Is there a dog that perfectly complements smart, loyal, and loving, and is (mostly) hypoallergenic? More and more families and active people answer that question with a bordoodle.
The Bordoodle is the result of a cross between the Border Collie and the Poodle, and its popularity is astounding. But is a bordoodle the right fit for your life? No, this is not a disposable social media trend. This specific crossbreed guarantees you will spend your time and attention on a very active dog with a well-developed mind.
There is a lot of hype surrounding bordoodles, and this is the ultimate guide to help you get as close to the truth as possible about them by answering all your questions, including their unique characteristics and the realities of their care requirements. So, whether you have fallen in love with the bordoodle look and are considering bringing one into your family, you can now rest assured that you will have a roadmap for your bordoodle.
Table of Contents
1. What exactly is a bordoodle?
Bordoodle is a crossbreed, or a so-called designer dog, resulting from the intentional mixing of a purebred Border Collie and a purebred Poodle, which can be either a standard or mini poodle. As the name suggests, they are a mix of Border Collies and Poodles. Bordoodles are often crossbreeds that would never happen naturally in nature. Unlike many other mixed-breed dogs, bordoodles are usually deliberately planned as first-generation crossbreeds. This means that bordoodle litters exhibit a relatively wide range of phenotypic variation. This means that pu can vary in looks and appearance. This variation can also occur and affect their activity levels. However, a high level of smartness is a near certainty. Bordoodles are a good combination of different things, but the exact combination is a surprise. Some puppies might have the tight curls of the Poodle, while others might have the straighter and feathery coat of the collie.
Bordoodles are unique because they have a high emotional capacity and are smarter, more intelligent, more thoughtful, and more aware than other breeds. They are a very “people-oriented” breed. Bordoodles do have a breed trait that many breeds share: couch potato-ness. They inherit the Border Collie’s focus and the Poodle’s eagerness. This means they will have that trait of wanting to be included in everything you do.
Highly Intelligent & Trainable: bordoodles pick up new skills and commands quickly, showing great promise in obedience, agility, trick training, and even advanced skills. However, their intelligence comes with the downside of boredom, which, for an under-stimulated bordoodle, manifests in a wide variety of undesirable behaviors, including chewing, barking, and herding pets and children.
Loyal & Affectionate: They build strong, deep emotional connections with their people. Bordoodles are “velcro dogs” who will choose to lie close to your side, whether it’s at your workspace or in the kitchen. This can lead to separation anxiety, especially from an unaddressed puppy problem, so it needs to be managed.
Energetic & Playful: They have nearly limitless energy for games of fetch, outdoor adventures like hikes, and even just running around. These are great dogs for active, adventurous people, thanks to their health, high energy, and playful nature.
3. The Look of a Doodle: Appearance & Coat Types
The excitement of getting a bordoodle is trying to figure out what they will look like. Bordoodles can vary a lot in size. This is mainly determined by the size of the Poodle used. Mixing Bordoodles with Standard Poodles will result in a medium- to large-sized Bordoodle. Standard bordoodles will weigh 30-60 pounds and stand 15-22 inches tall. Mixing Bordoodles with Miniature Poodles produces smaller and medium-sized Bordoodles.
The coat type of Bordoodles can also vary widely. Factors such as hypoallergenicity and whether a bordoodle is a good fit for allergy sufferers can depend entirely on the coat and type of bordoodle you pick. This is because not all bordoodles are hypoallergenic.
Coat Types:
1. Fleece or Wavy Coat: This is the type of coat that you want to look for. This coat type is very soft and looks great. There is also minimal shedding, which is a plus. Classic Doodle looks are always pristine and require occasional brushing to prevent matting.
2. Curly Coat: This type of coat is very similar to what a poodle would have. The upside of this type of coat is that it is very hypoallergenic and sheds little. The downside is that it will require frequent grooming to prevent matting.
3. Straight or Hair Coat: With this coat, you start to see the looks of the Border Collie Parent. It will be smoother and will shed from a moderate to a heavy coat.
When you are choosing a bordoodle puppy from good breeders, they will be able to give you an idea of what coat type the puppy will have when it grows up.
4. Bordoodle’s Lifeline: Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Meeting bordoodle exercise expectations is a must. Spend around 60 to 90 minutes with your bordoodle and engage in rigorous exercise. Simply taking a walk around the block does not cut it.
Physical Exercise: Go running, hiking, swimming, or play some dog sports, like flyball, if you can! An all-day game of fetch or frisbee is a great option.
