The Bordoodle is a hybrid dog breed, a cross between pure breeds Border Collie and Poodle, gaining popularity among pet owners worldwide. Bordoodle, also known as Borderdoodle or Borderpoo, is quickly becoming a favorite of many dog lovers due to its charming look, hypoallergenic coat, intelligence, and friendly personality.
Their high energy levels make them an excellent choice for active families who enjoy outdoor activities. These mixed-breed dogs come in various colors and sizes, depending on the size and color of the parent breed used in the breeding process.
| Parent Breeds | Border Collie & Poodle |
| First Cross Date | 1990s |
| Average Height | 12-22 inches |
| Average Weight | 13-27 kg (30-60 lbs) |
| Life Span | 12-15 Years |
| Colors | Black, White, Brown, Cream, Gray & Mix |
| Popular Names | Bordoodle, Borderdoodles, Borpoos, Borderpoos, Border Collie Poodle mix |
| Temperament | Playful, Friendly, Caring, Protective |
| Coat Texture | Wavy or Curly |
| Temperature Tolerance | Suitable for most climates |
| Sheading Nature | Year-round (Moderate) |
| Energy Level | High |
| Social/Attention Needs | Moderate |
| Grooming Frequency | Monthly |
In this blog post, we’ll explore the unique characteristics of Bordoodles, their care requirements, and why they make great pets for families and individuals alike.
Read on to learn more!
Highlights
- Bordoodles typically have wavy or curly coats in various colors, including black, white, brown, cream, and gray. They are considered hypoallergenic due to their low-shedding coat, making them a great choice for individuals with allergies.
- They are quick learners and excels in obedience training. They are also highly adaptable, making them suitable for various activities and lifestyles.
- Due to their herding ancestry, Bordoodles have an instinct to herd and may exhibit this behavior if not properly trained.
- They are active dogs that require regular exercise to remain healthy and happy. They enjoy going for walks, hiking, and playing fetch.
- They can become bored and destructive without proper exercise, so it’s essential to provide them with plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation.
- Borderdoodle is an excellent choice for individuals or families looking for a smart, trainable, and affectionate dog well-suited for an active lifestyle.
- Owners should be prepared to invest time and effort into training and providing them with the exercise and mental stimulation they need to thrive.
Bordoodle Parent Breeds
1) Border Collie
The purebred Border Collie is a breed of dog that originated in the border region between Scotland and England, hence the name “border.” This breed is known for its intelligence, agility, and excellent herding skills and is often considered one of the most trainable and responsive breeds.
The Border Collie’s history can be traced back to the 18th century when they were primarily used for herding sheep and other livestock. At that time, the breed was referred to as a “working collie,” It was not until the late 1800s that the breed became known as the Border Collie.
The AKC recognized the Border Collie in 1995.
The breed’s reputation as an excellent working dog spread quickly, and by the early 20th century, they were exported to other countries worldwide.
2) Poodle
For centuries, the purebred Poodle has been esteemed as an extraordinary breed, showcasing remarkable physical prowess and exceptional intellect. Originally developed for water retrieval tasks, the Poodle’s rich ancestry has flourished in its journey toward becoming a distinguished companion dog.
The celebrated German painter Albrecht Dürer vividly portrayed the Poodle’s illustrious history in a 15th-century artwork. His masterpiece eternalized the breed, emphasizing its alluring charm and unparalleled abilities throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.
As the Poodle transitioned into a cherished pet, it demonstrated exceptional skills in areas such as therapy and dog shows.
Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the breed’s association with European nobility solidified its position as an aristocratic canine. The Poodle’s elegant demeanor and hypoallergenic attributes have made it a preferred choice for individuals with allergies.
Its distinctive curly coat and captivating temperament have won the admiration of dog lovers across the globe.
The Poodle’s popularity surged in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed in 1887. Since then, the Poodle has consistently maintained its status as one of the most beloved dog breeds in the nation.
Bordoodle History
The Bordoodle’s history begins with the trend of crossing different dog breeds to create new designer breeds with desirable traits from each parent breed. The exact origin of the Bordoodle is unclear, but it is believed to have been first bred in the United States in the 1990s.
The border collie poodle mix is a relatively new designer dog breed that gained popularity globally in the late 20th century. It does not have a long or well-documented history as a hybrid breed, unlike its parent breeds, the Border Collie and the Poodle.
