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Border Collie Poodle Mix: Characteristics Of The Bordoodle

Border Collie Poodle Mix: Characteristics Of The Bordoodle

Bordoodle puppies look like living teddy bears, just in black and white. And, they act like that, too. They are the perfect family dog, friendly and sweet towards everyone.

The Bordoodle is a Border Collie and a Poodle mixed breed growing in popularity. This Border Collie Poodle mix inherited all the best traits of both parents.

What sets them apart from most dogs is their intellect. Bordoodles are smart, friendly, and playful. Of course, when needed, they know how to protect their family. Due to their intelligence, they can become stubborn and destructive, becoming a problem for dog owners.

This article will tell you more about the Bordoodle by describing their genetic characteristics and answering your questions. Therefore, stay tuned and learn more about this fantastic mixed breed.

Border Collie Poodle Mix: What Is A Bordoodle?

old bordoodle sitting on grass looking away

A Bordoodle is a mix between the Border Collie and the Standard Poodle. The mix is a cross-breed of two intelligent dog breeds.

The Border Collie is known as a herding dog, and the Poodle is the ultimate family dog. Both breeds are medium-sized dogs, and so are their offspring. The breed is also known as the Borderpoo, the Borderdoodle, and the Borpoo.

Their mix is the Bordoodle; the perfect dog for people who want a companion they can play fetch with, hike with, and take on long walks. Considering that the breed’s parents are known as a few of the most intelligent dog breeds out there, it is no wonder why they are so smart.

This pooch is known for its non-shedding, ease of training, and loyalty to your family. All in all, these dogs are perfect for first-time pet owners since they do nothing in excess while being extremely smart and, most importantly, extremely cute.

Border Collie Poodle Mix Genetics

Border Collie and standard poodle

The Bordoodle was first bred in the United States in the 1990s. The Borpoo is not a purebred dog breed, meaning that one litter can have various coat types, temperaments, and needs.

This designer dog mix has a history of mystery since the exact origin is unknown. All we know is that they have been recently standardized as a mix since Border Collies and Poodles have been mixing for ages.

That is, only recently have these Border Collie Poodle mixes gotten their name and breed mix standards. This surprises us since this mix is extremely intelligent and friendly.

Since this is a designer breed, always make sure your puppy does not come from a puppy mill. If possible, meet your pup’s parents and see where they live.

This way, you will see where your puppy will spend its first days, and also see its genetics. This means that you can see what size, fur colors, and temper you can expect from your future dog.

The Bordoodles’ parents are purebred dogs, both of the breeds being extremely popular as pets. This is why numerous kennel clubs recognized this hybrid, including the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.

Since this is a mixed breed, the American Kennel Club does not recognize it, just like any other Doodle mix. On the other hand, the AKC recognizes its parent breeds (the Border Collie and the Standard Poodle).

These dogs are great for families, and are recommended for first-time dog owners. They are extremely friendly, but also protective of their family. Even if you have small children, older family members, or other pets, you can add this dog to the family without worry.

Bordoodle Breed Standards

Bordoodle standing on stairs

Photo from: @lynda.gardener

When you mix two of the smartest family dogs around, what do you get? You get a hybrid breed called the Bordoodle.

As said before, Poodles and Border Collies often mixed in the past. Only recently, when designed dog mixes became a thing, a standardized name for these smart pups occurred.

This means that a standardized model for this Poodle Border Collie mix appeared only recently. Generally speaking, the dogs are medium-sized, with curly fur and a pleasant nature.

Of course, a disclaimer is needed. This is not a fully standardized mixed breed. Therefore, size, fur, and temperament can all vary depending on their genes. This means that two Bordoodles can have the same parents but appear different.

Bordoodle’s coat

When one says that Bordoodles have curly hair that doesn’t shed, this is speaking generally. This breed is new and still not fully standardized, and therefore, numerous exceptions are to be expected.

Here are some coat types that appear in the Bordoodle family:

Black and white Bordoodles

• Bicolored Bordoodles

Blue Merle Bordoodles

• Black, white, brown, and gray Bordoodles

Bordoodles have curly hair like their Poodle parent and fluffy hair like their Border Collie parent. The curly coat they inherited from their poodle parents is hypoallergenic and will not cause sneezing and coughing even for fur-allergic people.

The coat comes in different colors, some of which might be unexpected. This mixed breed dog comes in the same color schemes as its parents, which includes black, white, black and white, gray, brown, golden, chocolate, and apricot.

Unlike the Poodle’s coat, Bordoodles are almost always bicolored. Just like both of its parent breeds, the Bordoodle is medium-sized, with a life span of 11 to 16 years. They weigh 35 to 65 pounds, and reach a height of up to 20 inches.

Border Collie Poodle Mix Characteristics

Bordoodle sitting on floor looking up

Photo from: @kelseyandfive

Every dog is different, but there are some things that certain breeds have in common. Often, these are things they inherit from their parent breeds, and with the Bordoodle, its energy, temperament, health, and nutrition.

