are progressive retinal atrophy, collie eye, and cataracts. Each of these can lead to a loss of eyesight if left untreated.

Just because he is predisposed to specific health conditions doesn’t mean that he will suffer from them. And just because his breed doesn’t usually suffer from an ailment doesn’t mean he won’t get it. Understand and listen to your Bordoodle’s body, and keep up with regular vaccinations and vet appointments to ensure good health.

Nutrition

The Bordoodle will consume around 2 ½ cups of food every day. They are known to have sensitive stomachs, so chicken-free dog food can help keep their stomach calm. He will do well on high-quality kibble that will provide him with a balanced diet. Although protein is the most significant part of a canine’s diet, he also needs healthy carbohydrates, fiber, omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to lead a healthy life.

It is essential to feed him life-stage appropriate food because his nutrient needs are different when he is a puppy compared to when he is an adult and a senior. When he reaches the age of 12 months, you should switch him to an adult kibble. And when he reaches the age of 7 or 8, you should look to feed him senior kibble.

Omega fatty acids are vital for a dog that is very active and continuously moving. His bones and joints are worked a lot, too, so you need to ensure that he gets enough glucosamine. Look for ingredients in his kibble, such as meat meals, fish, fish oils, flaxseed, eggs, chicken fat, and canola oil, to name just a few. They will also help to keep his coat beautiful and healthy, as well as a multitude of other benefits.

Always feed him the best quality diet that you can afford because this will better his health. In the long run, this could mean that he is with you for a bit longer. And if he is healthier, it could save on expensive vet bills too.

Grooming

The Bordoodle is likely to be a light to moderate shedder, depending on which parent he takes after. The Bordoodle’s Border Collie parent sheds, which means your pup will likely shed more if they take after this side of the breed.  If they take after their Poodle parent, they will shed less, as Poodles are known to be hypoallergenic dogs. His Border parent also has a longer, straighter coat, compared to the Poodle, who has a shorter but curly coat.

So, depending on who he takes after more will determine his brushing schedule. If he is more like his Border parent but with loose curls, he’ll need brushing every other day to ensure that his coat doesn’t become matted. If he has a shorter coat that sheds lightly, he’ll need brushing only twice a week.

When it comes to the Bordoodle’s coat, it is all about common sense. You’ll soon know that you need to brush him more if you find tangles on his coat. Or if your house is being taken over by hair hurricanes. He will need bathing once every 8 to 12 weeks to keep him smelling clean and looking smart. Find a gentle and natural shampoo that will soothe his skin.

Because the Bordoodle suffers from a variety of eye concerns, you should check his eyes once a week to make sure that they look healthy. If they are weeping, you notice any changes in their appearance, or he is scratching them, you should take him to the vet for a check-up just in case.

Breeders & Puppy Costs

The cost of a Bordoodle puppy from a reputable breeder is, on average, between $700 and $1,500. Doodle mixes are increasingly popular because they are cute and shed less, so this is often a driving factor when it comes to pricing.

Remember that the initial cost isn’t the only price factor you need to consider. There are puppy beds, collars, toys, vet bills, insurance, and much more to consider too.

You might find a Bordoodle for a lower price than the guideline above. But if you do, beware that they are probably an unscrupulous breeder. Both these and puppy mills are only concerned with maximum profit rather than puppy health. So please avoid them at all costs.

Only work with reputable breeders who will meet you in person and allow you to meet the puppies and their parents too. They will show you health clearances and talk you through what to expect. If you get a good feeling, stick with them. If you don’t, walk away.

Rescue & Shelters

If you are considering rescuing a Bordoodle, welcome to the rescue club! As rescue moms and dads, we know that rescuing is one of the best feelings in the world.

Visit your local rescue centers to see if there is a Bordoodle there. But bear in mind that these guys aren’t as common as other doodle mixes. So you might have to wait a bit.

If you cannot find a Bordoodle, why not check out dedicated breed organizations that focus their efforts solely on one breed and their mixes? The Border Collie Rescue website and the Poodle Rescue Foundation website both list dedicated rescues state by state.

As Family Pets

• The Bordoodle is fun and playful.
• He is very smart and will probably outsmart his humans at most games.
• He is quick to learn and very obedient.
• Bordoodles are active and need at least 45 minutes of daily exercise.
• They need plenty of playtime throughout the day to burn off their energy.
• The Bordoodle is a light to moderate shedder who needs weekly brushing.
• He is aloof with strangers but warms up to people quickly.
• The Bordoodle can live with young children and other family pets.
• But you need to keep an eye on herding behavior in the family home.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, possibly the smartest doodle mix out there. And not only does he have the brains, but he also has the cuddly beauty to go with it. He is fun but knows when to be calm and cuddle on the sofa. He is energetic and will need plenty of exercise. Bordoodles are reserved but friendly once they get to know people.

His excellent manner makes him a wonderful family pet for most families, and he can live with both small children and other pets too. You can’t go far wrong with this guy, and all he needs is company, exercise, and lots of love. But with a gorgeous face, how could anyone resist?!