The BordoDoole is a very popular dog breed in the United States, Canada and Australia. The breed was developed by Dr. John C. Borden of California to be an all-around pet that would excel at agility, obedience, tracking, hunting and herding. The BordoDoole has been recognized as a member of the Working Group of the American Kennel Club (AKC).
The BordoDoole originated from the crossing of two breeds: the German Shepherd Dog and the Border Collie. The first breeding pair consisted of a male German Shepherd Dog named “Bord” and a female Border Collie named “Doole”. In 1894, the BordoDoole was registered with the AKC and became one of the first dogs to be registered under the new name.
The BordoDoole’s coat comes in three colors: black, blue or tan. The body color should not be too dark because it will make the dog appear heavier than its actual weight. The head is large and round, with a broad forehead and ears that are set wide apart on top. They have a short muzzle, strong jaws and a flat nose. Their eyes are medium-sized and almond shaped. The tail is long and bushy. It should never be docked.
Are you thinking of getting a Bordoodle (Border Collie & Poodle Mix)? This cute mixed breed is also called the Borpoo or Borderpoo, a cross between the Poodle and Border Collie!
Before you purchase Bordoodle puppies from a reputable breeder, look at what this hybrid breed is like here.
The Border Collie Poodle Parent Breeds
The Bordoodle is one of the relatively new Poodle mixed breeds, so there isn’t much accurate information about its origins. On the other hand, their parent breeds have a long, exciting history!
We are familiar with the Poodle, which originated in Germany and rose to fame in France as a waterfowl retriever.
As for the Border Collie, Queen Victoria loved this intelligent breed, which descended from British sheep-herding dogs. People even called Border Collies the “Scotch Sheep Dog.”
Border Collies is ranked the most intelligent dog breed and are such workaholics. These dogs work as ranch herders with incredible natural herding instincts!
Border Collie Poodle Mix Appearance
There’s no way to tell what a Bordoodle will end up looking like when they grow into adults. These mixed breed dogs also vary in size, depending on the Poodle parent variety.
Toy Bordoodle
The Toy Bordoodle is the smallest among the Bordoodles, bred with a smaller Border Collie and Toy Poodle.
These dogs have lower energy levels because of their small size. Not only are they suitable for less active owners, but those living in small spaces, like apartments or RVs. Toy Bordoodles still require daily exercise, but not as long and intense as the bigger Bordoodles.
Mini Bordoodle
We also call this the Medium Bordoodle, a dog that stands at 15-18 inches in height, weighing between 30-40 pounds. It hits the sweet spot in size, suitable for active owners living in apartments or larger houses.
Standard Bordoodle
Standard Bordoodles is the biggest among the Bordoodles. These dogs weigh over 40 pounds, standing at 18-22 inches in height.
Given their large size, the Standard Bordoodle requires much exercise. We recommend these dogs for potential owners with an active lifestyle and living in larger homes with a backyard.
Bordoodle Coat
Bordoodles have a range of coat colors and types, depending on what they inherit from their parent dogs.
Usually, these dogs have a medium-length coat. Bordoodles can have a wavy or curly coat, typically having the Border Collie coat with the Poodle’s loose curls.
Unfortunately, you can’t expect a non-shedding coat with the Bordoodle. Do poodles shed? The Border Collie sheds a lot while the Poodle has a low-shedding coat, so you can expect the Bordoodle to fall somewhere in the middle.
Because of that, we can’t count on Bordoodles to be a hypoallergenic breed.
As for coat colors, Borododles are typically born with the black and white colors of the Border Collie parent. However, the Bordoodle can also inherit the Poodle parent’s color, which can range from:
- Black
- Brown
- White
- Cream
- Silver
- Apricot
- Red
Some dogs can even have a combination of two to three colors!
Border Collie Poodle Mix Temperament
The Bordoodle is an intelligent breed with a ton of love in him. These are loving and gentle dogs that adore family time. Expect a lot of cuddles after exercising!
That said, Bordoodles may be aloof with strangers but not to the point they show aggressive behavior. As long as you socialize your Bordoodle early on, he will be calm as he meets new people and animals.
Bordoodles will love living with children, making them excellent family pets. But you have to be careful, as Bordoodles may try herding small children, which can be intimidating and irritating for your young ones. Your Bordoodle might try herding his human family and other pets, which can end in fights.