This hybrid dog was likely created to combine the Border Collie’s intelligence and herding ability with the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat and trainability.
Bernedoodles are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, they are recognized by some other canine organizations, such as the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Vital Stats
- Average Weight: 13-27 kg (30-60 lbs)
- Average Height: 12-22 inches
- Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Breed Group: Mixed Breed
Coat Color & Texture
- Color: Black, White, Brown, Cream, Gray & Mix
- Texture: Wavy or Curly
Bordoodle Traits & Characteristics
- Bordoodles are highly intelligent, inheriting this trait from the Border Collie and the Poodle, making them quick and highly trainable learners.
- They are known for their loving and friendly nature, forming strong bonds with their families and enjoying the cuddle time.
- Borpoos are an active breed with high energy levels, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
- They can adapt to various living situations, including apartments and houses with yards, as long as they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation.
- With proper socialization, Borderpoos generally get along well with other pets, animals, and people, including young kids.
- Bordoodles are fun-loving, friendly dogs and enjoy playing games, making them great companions for families and individuals.
- They are known for their loyalty and devotion to their families, often making them protective of their loved ones.
- Due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, they respond well to training and can excel in various dog sports and activities.
- Some Bordoodles may inherit the instinct from their Border Collie parent, which can lead to behaviors such as nipping, chasing, or attempting to herd other animals or people.
- They can be sensitive and responsive to their environment, making them in tune with their owner’s emotions and feelings.
- Their coat requires regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting and tangles and to maintain a healthy appearance.
Bordoodle Pros & Cons
| Bordoodle Pros | Bordoodle Cons |
|---|---|
| Bordoodles are highly intelligent dogs, making them quick learners and easy to train. | Bordoodles are energetic and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. |
| They love and bond closely with their families, making them excellent companions. | Their wavy or curly coat requires regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting and tangles. |
| Bordoodles are typically gentle and patient with children, making them suitable family pets. | They can inherit health problems from their parent breeds, such as hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and epilepsy. |
| They have a low-shedding coat, making them more suitable for people with allergies. | They can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, which may result in destructive behaviors or excessive barking. |
| They can adapt to various living situations, including apartments, as long as they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation. | Some Bordoodles may inherit a herding instinct from their Border Collie parent, leading to behaviors like nipping or chasing. |
| They excel in various dog sports and activities, such as agility, obedience, and herding. | Due to their intelligence and energy level, Bordoodles may be challenging for inexperienced pet parents unprepared to invest time and effort in training and exercise. |
| With proper socialization, they generally get along well with other dogs and animals. |
Health Requirements
1) Routine Veterinary Check-ups
Routine veterinary visits are essential for monitoring your pet’s health and detecting potential health issues early on. Your veterinarian will provide vaccinations, assess overall health, and recommend preventative care, such as heartworm and flea/tick medications.
2) Balanced Diet & Weight Management
Feeding your Border Collie Poodle mix a high-quality, well-balanced diet is crucial for maintaining overall health. This breed is prone to obesity, so be mindful of portion sizes and adjust your food intake based on your dog’s age, size, and activity level.
Consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations.
3) Exercise & Mental Stimulation
Bordoodles are energetic and intelligent dogs, requiring both physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks play sessions, and interactive toys are essential.
Incorporate activities like agility, obedience training, or scent work to challenge their minds.
4) Dental Care
Regular dental care prevents periodontal disease, tooth loss, and bad breath. Brush your furry friend’s teeth daily or at least several times a week using a toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste.
Professional dental cleanings by your veterinarian may also be necessary.
5) Grooming & Skin Care
Bordoodles often have a curly or wavy coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Brush their coat at least once or twice a week and bathe them every 4-6 weeks or as needed.
Regular grooming also helps monitor for any skin issues or parasites.
6) Genetic Testing & Screening
Borderdoodles can inherit health issues from their parent breeds, such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and epilepsy. Reputable breeders will conduct genetic testing and health screenings on parent dogs to minimize the risk of passing on these conditions.
However, discussing these concerns with your veterinarian and performing any necessary tests or screenings is still a good idea.
7) Regular Parasite Prevention
Like all dogs they may be susceptible to internal and external parasites such as fleas, ticks, and worms. Work with your veterinarian to establish a regular prevention plan, to keep your dog healthy and parasite-free.
Diet Requirements
1) High Quality Food
Choose a high-quality dog food that meets the nutritional needs of your Bordoodle. Look for a product with a reputable brand that uses natural ingredients and has meat (such as chicken, beef, or fish) as the primary ingredient.
