Bordoodles are good dogs, but is it the right match for you?

Last Updated on April 24, 2023

You may know this pooch as Borderpoo, Borderdoodle, Borpoo, or Borpoodle. But regardless of what you call the Border Collie Poodle mix, we can’t deny how charmed we are by this clever and playful hybrid!

We know that there are plenty of Doodles out there, so what makes this one different?

Keep scrolling and find out. You might even decide to get a Bordoodle after reading this article!

Where did the Bordoodle come from?

Bordoodles are one of the newer designer dog breeds. With that said, they don’t have much info about when they joined the canine world and where the crossbreeding happened.

Some say they probably originated from the United States around 20 years ago, but there’s no actual documentation of it.

What’s sure is that mixing purebreds started in the late 1980s when the first litter of the Labrador Retriever Poodle mix, also known as Labradoodle, was born. So these happy accidents may have always been there.

Still, just because no one claimed its actual origin doesn’t mean it’s unclear why mixed breed dogs are created.

It’s easy to see why breeders decided to mix the Border Collie with a Poodle. Getting to know the parent breeds is enough to see what kind of dog their hybrid offspring is like. Let’s get to it!

Border Collie or four-legged Einstein?

The Border Collie, once known as the Scotch Sheepdog, is tagged as the grandmaster of herding and is the most intelligent dog in the world. Even Queen Victoria was a fan of the breed.

Borders came from the British Isles and were bred from different sheepherding dogs to create the quick, hardy, strong, and eager to please dog that wouldn’t nip or bark while rounding up livestock.

They first became popular during the early 1800s and were formally recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1995.

The prestigious Poodle

Poodles are famous in France, and the French love the breed so much that they made it their national dog! But did you know that its history can be traced back to Germany?

Their name actually comes from the German term “pudel” or “pudelin” meaning “to splash in the water.”

Many believed that the Poodle is a mix of various Asian herding dogs, the North African Barbet, and European water dogs.

Their ancestry may be debatable, but it led to the creation of an outstanding hunter and circus performer.

The Poodle is also known for its hypoallergenic coat that protects the dog from the cold water while hunting ducks or waterfowls.

Fun fact: The iconic haircut that this purebred dog has was designed to shield specific parts of the body from the cold.

Despite their popularity, Poodles became rare until World War II was over. But their affectionate nature and intelligence eventually made them one of the top favorites as a companion dog.

Magnificence in the mix: Bordoodle Generations

Doodles or Poodle mixes are hybrid dogs that undergo many breedings, or what we call generations.

For this canine, if it has a Border Collie and a Poodle as its parents, it will be called a First Generation (F1) Bordoodle.

This is the most common bloodline because it captures the essence of producing designer breeds – being unique while inheriting the best of both worlds.

If you cross an F1 Bordoodle with another purebred parent, whether the Border or Poodle, then that’s going to make First Generation Backcross (F1b) Bordoodles.

Pairing back to the Poodle is usually done because of the coat. Still, appearances, sizes, and temperaments will vary, but a good breeder can tell the difference in terms of looks.

How about if you mix two Bordoodles? They’ll be producing Second Generation (F2) puppies.

And if you mate an F1 with an F1b, it will result in Second Generation Backcross (F2b) Bordoodles, where most pups will have low- to non-shedding fur.

The fifth interbreeding process is known as Multigenerational. It’s where F1b and F2b Borderdoodles are bred together to produce multigens that basically have breed standards.

This is done if someone wants to make a dog with uniformity or simply to make sure that there’s less of one breed in the mix.

Even if we mentioned the word “standards,” it doesn’t mean that the AKC will recognize mixed breeds because they won’t.

The only organizations that recognize Borderpoos are the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), theInternational Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC).

What does a Bordoodle look like?

After all those talks about genetics, you probably have an idea that every Border Collie & Poodle cross will be unique.

Generally, they have dark, brown eyes with ears flopped down alongside their face. If the Border Collie’s genes are stronger, they can have heterochromia, where one eye color is different from the other.

On the end of their long muzzle is a black nose that’s perfect for booping.

This doggo has an athletic build, and it carries its tail up, or down like Borders.

Size: How big is a Bordoodle?

On average, Borderpoos stand 12 to 22 inches (30.5 to 56 cm) tall and weigh between 30 and 60 pounds (14 to 27 kg) when they reach maturity.

The measurements we provided are more of a generalization because we also have to consider the Poodle parent’s size.

Poodles come in three sizes, but if we’re going to base it on the Border Collie’s proportions, a Standard Poodle will mostly be paired with it to create Borderpoos.

Standard-sized Poodles have a height of 15 inches (38 cm) and a weight of 40 to 70 pounds (18 to 32 kg).