Mental Stimulation: Mental exercise is equally important, if not more. You might get your bordoodle a food puzzle or a snuffle mat. Consider a scent-work game to keep their focus, or have a quick 10-minute training session every day as a bordoodle trick. Keep their toys in rotation.
5. Grooming your bordoodle: More than a Haircut
A bordoodle with each coat type needs a committed grooming routine. The cute, shaggy look of your bordoodle will require some pricey maintenance.
Brushing: It’s best to brush your bordoodle with a wavy coat at least every other day. Make sure to use a slicker brush and a metal comb to reach the other unmoving layers of your bordoodle’s coat. You need to take some time to get to and prevent matting. Mats can pull the skin and, of course, cause infections.
Bathing and Grooming: Baths are required every 4-6 weeks, and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. This routine makes sure their coat stays healthy, manageable, and tidy. Neglecting this routine may cause their coat to mat. Matting can cause pain for the dog and may require shaving the entire coat to remove the matting.
The Basics: Routine nail trimming, ear cleaning (to prevent moisture buildup), and tooth brushing are also essential to keeping your dog healthy.
6. Training Your bordoodle
Engaging with your bordoodle in training is usually a pleasure because of their intelligence; however, it does require a lot of consistency, a positive attitude, and early socialization.
Start Early: After your bordoodle has had its vaccines, start socializing it. Positive experiences with a range of people, dogs, and other stimuli are essential. This helps prevent the bordoodle from becoming too shy or wary, a tendency that stems from both parents.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise, treats, and playtime are excellent motivators for these dogs and help strengthen your bond. Short training sessions are best for keeping their attention and making them fun.
Channel Their Instincts: Train your dog to play structured games with the other children. You can also play scent games like “find it.” Training activated bordoodles can turn them into polished children and wonderful dogs.
7. Bordoodle Health: Expect the Best, Prepare for the Worst
Bordoodles can exhibit hybrid vigor, which may lower their risk of health issues. But bordoodles may still have health concerns common to their bordoodle parent breeds. Responsible bordoodle breeders will health-screen both parents before breeding.
bordoodles can have health issues like:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Epilepsy
- skin allergies
- Collie Eye Anomaly
Since bordoodles can have health concerns, a responsible bordoodle breeder and a steady vet check on your bordoodle will give your bordoodle a longer life, which is typically between 12 and 15 years.
8. Is a Bordoodle a Good Family Dog?
Yes, bordoodles can be great family dogs, but there are things to keep in mind.
Bordoodles are great for:
- Active families and families who love spending time in the outdoors.
- Homes with older kids.
- Homes with big, secure, fenced yards.
- Dog parents have enough time to do extensive training.
bordoodles can be challenging for:
- First-time dog parents who are not ready for training.
- People who are not very active and live in a small space.
- Families with young children, such as toddlers or shy infants, are affected by the possible herding tendency of the nudge-and-run approach.
- Families where the dog will be left alone for long periods.
With the proper guidance, a bordoodle can become a valuable, adored, and wonderfully fun part of the family.
9. Finding a Bordoodle Breeder or Rescue That Seems Aligned with Your Values
Now that you are certain a bordoodle is for you, finding the ideal, ethical source is paramount.
For Breeders:
- Health Testing is Very Important: They should be able to show you OFA or PennHIP documents for hip health, vet ophthalmologist eye clearance certificates, and proof of genetic testing for both parents.
- They Ask You Questions: A conscientious breeder will grill you on your lifestyle to see if their puppy will fit within it.
- They Permit Visits: You should be allowed to see where both the puppies and the parents are raised.
- They have a Contract: This should include a health guarantee and a provision requiring you to return the dog to them if you can no longer care for it.
Consider Adoption: Look into nBordoodle-specific rescues and general Doodle rescues. Rescues often have older dogs with known personalities, and it can be a great way to give a dog a second chance.
10. The Final Decision: Is a Bordoodle Right For You?
The bordoodle is not a typical pet. It is a lifestyle choice. Having one of these fantastic dogs in your family means you will have to take on the role of their trainer, playmate, and the one who gives them a sense of purpose.
Ask yourself these questions sincerely:
- Do I have 1 to 2 hours a day to set aside for physical and mental exercises with the dog?
- Am I ready to take on the time and financial costs of regularly grooming the dog?
- Do I have the patience to let the dog learn through consistent, positive training and to let that take time?
- Is my home going to be ready for a dog to be my constant shadow?
If you answered yes to these questions, a bordoodle can give you an incredible partnership with an intelligent, loyal, and active dog. This is not just getting a dog; it is getting a brilliant, very active dog who will be a member of your family and encourage you to be more active and playful. For the right person or family, that is what a bordoodle is all about.
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