Bordoodle Dog Breed

Brown & White Bordoodle
Photo / Calaberator / CC BY-SA
  • Other names:
  • Border Poodle
Overview

The Bordoodle is a hybrid dog which is bred by crossing a Border Collie with a Poodle. As a hybrid dog they will inherit the physical and behavioral traits of both the Border Collie and Poodle dog breeds. However, not all will inherit the same characteristics (even if from the same litter). It is recommended to familiarize yourself with both the Poodle and the Border Collie if you are planning on adopting a Bordoodle as the breed can have more characteristics of one parent breed than the other.

This medium sized breed is known for being intelligent and affectionate family pets. This is a very friendly breed that loves people and children, and does fine around other pets. It may have a protective attitude towards strangers but should warm up to them quickly if their owner approves. Bordoodles have a low to non-shedding hypoallergenic coat that requires little grooming or cleaning. These dogs make excellent family pets or companions.

Bordoodle Breed Details

Breed Specs
TypeLifespanHeightWeight
Hybrid12-15 yrs.15-22 in.30-60 lbs
  • Friendliness
  • Overall
  • Family Friendly
  • Kid Friendly
  • Pet Friendly
  • Stranger Friendly
  • Maintenance
  • Easy to Groom
  • Energy Level
  • Exercise Needs
  • General Health
  • Shedding Amount
  • Behavior
  • Barks / Howls
  • Easy to Train
  • Guard Dog
  • Playfulness
  • Watch Dog
  • Ownership
  • Apartment Friendly
  • Can Be Alone
  • Good for Busy Owners
  • Good for Novice Owners
  • Intelligence
* The more green the stronger the trait.

Below are breed specs and details for the Bordoodle.

Bordoodle Breed Description

This is a medium sized dog breed. The size of the dog may slightly vary based upon the size of the parent dogs used in breeding, but you can expect an adult to weigh between 30 - 60 pounds and reach a height of 15 - 22 inches.

Bordoodles are intelligent and easy to train. They love people and do well in families with children. This breed shouldn't have an issue with other pets, though socialization at a young age is recommended.

This is a low maintenance dog breed. Their coat does not shed very much and should require a small amount of brushing. These dogs do need daily exercise; a 30 minute to one hour walk should be sufficient.

Bordoodle Breed History

The Poodle and the Border Collie are both breeds with extensive history, but the Bordoodle itself is a very recently recognized breed and because of this does not have a very detailed history. It is likely that the breed originated in the United States in the past few decades.

Bordoodle Appearance

As a crossbreed, these dogs will inherit physical traits from both parent breeds. Not all Bordoodles will inherit the same traits which means some may have more Poodle characteristics, others may have more Border Collie characteristics, and some may show a mix of both parent breeds.

In general, these dogs have long-haired, wavy coats that are low to non-shedding due to their Poodle ancestry. Their head is rounded and they have ears that are soft and floppy and fall forward onto the cheek.

Bordoodle Coloring

Both the Poodle and the Border Collie come in a variety of colors so the Bordoodle will have many coat color possibilities. Some of the most common colors for this breed are black, black & white, dark brown, gold, salt & pepper and creamy white.

Bordoodle Size

This is a medium sized breed. Most adults weigh between 30 - 60 pounds and reach a height of 15 - 22 inches. Their medium size makes them easy to handle and transport. They are also well known for their agility and capability in dog sports.

Average Adult Height

15-22 in
*Height is measured in inches from the front paws to the top of the shoulder while the dog is standing on all four legs.

Average Adult Weight

30-60 lbs

Bordoodle Variations

The Bordoodle tends to be bred only to about the F2 generation due to the wonderful results of the F1 and F1b mixes as well as the fact that this hybrid dog has only been around for a couple decades. What is ultimately desired is the Border Collie's remarkably calm demeanor to quell the Poodle's semi-frantic temperament while the hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle will tame the Border Collie's excessively shedding coat.

Most (if not all) breeders will back-breed an F1 to a Poodle to get that hypoallergenic coat. F2 and further generations are rare as they introduce a lot of chance regarding health, personality and appearance.

Because of the three variations of Poodle, there are also size variants of Bordoodles. There is a huge demand for the smallest Bordoodles, and these are produced when a Collie is crossed with a Toy or Miniature Poodle. The Border Collie Toy Poodle mix may go by the name of Petite Bordoodle (which usually weighs from 12 to 20 pounds) whereas the Border Collie Miniature Poodle mix is also known as the Mini Bordoodle (weighing 20 to 30 pounds).

Bordoodle Temperament

The temperament of the Bordoodle is dependent on the behavioral traits inherited from its parents. Some will inherit traits from the Border Collie, others the Poodle, and some will have a mix of behaviors inherited from both parent breeds.

Bordoodles have the affable disposition of the Border Collie and should very rarely display aggressive behavior. These dogs are descended from two of the smartest breeds and are therefore very intelligent and easy to train. They are loyal, caring dogs and will be watchful over their family, though their guarding abilities may not be the greatest. Bordoodles will make for great playmates for children and should get along well with other pets. They are ideal both for a family environment and as a companion to a single owner.

Bordoodle and Children

These are friendly, non-aggressive dogs that love people and do well with children.

Bordoodle and Other Pets

Bordoodles can get along with other pets without issue. However, they will do best if introduced to other animals at a young age (while they are a puppy).

Bordoodle and Strangers

Members of this breed may be a bit shy or apprehensive towards strangers, but once they see that their owner approves of a new person, they should be welcoming. They are non-aggressive and should only bark to alert their owner of an unfamiliar person.

Bordoodle Photos

Below are pictures of the Bordoodle dog breed.

Bordoodle
Brown & White Bordoodle

Bordoodle Maintenance

Bordoodles are not difficult to care for and should require low maintenance. Their coat does not shed often (sometimes not at all) and will require minimal brushing. They require a low to moderate amount of daily exercise in order to remain healthy.

Grooming Requirements

These dogs have a very low shedding hypoallergenic coat and should only require brushing once or twice a week if that. They may need their nails clipped occasionally, and they should be introduced to this practice early in life.

Exercise Requirements

The Bordoodle is active indoors and will only require a moderate length walk or jog to meet their exercise requires. They can skip a day if necessary and therefore may be suitable for owners who work late or are often busy.

Living Requirements

These dogs can adapt to a wide variety of living environments and climates. They are active indoors and not very large so they can live in a small home or apartment if their owner is active and able to meet their daily exercise requirements.

Temperature Range

Bordoodles can tolerate a wide range of temperatures making them suitable for most climates. However, if it is below freezing they should be provided with a warm shelter and if it is hot they will need ample water and shade to stay comfortable.

Bordoodle Health

As a hybrid dog breed, the Bordoodle has more genetic diversity than its purebred parents which helps with the breed's health and hardiness. As long as its exercise requires are met, and the dog is given a proper diet, they will live approximately 12 to 15 years.

Below are common health issues with the bordoodle dog breed.

  • Allergies
  • Epilepsy
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • View all 4...

Bordoodle Breed Recognition

The following dog breed registries and organizations recognize the Bordoodle as a dog breed:

  • International Designer Canine Registry