Border Collies are 18 to 22 inches (46 to 56 cm) tall and weigh 30 to 55 pounds (14 to 25 kg), so they’re likely more compatible than with a Mini or Toy Poodle.

One of the good things about this small- to medium-sized dog is that they’re adaptable to any kind of house, whether it’s an apartment or a place in the country with plenty of outdoor space.

A coat that can be wavy or curly

The Borpoodle’s coat is a tactile blend as it inherits the Poodle’s extravagant curls and the Border’s silky fur.

Its soft hair can be medium in length or kept long, and it can be wavy, but some sport curly coats. Imagine the Border Collie’s long fur but with relaxed curls, giving them a teddy bear look.

And the Bordoodle’s coat color comes in different shades, combinations, markings, and patterns. Thanks to its purebred parents’ wide array of colors!

For this Doodle, though, you’ll usually see them in a solid or a mix of black, white, brown, gray, sable, red, and apricot.

Some Borderpoos have a beautiful blue merle color, while others are tri-colored or multicolored.

But don’t assume that your puppy will have the same color once she reaches adulthood because it can change drastically.

Temperament: Are Bordoodles good dogs?

Described as sweet and extremely sociable, the lovable Poodle-Border Collie mix is an excellent family dog that loves being a part of everyone’s daily activities. They even rarely display aggression!

Just because they’re friendly doesn’t mean they’re not guard dog-material. They are! They’re protective and wary of strangers, not unless this fido is sure that other people are trustworthy.

Borpoos are also kind and gentle, so kids of all ages will appreciate their carefree attitude and tolerance.

We want to clarify that supervision is still important whether your Borderpoodle is around young children or fragile senior adults.

The same advice goes for first-time interactions with other dogs or existing household pets. Boundaries should be set to avoid fights or accidents.

This furball may not have the relentless and strong herding instinct of the BC, but any doggo who has parents with a background in hunting and chasing should always be considered.

Do Bordoodles bark a lot?

Yes, they do, but don’t let that discourage you from adoring this fur angel. They might be talkative, but it can be advantageous to have a canine family member who expresses itself.

That deep, loud bark may be a warning, or it can be because your pet is feeling bored and wants to go out.

It’s good that the Bordoodle breed is one of the smartest doggos, and they’re easy to train.

Add in that eager-to-please attitude, and you won’t even have to worry about repeating commands. Sometimes, they try to learn new things on their own.

Just watch Tessie, a 10-month old Bordoodle, doing all sorts of tricks in this video:

What’s the catch? Well, trainability may not be an issue, but intelligent canines tend to be stubborn, especially during dog training.

Turn things around and avoid destructive behaviors by using this fido’s solid work ethic and long attention span on her.

An obedient and enthusiastic pooch like the Borpoodle will thrive as a well-mannered companion and service dog with proper training and early socialization. Rewards, praises, and treats goes a long way.

Taking care of Bordoodles: Are they high maintenance?

Border-Poodles are considered low maintenance dogs. Still, don’t get the wrong idea that owning one is all fun, games, and cuddles.

You also have to consider where you live. Borderpoos are adaptable, but don’t let your canine friend go outdoors during the winter season without a coat or when it’s raining.

If it’s too hot, make sure she gets plenty of shade and access to clean drinking water. It’s probably best to keep her indoors unless you have a pool where she can splash and cool off!

Exercising your Bordoodle

This easy-going dog has a moderate activity level and isn’t prone to boredom or hyperactivity. At least 30 minutes of exercise a day should keep your pup healthy and happy.

When the weather doesn’t allow playtime out in the safely enclosed backyard, a few puzzles and toys will keep her entertained.

Don’t limit your pet’s daily exercise needs with walks, though. Be creative if you want to own an inquisitive dog. Think outside of the box – there’s a hiking, camping, and swimming.

If you’re an experienced owner who enjoys canine sports, you’ll be glad to know that Borderpoos excel at scent work, search-and-rescue, flyball, agility, and obedience trials.

Don’t believe us? Check out this Bordoodle named Vision as he proves how talented they are:

All these are not only great for your dog’s physical and mental stimulation because it will also be a great bonding experience for the two of you.

Grooming: Are Bordoodles hypoallergenic?

They’re not hypoallergenic, but they have easy to manage, low-shedding coats. But like we’ve learned earlier, a Doodle can be non-shedding based on the generation.

So how often should you groom a Borderpoo? As minimal shedders, brushing once or twice a week using a wire brush would suffice.

During this grooming session, check your puppy’s fur for dirt, sticks, and ticks, especially if your fur baby is active and spends a lot of time outside.

You can avoid knotting and matting with a trim or haircut every now and then if you know how to do it. If not, take your Borpoodle to a professional groomer.

