The cross mixing of Border Collie and Poodle results in mixed-breed dogs of the Bordoodle. This mix acquired some of the greatest traits from each of their parents, like friendliness, playfulness, and intelligence. Borpoos and Borderpoos are other names for Bordoodles.
But, no matter what you want to label the Border Collie Poodle mix, we will always get caught and enchanted by this witty and lovable crossbreed! And, there’s nothing that we can do about it. Though other Doodles are also available in the market, there are many other distinguishing features of this doodle mix that sets it apart from the rest!
History of Bordoodle
Taking a glimpse of the past of their parent breeds will allow us to see where this Bordoodle mix originated.
The history of the Poodle breed traces its origins to ancient Egypt. The dog thereafter rose to fame as a duck hunting canine somewhere in France.
According to legend, Queen Victoria adored the Border Collie breed, which originated from British sheep-herding hounds. The term Scotch Sheep Dog was also once referred to as the Border Collie.
The creation of the Bordoodle breed first happened in the 1990s in the US. There are various types of coats, temperaments, and requirements existing in the same litter due to the fact that the mix is not a pure breed.
Since there is unclear data for the precise origin of this designer dog hybrid, no information is clearly set out to define its past. Considering Border Collies plus Poodles have been mingling for a very long time, the standardization of this dog as a mix just happened recently.
Meanwhile, both parents of the Bordoodles are purebred and good family pets. Because of that, this mix got the acknowledgment of the American Canine Hybrid Club as well as the Designer Dogs Kennel Club. Yet, the Bordoodle mix is not a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) the same as the other Doodle mix. While it is the parent breeds of the Bordoodle, the BC, and the Poodle, which got the AKC recognition.
Appearance of Border Collie Poodle Mix
A medium-sized dog that is athletic enough, the Bordoodle has it under his luscious fur. They have typically droop ears matched with adorable eyes and a nose. Since they are new hybrids, the appearance of the Bordoodle is subject to change. And one will only know it at the time of birth.
Moreover, their eyes exhibit heterochromia in which one eye is brown and the other blue. The Border Collie Poodle mix inherited this characteristic from his Border Collie parent. But, there is nothing to worry about because this may not affect their health. This feature only gives a distinctive effect on their looks.
Yet, the color of the eyes of the Bordoodles is usually dark brown. With that, this dog breed is often confused with an Aussiepoo or Australian Shepherd Poodle mix.
Size of Bordoodle
Bordoodles’ size is highly dependent on the size of their Poodle parent. The usual breeding process of the Bordoodle happens by mixing a Border Collie and a Poodle with a standard size. Having that said, the Border Collie Poodle mix’s height is about 16 and 22 inches. This is in consideration of the standard-size Poodle canine. Meanwhile, this hybrid has a weight range of 35 to 65 pounds.
Yet, there are numbers of breeders who are practicing the breeding of the BC with a Toy Poodle. For this reason, it is highly crucial to cooperate with a trustworthy breeder at all times. Aside from focusing on the interests of the pooch, they are also ready to give you an overview of the parent breeds and the size estimation of the puppy.
Colors & Coats
It is a generalization to claim that Bordoodles have curly, non-shedding hair. Since this breed is new and constantly being developed, one must expect several exceptions.
Border Collies and Poodles both have fluffy and curly hair respectively. With that, Bordoodles have both. Even for those who are sensitive to dog hair, their Poodle parents’ curly coats are hypoallergenic and won’t make people sneeze or cough.
The coat of the Bordoodle may be really surprising as it is available in a variety of shades. Black, white, brown, chocolate, gray, golden, black and white, and apricot are among the color combinations that this mixed-breed dog shares with its parents. Keep in mind that Bordoodles’ coat is nearly never solid, unlike that of a Poodle.
Personality & Temperament of Bordoodle
In terms of spending time with family, you can have a devoted and sensitive furry friend in the form of the Bordoodle. Cuddling up with their human family gives them enjoyment. Aside from that, they become fantastic thermal canines due to their thick fur.
