Bordoodle 101: An Intro to the Border Collie-Poodle Mix

Have you met the adorable Bordoodle yet? This beautiful hybrid breed is one of the more active Doodles out there. If you’d like to learn more about the Border Collie-Poodle mix, this is your chance. In this article, we’re going to answer all of your questions about the Bordoodle breed and more. Let’s dive in!

What Is A Bordoodle?

Bordoodle or Borderpoo, Colliedoodle or Colliepoo. This pup sure has many great names to choose from! The Border Collie and Poodle mix is a newer Doodle breed that’s becoming increasingly popular. And for a good reason! Bordoodles combine the best traits and features of their purebred parents. They’re fun-loving and loyal pups who enjoy learning new tricks and spend time with their humans. What more would you want, right?

As with any Doodle, Bordoodles come in all shapes and sizes, colors and coat types. They can look almost like the curly-haired Poodle or resemble more of the Border Collie parent. Regardless of their looks, Bordoodles are amazing mixed breed pups that have beauty and brains. 

Bordoodle Physical Appearance

Colors

Bordoodles can come in many different colors. Most common colors and color pairings are black, gray, black and white, brown, brown and white, cream, silver, red, and apricot. Additionally, darker colored Bordoodles can actually fade their color and become lighter over time.

Coat & Hair

One of the main appeals of Doodles is that they’re very low to non-shedding, making them the perfect dogs for people with allergies. Bordoodles have a coat that combines traits from both Border Collie and Poodle parents. The most common coat type in Bordoodles is the wavy coat. It’s neither curly or straight, but more shaggy, and it tends to shed very little.

On the other hand, some Bordoodles have inherited the straight Border Collie coat. As the Border Collie has a double coat, Bordoodles with straight hair usually tend to shed. Because of that, straight-haired Bordoodles aren’t the best choice for people with dog dander allergy. Nevertheless, thanks to the Poodle genes, they still shed considerably less than the purebred Border Collie parent. 

Then there’s also the curly-haired Bordoodle who has inherited its very low-shedding locks from the Poodle parent. Bordoodles with the curly coat are the most suitable for people who struggle with allergies. However, it’s important to keep in mind that curly-haired Bordoodles are more prone to matting, meaning you’ll most likely have to spend more time on brushing and grooming the hair.

Colliepoo Size

A Bordoodle’s size is determined by the size of its parent pups. Generally, Bordoodles are medium-sized dogs, but their height and weight can greatly vary due to the size of the Poodle parent. Typically, either Mini or Standard Poodles are crossed with Border Collies. Therefore, we can expect that crossing a Border Collie with a Mini Poodle will result in a smaller Bordoodle, whereas using a Standard Poodle in the mix will result in a larger Bordoodle. 

Here are the size estimates of adult Mini and Standard Bordoodles: 

	Mini / Medium Bordoodle	Standard Bordoodle
Weight	30-45 pounds	45-60 pounds
Height*	12-20 inches	16-22 inches
When Full-Grown?	11-13 months	13-18 months

You can learn more about the size and growth patterns of this adorable mixed breed in our Bordoodle size guide. We’ve also created an interactive puppy growth chart and calculator, which is a handy tool for predicting and tracking a Bordoodle puppy’s growth from birth to adulthood. 

Bordoodle Personality & Temperament

Bordoodles are very active and outgoing dogs who really enjoy spending time with their families. They’re loyal and protective of their humans and love to take part in your everyday activities and routines. Bordoodles are equally gentle and loving and absolutely adore cuddling up to their human family. However, they can get easily attached to their family and might not tolerate being alone for too long. 

What’s more, Bordoodles have inherited their high intelligence levels from the Border Collie and Poodle parents. They learn new tricks and skills in a blink of an eye and love pleasing their human parents. And as they’re also super active, Bordoodles need plenty of mental and physical stimulation for a healthy and happy life. If a Bordoodle’s exercise needs aren’t met, they can become destructive. 

Bordoodle Generations

An important factor to keep in mind with the Collie Poodle mix is their generation. A Doodle’s generation shows us how much of their genetic makeup consists of either of the purebred parents. Let’s take a closer look at each of the Bordoodle generations and what they represent:

	1st Parent	2nd Parent	% Border Collie*	% Poodle*
F1 Bordoodle (first-generation)	Border Collie	Poodle	50%	50%
F1B Bordoodle (first-generation backcross)	F1 Bordoodle	Poodle	25%	75%
F1BB Bordoodle (first-generation backcross backcross)	F1B Bordoodle	Poodle	12.5%	87.5%
F2 Bordoodle (second-generation)	F1 Bordoodle	F1 Bordoodle	50%	50%
F2B Bordoodle (second-generation backcross)	F1 Bordoodle	F1B Bordoodle	37.5%	62.5%
F2B Bordoodle (alternate cross)	F2 Bordoodle	Poodle	25%	75%
F3 / Multigen Bordoodle	F1B Bordoodle or higher	F1B Bordoodle or higher	Varies	Varies

Based on that, we can expect a Bordoodle puppy to inherit certain traits or characteristics based on their genetic makeup. For instance, if the goal is to achieve a Bordoodle puppy with a curly coat, the mix should have a higher percentage of Poodle. 