Those who own this designer pooch says their grooming requirements are low to moderate. That’s because they don’t look at it as a chore but a fun time to style their canine buddy’s luxurious hair in various styles.

When it comes to bathing, wash your Poodle & Border Collie cross only when she gets dirty or smelly.

Believe it or not, dogs have natural oils that protect their skin and help keep their fur soft and shiny. Overbathing can cause dryness or more damage to their scalp.

Other than that, brush your dog’s teeth daily to keep dental issues at bay, trim her nails, check her paws every other week, and do a weekly inspection and cleaning of her ears.

Dogs with floppy ears that are always on the move often get moisture and dirt accumulation.

Feeding your Border-Poodle dog

The dietary requirements of your Bordoodle will vary based upon age, weight, and metabolism. About 1 to 3 cups of high-quality dry kibbles daily is recommended.

Choose a recipe made with natural ingredients, and avoid those with fillers and additives.

If you’re thinking about mixing in wet dog food or going for a raw diet, you can read this article and check with your veterinarian about it.

For a healthy snack, you can give your Borderpoodle slices of cheese, eggs, apples, or carrots.

Is your fur buddy snarfing down her food? Divide her meals into two, then serve it on a slow feeder. This will prevent her from finishing her nom noms in seconds, and it promotes better digestion.

Your Bordoodle’s health and hereditary conditions

They’re considered healthy and have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Some say it\s because of hybrid vigor, where it is said that mixed breeds are healthier than purebreds due to genetic diversity.

But even if it’s impossible to determine a particular dog’s health throughout her lifetime, it’s smart to know what health problems the parent breeds are predisposed to as they can pass this to their offspring.

Some of the most common illnesses that Border Collie Poodle mixes may have are allergies, hip dysplasia, epilepsy or seizures, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).

If you want to know more about what health issues may occur in Borders, the American Border Collie Association (ABCA) has a list.

Those would include exercise-induced collapse, early on-set deafness, and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA).

For Poodles, they have quite a record of severe genetic health conditions, but the most significant are Von Willebrand’s disease and autoimmune ailments such as Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) and Addison’s Disease.

How much are Bordoodle puppies?

A Bordoodle puppy can cost $700 to $1,600. This price range can be affected by the breeder’s location and popularity, the pup’s color, and the parents’ pedigree.

If the Poodle and Border Collie parents are registered with the AKC and have won dog show awards, that can easily bring the price up.

Gender also plays a role in how much your Borpoo puppy will cost. Don’t know whether to pick a boy or a girl? Like with any dog, males are usually a bit heavier and larger than females.

Male Borderdoodles are more dominant and maintain their puppyish behavior in terms of temperament.

Females, on the other hand, are independent and more reserved. They also tend to be more stubborn and strong-willed.

Bordoodle breeders & kennels

If you feel like you’re ready to start searching for your Bordoodle puppy, we recommend that you do your research first.

Only buy from breeders who prioritizes their dog’s overall health and wellness over their physical qualities and earning bucks.

It would help if you also met the puppy, its littermates, and the parents personally to observe how they’re like with their owner, fellow doggos, and strangers.

Not only will this allow you to see if they’re cared for, but you can request to see any documentation about the pup’s lineage and medical history.

If you’re ready to browse the available Bordoodle puppies for sale, you can start with these:

• Mile High Bordoodles (Livermore, CO)
• Oregon Bordoodles (Tillamook, OR)
• Mountain Rose Bordoodles (Portage, UT)

An Angel’s Savior: Adopting a Bordoodle

Rescuing a Borderdoodle or any pup in need of a forever home is always recommended.

While dogs in shelters and rescue organizations don’t have a verifiable bloodline, they offer the same joy and love that any pet can. And for a more affordable price tag.

Here are rescues dedicated to purebred Border Collies and Poodles, as well as their mixes:

• Arizona Poodle Rescue (Maricopa, AZ)
• Northern California Border Collie Rescue & Adoption (Corning, CA)
• Doodle Rock Rescue (Dallas, TX)

Pros & Cons: Should you get a Bordoodle?

Fun-loving, affectionate, and highly energetic, this low-shedding companion is a great match for experienced and active owners!

They always need and want to exercise, as well as most of your time and attention. But proper handling and training can turn this Poodle & Border Collie mix into a well-socialized and well-behaved doggo.

What do you think of the Bordoodle? Is it a yay or a nay? Tell us all about it by leaving a comment in the box below.

Further reading: Similar breeds to the Bordoodle

• Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle mix)
• Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix)
• Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd Poodle mix)

Reference

• https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/behavior-appearance/heterochromia-in-dogs
• https://www.instituteofcaninebiology.org/blog/the-myth-of-hybrid-vigor-in-dogsis-a-myth
• http://americanbordercollie.org/bc-information/heath-and-genetics/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26401342