Don’t get jealous of other family members because the Bordoodle does not prefer favoritism. This mix just likes to be fussed over by anyone who is willing to do so.
With strangers, this pooch is distant, especially those who enter their property. Yet, they will soon become friends with them, giving credit to their Poodle ancestry. The good news for visitors who dislike dog hair on their clothing, the Bordoodle would not be overly intrusive.
The mixed breed’s endearing and approachable personality is a result of the delicate balance of stranger friendliness. Perhaps, it also produces a favorable connection for everyone.
The Border Collie Poodle Mix has an enormous amount of energy and requires a way to channel it. If not, they might vent their anger on any of your furniture. Additionally, this dog breed also requires you to devote some of your time to them through playing during the day. If you are fond of playing fetch, then the Bordoodle is the dog for you.
Intelligence of Border Collie Poodle Mix
In consideration of the smartest dog breeds in the world, the Border Collie and Poodle sit within the top five spots. Knowing that the intelligence of the Bordoodle is highly guaranteed.
The intelligence ranking system by Stanley Coren is the industry standard for evaluating the intelligence of a dog breed.
Based on that intelligence ranking list, the Border Collie ranked first. For below five repetitions of commands, the BC obeys instructions with 95% frequency. The list by Coren also shows the Poodle is in the third spot.
Energy
Known for their abundant energy level, both the Border Collie and Poodle make for wonderful offspring. As a result, the Bordoodle is very sociable and extremely trainable. However, without proper socialization, Bordoodles can occasionally develop anxiety and hyperactivity. With that, early socializing and appropriate training of a Bordoodle must take place.
The most suitable adorable pooch for a household that enjoys being outdoors and is active is the Bordoodles. If one is very much willing to have a playtime with this breed, then the Bordoodles may be trained to be approachable.
However, the parent breed from which the Bordoodles got their energy determines the energy level the Border Collie Poodle mix will have. This dog breed is highly suitable to keep in your flat if they share the Poodle’s energy.
In contrast, a spacious area outside is a requirement if the Bordoodle pooch has more activity like with its Border Collie parent. This is helpful for them to burn off some heat. Dogs coming from a Border Collie parent are active and Bordoodles are not an exception.
It goes without saying that you should take this breed out for walks three times every day, regardless of how energetic they are. A combination of two quick strolls and one lengthy stroll may do the trick. The fact that they are performing their duties outside is what matters most.
Bordoodle And Family
A family with active members is the best match for a Bordoodle pooch. Yet, you need to take several factors into account, though.
First on the list is the display of herding and chasing behavior and more Border Collie qualities. As a result, the Bordoodle can mistake young children or other animals as prey which may be problematic. Yet, novice owners or households with small children may find it difficult to manage the Bordoodle with greater BC blood. This is due to their intensity, sensitivity, and hyperactivity.
However, these issues are less likely to be experienced on a Bordoodle having more Poodle ancestry. In breeding for a Bordoodle, breeders deliberately look to tame the Border Collie’s hyperactive character. That’s why, pairing the BC with a Poodle will produce a fantastic Bordoodle, a good family dog that enjoys playing outside.
Bordoodle And Other Pets
The majority of the time, Bordoodles mingle well with other pups and don’t mind being around cats. Regardless of their past, this Border Collie Poodle mix does not have a strong prey drive, so, therefore, being with them is generally safe for smaller pets. However, given their history of herding, there is a good likelihood that they will try to herd other pets even if hunting is not a thing for them.
Bordoodle And Children
When it comes to the relationship of Bordoodles and the kids, keep in mind to adhere to the general rules of early socialization and training for both children and dogs. The outcome of this is a wonderful combination of Bordoodles and kids.
Health & Diet of Poodle Border Collie Mix
The life expectancy of a Borderdoodle is averaging about 12 to 15 years. Yet, some dogs of this mix developed with Toy Poodle variations may have a substantially longer lifetime. Based on their health status, few of them live for as long as 18 years.
It is very crucial to fully comprehend Bordoodle’s requirements. That way, you, as a pet owner, may satisfy them and meet their daily doggy needs. Just make sure to create a timetable and care strategy for taking care of this dog mix.
