investor79
It would be difficult to develop a smarter, more lively mixed breed dog than the Bordoodle – the Border Collie Poodle mix. But is a Bordoodle, also known as a Border Doodle, the right dog for you? In this article, we’ll look at the border collie, poodle, and border collie poodle mix. So you can make an informed decision as to whether or not you want to include one of these attractive puppies in your family.
So what should potential owners know about the Bordoodle? Before we look at each breed, it’s important to understand exactly what a designer mixed breed dog is.
What is a designer dog?
What is the difference between a purebred dog, a mutt, and a mixed breed dog? Here’s a quick overview, but you can read a full comparison in this “article”. A purebred child is the offspring of two dogs of the same breed who have a pedigree (known parentage). So-called pedigree dogs are usually registered with an official breeding organization such as the American Kennel Club (AKC). A mutt, on the other hand, is the product of two dogs of unknown origin. One or both parents could be a mutt or an identifiable breed. However, a designer dog is the result of a planned mating between two purebred dogs of different breeds. Designer dogs have grown in popularity over the past few decades, and the poodle is widely used in hybrids. Are Mixed Breed Dogs Naturally Healthier Than Purebred Dogs? You may have heard of the term hybrid power.
The idea of hybrid energy – mothers and mixed breeds are more robust than purebreds – may apply when inbreeding is prevalent in a purebred genetic line. Therefore, it is also important to verify that your Bordoodle came from a healthy border collie and poodle breeding herd, as most purebred dogs have hereditary health problems. Responsible breeders can minimize health issues by crossbreeding with different lines and performing genetic health tests on their dogs (and only healthy breeding animals). We’ll talk more about how the border collie poodle mix is checked for health. Take a look at the parent breeds first!
Border Collie origins and traits
The Border Collie is a very intelligent and energetic working dog. A member of the herding group, the Border Collie was developed in Great Britain as a cattle breeding dog in the rugged border districts between England and Scotland. Border collies are often referred to as one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs. They are enthusiastic and focused shepherds with a very strict work ethic! Border collies are also athletic and require a lot of exercise and activity to be happy.
Origins of the poodle
The poodle is also considered to be one of the smartest breeds of dogs. Despite their association with France, poodles were originally developed in Germany to work with hunters as water dogs. The curly poodle coat served a practical purpose in those early days, protecting dogs from cold water. In fact, the iconic poodle haircut was first developed to protect certain areas of the body from the cold. Today’s poodle comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Most border doodles are a mix of the border collie and a larger standard poodle. Of course, poodles of any size can also be used.
The Bordoodle’s size, weight, and appearance
How big will your fully grown Bordoodle be? First, let’s take a look at the Border Collie and the Standard Poodle to find out. Border collies are medium-sized dogs with males 19 to 22 inches on the shoulders and females 18 to 21 inches. Border collies weigh around 30 kg for women and 55 kg for men. The AKC breed standard suggests that border collies should be overall athletic, graceful, and agile – appropriate for their job as cattle herders. A standard poodle should be 15 inches or more at the shoulders. Men weigh between 60 and 70 pounds while women weigh between 40 and 50 pounds. You can check the standard size of miniature and toy poodles on the AKC website. The breed standard calls for an elegant and proud appearance – poodles are known for a dignified but cheerful demeanor that fans of the breed find very appealing. So what about the Border Collie Poodle mix? As with any mixed-breed dog, the Bordoodle can display physical traits from either parent breed in any combination. In general, you can expect your fully grown Border Collie Poodle mix to be medium in size, between 15 and 22 inches tall at the shoulders, and weighing between 30 and 60 pounds depending on your gender. These size ranges vary from dog to dog and are based on the standard poodle as one of the parent breeds. However, remember that there are no size guarantees when crossing! You may be wondering what type of coat will your dog have? Let’s find out.
Border Collie and Poodle Mix Coat and Color
Many potential owners are interested in Poodle crosses like the Bordoodle because of their concerns about cleaning, losing weight, and allergies. Let’s look at both parent breeds to see what your Bordoodle coat might look like. Border collies can have a long or short coat. Either way, they have a soft, dense undercoat that sheds seasonally. Wire-haired dogs may have longer coats with feathers on the legs, chest, and underside, while smooth Colli Collies may have shorter hair with few feathers. Border collies with either coat length need to be brushed with a grooming brush once or twice a week. Daily brushing may be required during the shedding season. Most people think of black and white fur when they think of a border collie, but they can be any coat color with any type of marking. As with other breeds, color is less important than performance. A poodle’s coat is curly and dense and is relatively maintenance-free if not cut short. A full shift poodle needs regular professional grooming, which is why many owners keep their coats cut. Poodles do not have an undercoat like the border collie, which means they do not shed seasonally, and they are generally considered a low-shed breed. The poodle can come in a variety of coat colors, from white to black, and many shades in between. In purebred poodles, their color is solid and even without markings.
What does your Bordoodle look like?
