Bordoodle

Bordoodles are smart as a whip, relatively easy to train, and extremely loving and affectionate. And while Bordoodles usually need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation — with the right family — they can be happy, wonderful pets.

• Bordoodles come in many sizes: A full-grown Bordoodle varies in size depending on whether the Poodle parent is a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle. Standard Bordoodles are about 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 40 to 60 pounds, but the toy variety can weigh as little as 15 pounds.

• Bordoodles are kid-friendly: Bordoodles can be good with kids when properly socialized. Their temperament combines traits from Border Collies and Poodles, two good family dogs, which makes them a good match for active older kids who want to play.

• Bordoodles are good with other dogs: Bordoodles are usually good with other dogs, especially if they were socialized with dogs in puppyhood. Both parent breeds tend to be social and can enjoy the company of other dogs when properly introduced and trained. 

• Bordoodles are smart: Bordoodles are brilliant dogs, just like both the Border Collie and the Poodle. Bordoodles may not officially be titled the “smartest” dog, but they certainly rank among the top intelligent breeds.

• Bordoodles are friendly: Bordoodles are generally friendly dogs. Border Collies and Poodles are both social and affectionate breeds, and Bordoodles tend to inherit these traits. They enjoy being around people and other pets, have a loving nature, and are generally easy to train. However, as with any dog, a Bordoodle’s friendliness is influenced by more than breed — socialization, training, and individual temperament are huge factors. 

• Bordoodles are affectionate: They have an affectionate, loyal, and people-oriented nature that makes them likely to seek physical closeness, such as cuddling, to feel connected and secure with their family members. Every dog is unique, so some Bordoodles might be more cuddly than others.

Bordoodles are quick learners and ideal for active individuals or families. But there are a couple of things to consider before adopting one.

Bordoodles vary quite a bit.

Bordoodles are often described by “generation”, which helps explain why their coats and shedding levels can vary so much. Some have curlier, lower-shedding coats, while others have looser waves.

The terms F1 and F1b refer to the generations and indicate how the dog is bred. 

• An F1 Bordoodle is a first-generation hybrid, meaning one parent is a purebred Border Collie and the other is a purebred Poodle. 

• An F1b Bordoodle is the result of breeding an F1 Bordoodle (first-generation mix) back to one of the parent breeds — either a Border Collie or a Poodle. 

The coat of an F1 Bordoodle can vary greatly. It might take after the Border Collie parent with a wavy or straight coat, or it might have the Poodle’s curly coat. The coat can be a mix of both, and it may shed more or less depending on which parent’s traits dominate. Whereas if the F1 Bordoodle is bred to a Poodle, the resulting puppies are more likely to inherit the Poodle’s curly, hypoallergenic coat and reduced shedding.

Bordoodles can be high shedders.

Depending on their coat type, some Bordoodles shed a lot while others are low-shedding. If a Bordoodle inherits more of the Poodle’s curly coat, they are likely to shed very little. If a Bordoodle takes after the Border Collie more, they might shed a little or a lot. Shedding can also increase seasonally in spring or fall, but regular brushing helps remove loose hair from your pup’s coat.

Bordoodles will need haircuts.

Bordoodles usually need regular haircuts, especially if they inherit the curly or wavy coat from their Poodle parent. Their coat type can vary depending on whether they take after the Border Collie or Poodle side more, but most Bordoodles will require grooming to keep their coats healthy and prevent matting.

Regular brushing is also essential to keep a Bordoodle’s coat from matting. Brush your Bordoodle at least two to three times a week to remove tangles and prevent mats from forming. Some coat types might even need daily brushing.

Bordoodles might not be good with cats.

Some Bordoodles get along with cats, but others not so much. Bordoodles can be tolerant and patient with cats, but some — especially those who inherit a stronger Border Collie herding instinct — may be more likely to chase or try to herd cats, which can create challenges in a multi-pet home. 

Bordoodles raised with cats are more likely to get along with them, but this mix is so clever that you have a good chance of training them to coexist peacefully with feline friends.

Bordoodles are high-energy dogs.

Bordoodles are high-energy dogs. Both of their parent breeds are known for their high activity levels and need for regular physical and mental stimulation. Most Bordoodles usually need at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise per day. Combine physical activities (such as walking, running, fetch, and swimming) with mental stimulation (such as training, puzzle toys, and problem-solving games).

Without enough physical activity, they can become bored or restless, leading to undesirable behaviors such as chewing or excessive barking.

Bordoodles can have a strong herding instinct.

One thing to keep in mind is the herding instinct that comes from the Border Collie side. This instinct might lead a Bordoodle to try to “herd” or nip at kids and other pets. Herding can be annoying to other dogs and cause issues with kids if not kept in check.

Most Bordoodles are gentle and patient, but kids must be taught how to properly interact with the dog, and dogs should be taught how to gently interact with children. Always supervise interactions to make sure dogs and kids are safe and happy.

Bordoodles need plenty of companionship.

Bordoodles can typically handle being left alone for short periods of time, but due to their intelligence, social nature, and high energy levels, they shouldn’t be left alone for long stretches. Bordoodles thrive on companionship and mental stimulation, so being left alone for too long can lead to boredom, anxiety, or even destructive behavior.

Adult Bordoodles can be left alone for about four hours without too much trouble, as long as they’ve been well-exercised and have toys or activities to keep them busy.

Some Bordoodles are more hypoallergenic than others, but this largely depends on the type of coat they end up with. Bordoodles that take more after the Border Collie are much less likely to be hypoallergenic. It can be difficult to know what type of coat a Bordoodle puppy will have until they are an adult. Some allergic people still experience reactions to Bordoodles. If you have dog allergies, it’s best to spend time with the specific dog you’re looking to adopt before bringing them home.

A Bordoodle needs about 60 to 90 minutes of exercise per day. Bordoodles are highly energetic and need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them engaged and prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Combine physical activities (like walking, running, and fetch) with mental stimulation (like training, puzzle toys, and problem-solving games). 

Bordoodles are generally considered a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues that affect their parent breeds, including:

• Hip dysplasia: Both Border Collies and Poodles are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket. This can lead to arthritis or pain as the dog ages. 

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA is a genetic condition that can cause gradual vision loss and eventually blindness. Poodles, in particular, are more prone to this condition, and it can sometimes be passed down to Bordoodles.

• Addison’s disease: Standard Poodles are prone to Addison’s disease, a disorder that affects the adrenal glands. It can sometimes be passed on to Bordoodles, though it is not a widespread issue.

The terms F1 and F1b refer to the generations of a hybrid dog, like a Bordoodle, and indicate how the dog is bred. An F1 Bordoodle is a first-generation hybrid dog, meaning that one parent is a purebred Border Collie, and the other parent is a purebred Poodle. The coat of an F1 Bordoodle can vary greatly. It might take after the Border Collie parent with a wavy or straight coat, or it might have the Poodle’s curly coat. The coat can be a mix of both, and it may shed more or less depending on which parent’s traits dominate.

An F1b Bordoodle is the result of breeding an F1 Bordoodle (first-generation mix) back to one of its parent breeds—either a Border Collie or a Poodle. If the F1 Bordoodle is bred to a Poodle, the resulting puppies are more likely to inherit the Poodle’s curly, hypoallergenic coat and reduced shedding.