Feeding
The enormous appetites of the Bordoodles are really surprising because they are not actually big dogs. Knowing that paying attention to the amount and frequency of feeding them is highly crucial.
About 2.5 to 3 cups of food each day are the average daily food consumption of the Bordoodle adult. Excellent quality dog food is the best food to feed the Border Collie Poodle mix. Aside from that, practice giving this dog mix the correct food quantity.
The addition of multivitamin supplements, like joint supplements, to their diet, may also be highly beneficial. This would be an adjunct to make up for any lacking micronutrients or chemicals that are not present in their primary meals.
Health Issues
Given that the Bordoodles are a mixed dog breed, they are normally healthy. Yet, you must be aware that this dog mix is also susceptible to acquiring a few prevalent health conditions.
Initially, the Borpoo is most likely to experience epilepsy. This is an inherited disorder since this dog is a cross mix. As mentioned, the Bordoodles have a massive appetite. With that, be very keen to look for any signs of obesity in this dog breed.
Moreover, the Bordoodles may also suffer from other disorders to which their parent breeds are also prone. Examples of these health conditions are allergies and hip and elbow dysplasia.
Training & Exercise of Bordoodle
Fortunately, it is very simple to train this quick-witted dog hybrid. The Bordoodle is a very trainable breed because of its alertness and eager-to-please personality. And for the sake of training, be sure to concentrate on positive reinforcement regardless of the breed.
Taking into account their Poodle parent, this mix might be praise-driven canines. However, rewarding this dog breed with treats or toys may work best for some Bordoodles. Find out anything that motivates this dog as it may be useful for the encouragement of their good behavior.
Formal agility training could also help give the smartness and activeness of the Bordoodles. In this aspect, flyball, running obstacle courses, and flying disc are the following activities that are good to go.
When opportunity knocks, the Border Collie Poodle mix will grab it simultaneously and utilize their body and even mind. Don’t forget to give them lots of activities so that the Bordoodles won’t get bored as it may result in anxiety and destructive behavior.
Socialization is also important for any dog breed. For a sociable Bordoodle, socializing with kids, other pups, and even other animals is a must. The moment there is an occurrence of any inappropriate behavior, gently reprimand it and encourage positive ones.
Grooming & Shedding
A once or twice a week brushing schedule is a grooming requirement of a Bordoodle that inherited the coat of a Border Collie. But, daily brushing of this dog’s coat is necessary when the shedding season comes. On the other side of the coin, subject your Bordoodle to complete grooming and haircut on a 6 to 8 weeks basis if the mix is a non-shedding dog.
Moreover, maintaining the short coat of the Bordoodle can reduce the amount of maintenance needed. Due to their high level of activity, Bordoodles’ ears may get dirty, and more frequent cleaning is a must. It is also crucial to give your Border Collie Poodle mix nail trimming and regular tooth brushing.
Difference Between Male And Female Bordoodle
Choosing a male or female Bordoodle generally relies on a number of elements. Yet, regardless of the factors, here are some generalizations between a male version of a Border Collie Poodle mix and its female counterpart.
Compared to female Bordoodles, the males are often significantly larger and heavier. Additionally, they are more attentive and friendly as well. Males are constantly available and willing, whereas females may be more autonomous and reserved and only want recognition once they need it. Since the males are late bloomers than the females, training them is a little more difficult.
Conclusion: Should You Get A Bordoodle?
Basically, you should get a Bordoodle if you are either a first-time dog parent or a seasoned dog owner. This Border Collie Poodle mix will probably be a terrific furry friend. Moreover, if you are living in an apartment, this dog mix might easily adapt to your living.
If you have kids around, getting a Bordoodle is not a question as this breed is typically wholesome and well-mannered which is usually safe for households with small children. Additionally, you should get a Bordoodle if you are fond of having a dog with a fluffy, velvety coat. The Bordoodle is unquestionably a breed to take into account if you are already prepared to bring home a new pup.