Energy

With both parents being high energy and one of the smartest dogs around, it’s not hard to turn out amazing. The Bordoodle is therefore highly trainable and extremely friendly.

Being this smart has its downsides since sometimes, if not socialized on time, Bordoodles become anxious and hyperactive. Therefore, one needs socialization and training for their Bordoodle as soon as possible.

If you’re an active family that likes the outdoors, then this beautiful pup is the best match for you. With the right amount of training, they will be open to anyone willing to play with them.

The amount of energy your Bordoodle has depends on which parent they inherited their energy from. If you’re lucky enough to have your pup inherit the same energy as the Poddle, you can keep them in your apartment.

On the other hand, if your pup’s energy is more like the Border Collie parent, you need a back yard so they can let some steam out. Border Collies, including some Bordoodles, are energetic dogs. Therefore, they will need a house and a front lawn or back yard where they can exercise.

Needless to say, disregarding the energy of your dog, they need to be taken out for a walk three times a day. These can be two short walks and one long walk. The most important thing is that they are outside to do their deeds.

Temperament

With a mixed breed like the Bordoodle, one can never expect the pooch to be exactly like one of the parent breeds. In other words, you cannot purchase a Bordoodle and expect it to be exactly like a Poodle or exactly like a Border Collie.

Every dog is different, and whose temperament they inherit is just luck. In any case, the Bordoodle is a new breed, so their temperament and exercise needs depend solely on the dog’s preferences since there is no standardization of the mix.

In the end, you need to be smart (like your dog) and figure out what makes them tick. See whose genes they inherited, and give them the amount of exercise and fun they need. That’s how you will keep your Bordoodle a happy and healthy dog!

Nutrition

This smart dog mix needs high-quality kibble to keep his brain going. If you can afford it, feed your dog the highest quality food. Of course, this food needs to be appropriate for his age and size.

In the long run, quality food will provide your dog with a longer life and keep him healthy. Bordoodles often have upset stomachs; therefore, protein-rich foods are often not good.

Of course, protein is a key ingredient in a canine’s nutrition. In the case of Bordoodles, you will need a feed that does not have chicken, but other protein sources. Your dog will need carb-rich food full of omega fatty acids, fiber, and vitamins.

Why are omega fatty acids so essential to a Bordoodle? As this is an active and energetic dog, he often has joint and hip problems. This occurs due to an omega acid deficiency.

Your pooch needs enough of this acid to keep him going for a long time, so look for kibble that has fish, flaxseed oil, eggs, and other fatty oils. This will help his joints, muscles, bones, and fur stay healthy.

Health

The life expectancy of a Bordoodle lies between 11 and 16 years. Like any responsible dog parent, you must know which health problems your pooch could experience. This is why we prepared a list of health concerns and some of their symptoms for you.

Here are the health problems that any Bordoodle could experience due to their genes from both the Standard Poodle and the Border Collie parent:

• Epilepsy: Standard Poodles are dogs that are most prone to seizures and epilepsy.

• Bloat: As said before, Bordoodles have a sensitive stomach that does not do well when given too much protein from chicken.

• Hip dysplasia: This is a predisposed health issue for Bordoodles, especially if they are bigger.

• Progressive retinal atrophy: Eye health issues are something that both the Border Collie and the Standard Poodle experience. If left untreated, your pooch could lose its eyesight.

Of course, it is never safe to make assumptions, so going to the veterinarian regularly and keeping an eye on your pet’s health is crucial. Don’t just look for signs of these diseases since some Bordoodles can also experience other health issues.

Border Collie Poodle Mix Care

Bordoodle sitting in car

Photo from: @kelseyandfive

The Border Collie Poodle mix has hypoallergenic fur, making it the perfect dog for those with an allergy or just don’t want dog hair on everything they own. The Bordoodle rarely sheds due to the curly and thick fur they inherited from their dog parents.

The Bordoodle inherited the best genes from its parents, meaning that it is the perfect family dog, ready for any kind of adventure. Take them hiking, to the park, or for a short afternoon walk, and they will be happy.

If you’re looking for new ideas about what to do with your pet, you can always take an afternoon walk in the park, take a dip in the river or lake, or the universal answer: teach them new tricks for mental stimulation. This way, you will keep their mind and paws occupied.

When talking about tricks, you need to know that Bordoodles can grow up to be stubborn. Being smart can cause them to get separation anxiety and start being destructive.

Of course, this only occurs if you did not do enough obedience training with them while they were pups. Therefore, plan ahead, train your pup, and socialize it before your living room is torn to shreds.

Grooming

The Bordoodle’s coat needs to be groomed by a professional groomer since this is a mixed breed that rarely inherits the same fur type. This means their coat can be thick and straight or curly and thin.

The owner needs to brush its fur at least two times a week. Of course, give it an occasional bath if their fur is inherited from the Border Collie parent to minimize the smell. Grooming is done occasionally, and it will result in more shedding.

If your Bordoodle puppy has curly hair like her Poodle parent, shedding should be minimal. Of course, regular grooming and brushing are required to keep the fur healthy and detangled.