Bordoodle Health & Life Expectancy

Do Bordoodles have health problems? The Border Collie-Poodle mix is considered a healthy breed and often even healthier than the purebred parents. Their life expectancy is around 12-15 years. However, there are some hereditary conditions that Bordoodles are at a risk of developing. These include joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), epilepsy, and allergies. 

That’s why it’s especially important you choose a responsible breeder who eliminates the chance of genetic defects through proper health and genetic testing. Additionally, keep in mind that a Bordoodle needs a healthy diet and enough exercise for a healthy and happy life. 

Bordoodle Exercise & Training

As the Bordoodle is an energetic breed, they require plenty of daily exercise. At least an hour each day should satisfy their exercise needs. Although they can live comfortably in an apartment, Bordoodles will thrive best in a home with a large fenced backyard. 

Like any other breed, Bordoodles will benefit from early socialization with other pets and people, as well as early training. As both the Border Collie and Poodle parents are super intelligent pups, Bordoodles have inherited their smarts and knack for obedience. However, if they aren’t mentally or physically stimulated enough, they might start to exhibit problematic behaviors like herding the family members or becoming destructive. 

When it comes to training, we recommend you start teaching your Bordoodle puppy potty training and basic obedience as soon as you bring them home. Always use positive reinforcement and you’ll soon notice how quickly this pup can learn new skills and commands. 

Bordoodle Coat & Grooming

One of the most important steps in the Bordoodle grooming routine is brushing. Regardless if a Bordoodle has the curly or straight coat, all Bordoodle coat types require regular upkeep to avoid matting. We recommend daily brushing, as this is the best way to keep knots and tangles at bay. However, Bordoodles with shorter hair might require less maintenance. We also recommend you learn the line brushing method, as it’s a great way to combat matted hair that hasn’t been brushed for a while. 

Other important steps in their grooming routine include:

• Trimming the hair every 6-12 weeks. See also: How to Groom a Doodle At Home: Online Course
• Bathing once the pup gets smelly or dirty. This could be once every 6-12 weeks, or in between grooming appointments. It’s important that you don’t wash your pup too often, as it can irritate and dry out their skin. When bathing your Bordoodle, opt for specially formulated dog shampoos, as they’re safe to use on a dog’s skin. See also: How To Bathe A Dog: Ultimate Guide To Bathing Doodles
• Trimming the nails every week or every other week. See also: How To Trim Dog Nails: Ultimate Guide!
• Ear cleaning after every swim and bath time. Also, don’t forget to gently, but thoroughly dry the ears to avoid ear infections. See also: Best Dog Ear Cleaner: Vet-Approved Products
• Following good oral hygiene practices like daily teeth brushing (or at least a few times a week). See also: How To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth At Home
• Cleaning the eyes from eye gunk and boogers every day. See also: Beard & Tear Stains In Doodles: Causes & Best Tear Stain Remover

Who Is a Bordoodle Best For?

Bordoodles are best suited for active singles or families who are looking for a pup to join them on their many adventures. This mixed breed likes to go on hikes and long walks in nature, or join you for an evening jog.

As the Bordoodle is a very active and highly intelligent breed, they require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Therefore, it might not be the best breed for first-time dog owners or people who look for a more laid back dog. However, if you’re up for the task, you’ll find the Bordoodle to be the best companion one could ever hope for. 

Where Can You Get Bordoodle Puppies?

Getting your hands on the Border Collie-Poodle mix might not be as easy, but it’s definitely worth it. Before you adopt your new puppy, make sure to do your research. A good breeder will first and foremost focus on the health and wellbeing of the parents and puppies. They should do proper health and genetic testing, provide puppies their first vaccinations, and start with basic training. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and look into testimonials and referrals. We recommend you also check out our article on how to choose a responsible breeder.

If you’re planning to adopt a Bordoodle puppy, check out our Bordoodle Breeders Directory, where you’ll be able to find a list of reputable Bordoodle breeders in the United States.

Bordoodle FAQ

Are Bordoodles Good For Beginners?

The Bordoodle might not be the best choice for first-time dog owners. As they’re super intelligent, they have been known to outsmart their owners who aren’t as experienced. Additionally, thanks to their high intelligence and energy levels, Bordoodles require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation each day to live a healthy and fulfilled life. 

Is Bordoodle A Good Dog?

The Bordoodle mixed breed has inherited a great personality and temperament from both Poodle and Border Collie parents. They’re very loving and loyal, playful and energetic dogs who like to be a part of the whole family. Bordoodles are also great with children, making them an overall great choice for active families and singles alike. 

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To conclude, although a fairly new hybrid breed, the Bordoodle is here to stay. They’re fun and energetic companions who don’t shy away from cuddles and family time. We hope you learned some interesting facts about the Border Collie-Poodle mix and can make an informed decision when bringing your new family member home.