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A Charming Mix of Two Beloved Breeds
One of the latest additions to the “doodle” trend is the loyal and energetic Borderdoodle. Also known as a Border Doodle or Border Collie Doodle, this sweet breed is a cross between a Border Collie and Poodle, two historic dogs famed for their intelligence and beauty.
Combining the traits of both breeds, a Border Collie-Poodle mix is a fantastic choice for someone who is looking for a furry friend who’s energetic yet affectionate. While Borderdoodles make great companions for exploring the outdoors, they’re also comfortable with spending their time inside relaxing with their humans every now and then. These clever canines are devoted to their owners and aim to please by quickly picking up on commands and adapting to different environments.
The Uncertain Origins of the Borderdoodle
Border Collies have been around for quite some time (themselves a crossbreed between Roman drover dogs and a type of Spitz), but it wasn’t until 1995 that these working dogs were formally recognized by the American Kennel Club. With roots in Germany centuries ago, poodles also have a long history, developing a reputation for their regal and somewhat pompous demeanor.
It’s unknown exactly when breeders deliberately began crossing these dogs, but it was likely sometime in the 1990s or early 2000s that the Border Collie-Poodle mix began to take off. This was when the “designer dog” craze started, and pet lovers became intrigued with dogs that had Poodle genetics.
Today, Borderdoodles are more common than ever. While they haven’t yet become as prevalent as say, the Goldendoodle, they’ve most certainly begun to develop a devoted fan base! Although the AKC hasn’t yet accepted this breed as an official one, perhaps that recognition isn’t too far away.
A (Relatively New) Match Made in Heaven
Like other mixed breed dogs, Borderdoodles vary in appearance and it’s impossible to predict exactly what one will look like. Some Borderdoodles are bred from two existing Borderdoodles, while others are bred from a Poodle and Border Collie. There’s no official standard for their appearance (yet), and as you might imagine, their looks can differ wildly.
Two Borderdoodles, even of the same litter, may look very different from one another since genetics can be somewhat of a gamble. Some Borderdoodles inherit more Border Collie traits, including the stereotypical rough or smooth black and white coat and triangular-shaped ears.
Other Borderdoodles exhibit more quintessential Poodle traits. These characteristics range from the famed curly coat to the breed’s long, thin muzzle. Most Borderdoodles incorporate a mixture of both parent breeds. This combination creates wavy coats that don’t shed much thanks to their Poodle influence.
Size is another inherited trait, and the height a full-grown Borderdoodle reaches depends, once again, on genetics! Borderdoodles are typically around 40 pounds, but some may be smaller (especially when they have Miniature Poodle ancestry). Other dogs can grow larger and may weigh up to 80 pounds.
Since the breed is so new, it’s especially important to keep in mind that when you bring home a tiny Borderdoodle puppy, there’s no guarantee what their adult size will be. Even referring to the puppy’s parents’ size isn’t a sure thing. Two small dogs can sometimes produce larger offspring, depending on how the litter’s genetics play out. In short, make sure you’re prepared for the possibility of raising a large dog, just in case!
A Breed That’s Always Ready to Play!
If you’re thinking about adopting a Borderdoodle, you should know that it’s not just your pup’s physical features that are inherited. Their temperament, intelligence, and trainability are also influenced by their ancestors’ breeds.
While all dogs are different, when it comes to the Borderdoodle, you’ll almost certainly need to be familiar with how to train high-energy dogs. That’s because the Border Collie is famous (and sometimes infamous) for its love of physical activity. These dogs were bred to work and have some of the highest energy levels of all the canines out there. Border Collies are most at home running through expansive fields and chasing tennis balls for hours on end.
While not quite as athletic, the average Poodle is also known for having moderate to high energy levels. Borderdoodle owners need to be ready to play at a moment’s notice, lest they risk a very unhappy dog. Bored, under-exercised dogs can wreak havoc on a home in minutes, and nobody wants to come home to a destroyed couch and shoe collection!
A Borderdoodle’s playful personality is sure to attract the attention of children and other pets. Most Bo
rderdoodles happily co-exist with kids, other dogs, and cats, but it's always a good idea to introduce them carefully and oversee their playtime. Border Collies may nip due to their history as herding dogs. If your Borderdoodle inherits this trait, no child or pet will enjoy “playing” this way, but this is a trait that can be gently redirected through training.