On the other hand, if their fur looks like a Border Collie, less brushing and grooming are needed, but more baths are required.

How Much Do Bordoodles Cost?

Bordoodle standing outside

The average cost of a Bordoodle puppy is $1,000 to $3,000. This price can vary depending on the breeder and the puppy’s parents.

If you’re rescuing, you can expect this price to drop to $250 or even less, but you will most likely not get a puppy. In any case, adopting is better than buying a dog, so we recommend you give this option a thought, too.

If you’re buying from a respected breeder, the price falls between $2,000 and $3,000. This is because the puppy’s parents are taken into consideration. Of course, the breeder’s working hours, the mother’s feeding, and medical bills are all calculated.

Bordoodles are not just cute, fluffy puppies; they are also hypoallergenic and do not shed much fur. This makes them perfect for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. In addition, these are dogs that are great for families and first-time pet owners.

Of course, these are new dog mixes that are rare, so the price is largely affected by this statistic. Considering this is a designer breed that occurred during the 2000s, the price is absolutely justified.

If you plan on purchasing a Bordoodle puppy, make sure it comes from a shelter or a trusted breeder. Never buy from puppy mills, which cause more damage to their dogs than good.

Are Bordoodles Good Dogs?

Yes, Bordoodles are one of the best dogs for active families. They are good with young children, experience low shedding, love to snuggle, and are hypoallergenic.

The Bordoodle is a crossbreed of the Border Collie and the Poodle. The Border Collie is a herding dog that they bred to herd sheep and cattle in Scotland. The Poodle was originally bred as a water retriever, a hunting dog, and even as a circus performer in France.

Both of its parents are smart as a whip. The Bordoodle is known for being intelligent, trainable, and good with children. They are also known for being playful and enjoying cuddling and playtime with their humans and other pets in the home.

Some say they are better than both of their parent breeds because they have all their best qualities combined into one animal!

Is A Border Collie Poodle Mix Hypoallergenic?

Some Bordoodles are hypoallergenic, while others are not. Generally, most of these dogs are hypoallergenic, but not in all cases. The answer to this question is not easy since it all depends on the fur, shedding, and, most importantly, the genes.

The Border Collie Poodle mix is a cross between two breeds that are both considered to be hypoallergenic. However, this does not mean that their offspring is allergen-free. If you have allergies, you should research before adopting one of these dogs.

If our new puppy has the hypoallergenic fur of its Standard Poodle parent, it will probably be hypoallergenic. On the other hand, if it inherited the wavy hairdo of the Border Collie, it would most likely not be hypoallergenic.

There is no definitive answer to the question of whether or not the Border Collie Poodle mix is hypoallergenic. Many factors come into play when determining if a dog will cause an allergic reaction in humans, including their hair type and how much they shed.

Therefore, the best answer is to spend time with both of the parents of your new puppy to see if it triggers any allergic reaction.

Are Bordoodles Aggressive?

Bordoodle dogs are not aggressive by nature. They have been bred to be intelligent, gentle, and good with kids.

With that being said, one needs to know that some Bordoodles are wary of strangers. They are most affectionate with their family, and they feel like they need to herd them. This means they do not look fondly to outsiders.

This goes especially if they invade their private space. Therefore, acustom and socialize your Bordoodle puppy with new faces now and then.

If not socialized and trained, your new puppy can also experience separation anxiety. Therefore, they can rip furniture to bits or chew on stool legs.

If your new puppy has too much energy that you are not helping them to use up, they might also feel restless.

Of course, none of these things mean that Bordoodles are aggressive or would ever attack another human. They are peace-loving snugglers, just like the Poodle and the Border Collie.

6 Tips For Border Collie Poodle Mix Owners

white bordoodle sitting on sofa

Photo from : @arty_mini_bordoodle

If you’re home with a Bordoodle puppy, or if you’re still considering getting one, here are some tips for keeping them happy and healthy:

1. Border Collie Poodle Mixes are a very energetic breed mix and require daily exercise and new tricks to keep them mentally stimulated.

2. They will need to be taken on long walks or given an outlet for their energy in the yard or in a field.

3. The Bordoodle’s eyes can be heterochromatic or have different colors, making them look extra-cool.

4. Bordoodles will only obey commands and do tricks if they see them as challenges.

5. The Bordoodle’s size and coat color can vary depending on their genes.

6. Since adopting is better, look for local Bordoodle, Border Collie, and Poodle rescue foundations. This way, you will help a Bordoodle and save some cash in the budget.

To Wrap Up

What doesn’t this dog have? Beauty, wits, and cuddliness.

Now that you know all of the Border Collie Poodle mix characteristics, should you go to the shelter and pick one out or contact a breeder?

If you ask us, yes. Bordoodles are totally worth it whether you’re looking for a guard dog or a family dog.

Of course, these dogs require some work, but they would feel right at home with an active and big family. In the end, they do combine the best from Border Collies and Poodles.

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