Avoid foods with artificial additives, fillers, or by-products.
2) Balanced Macronutrient Profile
A Bordoodle’s diet should balance proteins, fats, and carbohydrates appropriately. Protein should comprise approximately 15-18% of an adult dog’s diet and around 18-22% for puppies. Healthy fats should be 3-5.5 % for adults and 5-6 % for puppies.
Carbohydrates should provide energy requirements and include healthy sources like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
3) Essential Vitamins & Minerals
Ensure your Bordoodle’s diet contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus for bone health, vitamins A, C, and E for immune system support, and vitamins B for energy metabolism.
High-quality canine foods should already contain these appropriately, but always check the label.
4) Age Appropriate Diet
Bordoodles have different nutritional needs at different life stages. Puppies require more calories, protein, and fat than adult dogs, as they are growing rapidly. Senior dogs may need fewer calories and a diet tailored to their health concerns.
Always choose a dog food specifically formulated for your dog’s life stage.
5) Portion Control & Meal Frequency
To maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity, it’s essential to feed your pooch the appropriate portion sizes. Consult your veterinarian or the dog food packaging for feeding guidelines based on your dog’s age, size, and activity level.
Divide the daily food amount into smaller meals, typically 2-3 times daily.
6) Monitoring Weight & Adjusting Food Intake
Regularly monitor your pet weight and body condition to ensure they are not gaining or losing too much weight. Adjust food intake, considering growth, exercise levels, and health conditions.
Consult your veterinarian for guidance on maintaining an ideal weight for your dog.
7) Treats & Snacks
Treats can be valuable for training and bonding but should be given in moderation. Treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake, as they can contribute to obesity and nutrient imbalances.
Prefer healthy, low-calorie options and avoid table scraps.
8) Hydration
Fresh water should always be readily available for your puppy to prevent dehydration. Ensure their water bowl is clean and filled with fresh water daily and monitor their water intake to ensure they are drinking an adequate amount.
9) Special Dietary Considerations
Some Bordoodles may have food allergies or sensitivities, which could require a specialized diet. If your dog experiences symptoms like itching, gastrointestinal upset, or poor coat condition, consult your veterinarian to determine if a dietary change is necessary.
Grooming Requirements
1) Coat Brushing
Borpoos should be brushed at least once or twice a week to prevent matting and tangles and to remove loose hair. This also helps distribute natural oils throughout the coat, which keeps it healthy and shiny.
Use a slicker or pin brush to detangle and remove loose hair and a comb to reach deeper coat layers. You may need to brush more frequently for dogs with a curlier coat.
2) Bathing
Bathe your canine friend every 4-6 weeks or as needed, depending on their coat condition and level of outdoor activity. Use a gentle, dog-safe shampoo that moisturizes their skin and coat, and thoroughly rinse out any product to avoid irritation.
Bathing too frequently can strip natural oils from their skin, leading to dryness and irritation.
3) Nail Trimming
Trim your Bordoodle’s nails regularly every 3-4 weeks or as needed to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.
Use a dog nail clipper or grinder and be cautious not to cut the quick (the blood vessel inside the nail), which can cause pain and bleeding.
4) Ears Cleaning
Regular ears cleaning helps prevent infections and the buildup of wax and debris. Check your pooch’s ears weekly for signs of redness, odor, or discharge. Gently clean the outer ear with a dog-safe ear cleaner and a cotton ball or gauze.
Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal, as this can cause injury.
5) Dental Care
To prevent dental issues such as periodontal disease, tooth loss, and bad breath, brush your Bordoodle’s teeth daily or at least several times a week using a dog toothbrush and toothpaste.
Along with regular brushing, consider providing dental chews, toys, and treats to support oral health. Your veterinarian may also recommend professional dental cleanings as needed.
6) Hair Trimming & Grooming
Depending on your Borderpoos coat type and preference, they may require occasional hair trimming or clipping, particularly around the face, ears, paws, and sanitary areas. This can be done at home with proper tools and knowledge or by a professional groomer.
7) Regular Body Inspection
While grooming, take the opportunity to perform a general check-up of your dog’s body. Look for any lumps, bumps, rashes, or signs of irritation on their skin.
Inspect their eyes for redness, discharge, or cloudiness. Address any concerns with your veterinarian.