Socializing Borderdoodles while they're young can greatly improve their behavior around others. They’ll learn to view other dogs as friends rather than threats. Cautiously introducing them to cats can also help them get along with felines and become less likely to chase after them.
Keeping Your Borderdoodle Healthy
Even when you get a dog from a renowned breeder, there’s no guarantee that your healthy little pup will stay that way. Staying on top of vet appointments is one of the best ways to ensure your dog is in the best health possible. Most dogs need to visit the vet once a year for annual checkups and to stay up to date on vaccinations. Puppies and seniors will need more frequent visits, however. Borderdoodle puppies should be vaccinated as soon as possible to protect them from diseases and infections, including parvovirus. Keeping up with the puppy and dog vaccine schedule will not only make your pup happier and keep them in good health, but it can extend their lifespan Unfortunately, vaccines can’t prevent every illness, which is where the annual wellness exams come into play. For instance, Borderdoodles are more at risk for developing hip dysplasia, which can only be diagnosed by a veterinarian. Their Poodle lineage also makes them susceptible to inheriting Addison’s Disease and Cushing’s Disease, hormonal issues that may require surgery and daily medication. Symptoms of Addison’s Disease in dogs include:
Lethargy
Depression
Digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea
Trembling
On the other hand, Cushing’s Disease can cause:
Weight gain
Excessive thirst
Extreme hunger
Urinary problems
While some conditions can’t be prevented, an easy way to boost your dog’s overall health is to make sure they’re getting adequate nutrition and exercise. What can dogs eat? Borderdoodles thrive on a high-quality, balanced dog food that provides ample protein for their active muscles and healthy fats to support their energy needs.
Many pet owners find it tempting to let their pups overindulge in treats, but giving these rewards in moderation will help them maintain an ideal weight. Additionally, taking your pup on frequent walks, runs, and trips to the dog park can help their bones and muscles stay strong.
Helpful Considerations for Choosing a Borderdoodle
Before bringing a Borderdoodle home, spend as much time as possible researching the breed to make sure this type of dog is a good fit for your lifestyle. Some specific considerations for Borderdoodle ownership are:
Your home environment. Do you have a fenced-in backyard where your Borderdoodle can run to their heart’s content? Apartments and other small living spaces are not ideal for this active breed.
Your schedule. Do you have enough time to devote to bonding with a dog? If you don’t have time to feed, walk, groom, and play with your Borderdoodle regularly, you might want to rethink adopting a pet. Borderdoodles can live up to 16 years or more, so owning one is a huge commitment.
Your finances. Make sure you know how much a dog costs. The larger (and more active) a Borderdoodle is, the more food they will eat. Their coats typically need to be trimmed regularly, so you’ll need to factor in grooming costs unless you plan to take on that responsibility yourself. Fees associated with vet visits, dog sitters, and boarding can quickly add up.
Once you’re sure you’re equipped to care for a Border Collie-Poodle mix, the next step is finding a reputable breeder. While you might find a Borderdoodle in a shelter or rescue, they’re not nearly as common as more established breeds.
Breeders vary greatly in their ratings, so make sure to check reviews. Puppy mills are a huge problem, and the breeding industry is poorly regulated. Never adopt from a facility that doesn’t allow you to see the premises. You’ll want to see the conditions for yourself to ensure the dogs are well taken care of with plenty of space to run around and access to clean water and nourishing food.
Protecting Your Borderdoodle with Pet Insurance
Once you’ve brought your new furry friend home, you have another important step to take: investing in pet insurance. Pet insurance for dogs can drastically reduce your financial stress levels over the years, especially if your dog develops chronic medical problems later in life.
When you protect your Borderdoodle with a quality insurance policy and add an optional, non-insurance wellness plan, you’ll feel less stressed about the financial side of vet visits. The last thing you want to worry about when your puppy isn’t feeling well is whether you have enough money to get the necessary treatment for them. The cost of surgeries, medications, dental cleanings, and special diets add up over the years, and you will find that having the right dog insurance can help you significantly!
Is a Borderdoodle the Right Dog for You?
Have you decided a Border Collie and Poodle mix is the perfect breed for you? With their loyal and playful nature, these dogs make ideal pets for many families. If you’re someone who is looking for less of a lap dog and more of an athletic companion, the Borderdoodle is sure to be a great match.
More than just a pet, a Borderdoodle offers years of joyful companionship, quickly becoming the loyal and dynamic family member your home was missing!