Similar to size, the Border Collie Poodle mix can have the coat characteristics of both parent breeds in any combination. This is important to keep in mind if you are allergic to dogs. Although poodles are known to be hypoallergenic, there are no guarantees of a Border Collie Poodle mix. If you suffer from any allergies, it is important to spend a little time with a Bordoodle before getting one. Expect your Borderdoodle coat to be of medium length with a curly or wavy texture. Depending on the different types of the fur of the parent breeds, the requirements for shedding and grooming may differ. Don’t assume your Bordoodle is small, although it is a possibility. Border Collie Poodle mixes can come in any combination of colors and patterns. Lots of people like the classic black and white border collie markings, but different colors and patterns are possible. After all, a Border Collie Poodle mix usually has brown eyes.
Border Collie Poodle mix temperament
While the poodle has been a popular companion for many years, the border collie was primarily bred as a working dog. Poodles are active, proud, and intelligent, whereas Border Collies are extremely energy-intensive and their intensity may be more than an inexperienced owner. Border collies are not couch potatoes. So, if you don’t have sheep, getting your dog involved in activities like agility exams is a must. It’s also important to keep in mind that your Bordoodle’s temperament may favor either parent breed, or it may be a combination of the two. Either way, expect your dog to be intelligent as both parent breeds are highly intelligent. In general, they’re also loving, playful, and energetic, so a Bordoodle is usually good for active families with kids. And because they’re so smart, they’re also easy to train. The Border Collie’s working dog genes may require your Border Collie-Poodle mix to be properly socialized and obedient trained from the start. Keep in mind that a strong pastoral instinct is common in border collies. This is especially important if you have very young children or small pets, such as cats. Does the Border Collie Poodle mix have any health issues?
Bordoodle health
As mentioned earlier, most purebred dogs have some hereditary health conditions, and the border collie and poodle are no exception. Here is an overview of the top Border Collies and Poodles health issues that potential Borderdoodle owners should know about.
Border Collie health problems
Since the border collie was long bred for workability, not appearance, it is a relatively healthy breed. However, there are still some potential health risks to consider. The American Border Collie Association (ABCA) lists the genetic “health conditions” that can occur in Border Collies. The most common are:
- epilepsy
- Hip dysplasia
- early onset deafness
- exercise-induced collapse
These health conditions are common in many purebred dog breeds. Of particular interest to Border Collie breeders and owners is Collie Eye Anomaly, an inherited eye disease that affects different types of Collies and Sheepdogs. With CEA, blood vessels leading to the retina are underdeveloped, which can lead to blindness. Fortunately, there is a genetic test for this disease, and responsible breeders will prevent carriers from passing the gene on to future generations.
Poodle health problems
The standard poodle has several serious genetic disorders that potential Bordoodle owners should be aware of. The full list is pretty long, but here are some of the major issues. Lack of diversity in the gene pool has led to various autoimmune conditions in the poodle. Addison’s disease and sebum inflammation are two of the most common. Addison’s disease occurs when the dog’s immune system attacks the adrenal glands and causes steroid hormone deficiency. Sebaceous adenitis (SA) is an inflammatory skin condition caused by the immune system attacking the sebum glands (oil glands) of the skin. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures. Standard poodles belong to a group of dog breeds that are prone to hereditary epilepsy. Veterinarians use a variety of drugs to prevent seizures, but many have serious side effects. There are a few additional health issues that can affect standard poodles, including:
- Eye problems
- Hip dysplasia
- inflation
- von Willebrand disease, an inherited bleeding disorder
Genetic tests are also available for various poodle health problems.
Border Collie Poodle Mixed Health Concerns
What about the Bordoodle? Your dog could inherit genetic health problems from either parent breed. Chronic health problems like epilepsy, hip dysplasia, skin problems, and eye diseases can appear in Bordoodles. How can you make sure your Bordoodle puppy is as healthy as possible? Here are a few tips for choosing a healthy puppy.
How to Find a Border Collie Poodle Mix Puppy
Because both the Border Collie and (especially) the Standard Poodle can have a number of hereditary health conditions, it is important to only consider reputable Bordoodle breeders.
Look for local, small-scale breeders who will welcome prospective customers into their home and kennel facilities. You should be allowed to see your puppy’s living conditions, meet parents and littermates, and most importantly, see all the results of genetic health tests. Because hybrids are so popular, there are some risks involved in buying a Bordoodle from a pet store or from an online advert. Chances are your pup came from a large, for-profit breeding farm called the Puppy Mill. Puppy mills generally don’t invest in genetic health testing as responsible breeders do. What Type of Health Tests Should You Look For? A good breeder will show you evidence of genetic health testing from organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation. You can also get test results from private and veterinary school DNA testing labs. In addition to the test results, look for Bordoodle puppies who are healthy weights with no protruding belly, and the back of their eyes, nose, and head should be free of discharge. A healthy coat and flawless skin is a must, as is a temperament that isn’t shy, fearful, or lethargic.
Is a Bordoodle Right for You?
The Border Collie Poodle mix is a high-energy, intelligent dog. If you love to be out and about with your dog and have plenty of time to spend with your new super-smart beast, a Borderdoodle is the right choice for you. Whichever breed you choose, good luck finding your new best friend! Are you considering a Border Collie Poodle Mix puppy? Or maybe you already have a Bordoodle? Let us know in the comments!