If your Bordoodle begins any form of herding behavior, it indicates boredom. Take your Bordoodle out for training or exercise to reduce its daily energy level!
Are Bordoodles Great Family Pets?
We believe that Bordoodles make excellent companions, but we don’t recommend them for novice dog owners. Given the size of Bordoodles and extensive needs, novice dog owners might have difficulty keeping up at first!
But if you and your family are ready for the exercise, training, food, grooming, and health requirements, then you’ll get a giant teddy bear who will love you for life. Invest time into understanding your Bordoodle to help provide the best quality of life he deserves.
Border Collie Poodle Mix Health Issues
Bordoodles are relatively healthy breeds that can live for 12-15 years. Unfortunately, Bordoodles are still prone to certain genetic health conditions, such as:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Cataracts
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Seizures
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Addison’s Disease
- Sebaceous Adenitis
- Bloat
While you may feel worried about these health concerns, they are preventable through regular vet check-ups and updated vaccinations. You may also want to have your Bordoodle go through genetic testing to know what conditions to prevent and treat as he grows up.
Border Collie Poodle Mix Training and Regular Exercise Requirements
Both Border Collies and Poodles are intelligent dog breeds, so you can expect the Bordoodle to be the same. Bordoodles are obedient as they are smart so that you can teach your dog a lot of complex tricks, and he can catch on quicker than other dogs!
Use positive reinforcement when training a Bordoodle with many praises and enough treats. 10-15 minutes of obedience and agility training a day is enough, rather than long sessions once a week. Consistency and routine are critical for an obedient and well-mannered dog!
This energetic dog requires at least 45 minutes of exercise every day. You can go up to an hour of brisk walks or 30-45 minutes of very intense exercise. Whatever kind of activity you do with your dog, make sure you give it plenty of exercise to expend all its energy.
You should also make sure that your Bordoodle receives an adequate amount of mental stimulation. You can do that by leaving mentally-stimulating toys, playing indoor games like fetch, and through obedience training.
Because of that, the Bordoodle is perfect for an active family. As long as owners give Bordoodles the time of day for physical exercise and mental stimulation, they have a happy dog who will love to cuddle at the end of the day.
Even with a medium energy level, you have to give your dog lots of exercise every day. If not, your Bordoodle can end up feeling bored and frustrated, which leads to destructive behavior.
Border Collie Poodle Food Requirements
Make sure you feed your Bordoodle premium dog food the veterinarian recommends. It’s best to choose dog food rich in protein, omega fatty acids, and other vitamins and minerals needed for optimum health.
Talk with the veterinarian about how many cups of food your dog needs. On average, they need 2.5 cups of food daily, but this can vary. The high-quality food a Bordoodle should eat will depend on his age, gender, activity level, and any health condition he may have.
Since Bordoodles have sensitive stomachs, only feed it premium dog food and in small amounts. Don’t overfeed your dog or give it too much in one go. Furthermore, don’t give your dog too many treats or feed any human food!
Border Collie Poodle Regular Grooming Requirements
Bordoodles, like Poodles, have extensive grooming requirements. If your Bordoodle has loose curls, he requires daily brushing or at least every other day. If your dog has a shorter coat that only sheds lightly, weekly brushing will do fine.
Bordoodles will require a haircut and bath at least once every 8-12 weeks, using a gentle and natural shampoo. You can learn to groom your Bordoodle or take him to a professional groomer.
Since Borderdoodles are at risk of eye conditions and ear infections, you must check your dog’s eyes and ears once a week for cleaning and inspection. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact the vet for a check-up in case.
How Much is a Border Collie Poodle Mix?
Usually, a Border Collie Poodle mix would cost between $700 to $1,500, depending on where you’re from, the breeder reputation, parent breeds, and overall demand. Make sure to research and find a responsible breeder. Beware of puppy mills that quote meager prices. Puppy mills don’t prioritize puppy health.
You’ll know you are transacting with an experienced breeder if they are willing to answer all your queries and provide all documentation needed for a smooth process.
Besides purchasing from a responsible breeder, people can also choose to adopt older Border Collie Poodle mixes from their local animal shelter. You can search online or contact rescue groups to see if they have rescue Bordoodles. You only have to pay a minimal adoption fee then go through a screening and interview process for this option.
Note that you’ll most likely get an adult Bordoodle than a puppy. However, adoption is an excellent option as it puts one dog off the streets, and you still get a lovely Bordoodle to love!