8) Flea & Tick Prevention
Regular grooming can help spot any signs of fleas or ticks early on. Use a flea comb to check for these parasites, and consult your veterinarian for appropriate flea and tick prevention methods, such as topical treatments or oral medications.
Training Requirements
1) Early Socialization
Expose your Bordoodle puppy to various people, animals, environments, and experiences during their first few months of life. This helps them develop into well-adjusted, confident adult dogs.
Enroll them in a puppy socialization class or set up playdates with other vaccinated dogs to promote positive interactions highly sociable.
Basic Obedience Training
Teach your Border Collie Poodle mix basic commands. This helps establish boundaries, improve communication, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Obedience training can be done at home or through a professional dog training class. Be consistent and patient, and use positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and treats.
2) Crate Training
Crate training is important for creating a safe space for your pet and can be beneficial for housebreaking, travel, and preventing destructive behaviors when left alone. Introduce the crate gradually, making it a positive and comfortable environment for your dog.
Ensure the crate is appropriately sized, allowing them to stand, turn around, and lie comfortably.
3) Housebreaking
Start housebreaking your Bordoodle as soon as you bring them home. Establish a consistent routine by taking them outside first thing in the morning, after meals, before bedtime, and any time they need to go.
Praise and reward them when they eliminate outside. Be patient and consistent, as accidents are normal during the housebreaking process.
4) Leash Training
Teach your Bordoodle to walk comfortably on a leash without pulling, lunging, or weaving. Start by introducing the collar and leash indoors and gradually progress to outdoor walks.
Use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior and redirect your dog’s attention when they start pulling.
5) Mental Stimulation & Enrichment
Borderdoodles are highly intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Incorporate puzzle toys, scent work, and interactive games into their daily routine.
Teach them new tricks or commands and consider participating in dog sports like agility, flyball, or obedience trials.
6) Impulse Control & Manners
Borpoos may be excitable and need to learn impulse control and good manners, such as not jumping on people or stealing food. Consistent training using positive reinforcement techniques can help curb these behaviors.
7) Consistency & Boundaries
Establish clear rules and boundaries for your Bordoodle and ensure all family members follow the same guidelines. Consistency is key to successful training and helps your dog understand what is expected.
8) Regular Exercise
Physical activity is important for Bordoodles, as they are an energetic breed. Provide daily walks, play sessions, and opportunities to run and explore in a securely fenced area.
Regular exercise helps prevent boredom and supports training by expending excess energy.
Bordoodle Common Health Issues
1) Hip Dysplasia
This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain. Regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and providing joint supplements can help manage this condition.
2) Elbow Dysplasia
Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a developmental disorder affecting the elbow joint, causing pain, lameness, and arthritis. Treatment may include weight management, medication, or surgery.
3) Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is an inherited eye condition that causes gradual vision loss, eventually leading to blindness. Regular eye exams can help detect PRA early on, but there is no cure.
4) Allergies
Bordoodles can be prone to food, environmental, and contact allergies. Symptoms may include itching, redness, and gastrointestinal issues. Allergies can be managed with dietary changes, medication, and environmental modifications.
5) Addison’s Disease
This is a hormonal disorder caused by insufficient production of adrenal hormones. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, weight loss, and increased thirst. Addison’s Disease can be managed with lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
6) Bloat
Bloat is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off the blood supply. It requires immediate emergency treatment. Feeding smaller meals and avoiding vigorous exercise after eating can help reduce the risk.
Bordoodle Mixed Dog Breed Pictures
FAQ
Yes, Bordoodles make excellent pets due to their affectionate nature, intelligence, and adaptability. They are suitable for families and individuals, provided they receive proper exercise, mental stimulation, and training.
Bordoodles may bark occasionally, but they are not typically excessive barkers. Proper training and mental stimulation can help manage barking behavior.
Bordoodles are intelligent, affectionate, energetic, and social dogs. They enjoy spending time with their families, engaging in play, and participating in activities.
Bordoodles can be left home alone for short periods but may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Crate training, mental stimulation, and gradually increasing the time spent alone can help manage separation anxiety.
Bordoodles are not generally aggressive; they tend to be friendly and social dogs. However, proper socialization and training are essential to ensure they develop appropriate behavior around other dogs, animals, and people.
No, Bordoodles are not hard to train due to their high intelligence and eagerness to please. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques and can excel in various dog sports and activities. Consistency and patience are key to successful training.
