Bordoodles are hybrid dogs that are the result of cross breeding between a Border Collie and a Poodle.
They’re usually intelligent dogs given the high IQ of both the Border Collie and the Poodle.
By combining the English and French breeds, you should get a designer dog that has a coat with some hypoallergenic qualities.
There’s no guarantee which characteristics a Bordoodle will inherit from each parent.
In this article, we’re going to delve a little deeper into Bordoodles and learn more about their physical characteristics, personality traits, grooming and exercise needs.
We’ll hear from Jeanie (@jeaniethecolliepoo), Brontë (@lifeofbronte) and Kamea (@kamea_thebordoodle).
We’ll break this article up into the following sections:
Jump To Section
What is Bordoodle?
Border Collie Poodle mix Jeanie with her sibling Dolly (Photo: Liz Gregg / @blackwhite.gold)
A Bordoodle is a cross between a Border Collie and a Poodle. Designer breeds started to become more popular in the late the 1980s and early 1990s. They’ve continued to become more and more common in the past 20 years or so.
The Bordoodle is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Breed Registry, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the Dog Registry of America, and the International Designer Canine Registry.
What is a Border Collie crossed with a Poodle called?
Jeanie the Colliepoo (Photo: @jeaniethecolliepoo / Instagram)
While a cross between a Border Collie and a Poodle is commonly called a Bordoodle, they have a couple of other names. They can also be called a Borderpoo, Borpoo, Borpoodle, Colliepoo or simply Border Collie Poodle mix.
The Border Collie is a high spirited but harding working dog. The breed are known for having a lot of energy and a high IQ. Bordie Collies require regular daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Poodles can come in three different sizes – standard, miniature and toy. They’re instantly recognisable thanks to their elegant coats, which are waterproof. They were bred to hunt ducks. Like the Border Collie, they’re also smart dogs that are highly trainable.
How big do Bordoodles get?
Brontë the Bordoodle (Photo: @lifeofbronte / Instagram)
Bordoodles are medium-sized dogs.
Males can grow to a height of 15 to 22 inches (38 to 56 cm), while they can weigh between 45 and 55 pounds (20 to 25 kg).
Females can grow between 12 and 17 inches (30 to 38 cm) tall, while they may weigh between 45 and 55 pounds (20 to 25 kg).
Brontë’s mom Charlotte gave us an idea about the size of her Bordoodle.
Brontë is 20inches from paw to shoulder, and weighs 14.5kg which is a little light for the breed but he is SO active, and often very hyperactive. We once went for a walk up a mountain, got lost so it took us 8 or 9 hours, and once we got home he STILL was running around like a lunatic and wanting to play fetch and tug-a-war for another half an hour.
What does Bordoodle look like?
Kamea the Bordoodle (Photo: @kamea_thebordoodle / Instagram)
A Border Collie Poodle mix can have a number of different colors and patterns.
Border Collies are best known for their trademark black and white coats. However, the English breed can come in any color with any patterns. The colors include, but are not limited to, black and white, red merle, blue or gray, blue merle, black tri-color, tri-color merle, chocolate and much more.
These working dogs can have a rough coat or smooth coat. They’re moderate shedders that will need daily brushing during shedding season.
Poodles, on the other hand, can have black, apricot or white coats. They’ve got a low shedding coat that requires a lot of grooming.
A Border Collie Poodle mix can inherit different colors and coat types from each parent. Therefore it’s not easy to predict the color and coat of a Bordoodle.
Jeanie’s mom Joy described the appearance of her Bordoodle, who was the result of a cross between a full size Border Collie and Miniature Poodle.
Jeanie is pale gray and white with just a hint of apricot in her ears. She is quite small (miniature poodle size) and only weighs around 12 kilos. She has a distinctive Border Collie tail with ‘The Shepherds Lantern’ on the end. Her fur is quite a loose curl and a major advantage is that she doesn’t shed hair at all.
Kristina gave us her description of her Bordoodle, Kamea.
They range from black and white to dark & light browns. Their coats vary from wavy to curly hair. Our Bordoodle gets mistaken for a Goldendoodle often. Their coloring changes as well. Our puppy was very dark brown at first and now is much lighter, specifically around his face.
Bordoodle temperament
Border Collie Poodle mix Jeanie with her siblings (Photo: Liz Gregg / @blackwhite.gold)
Bordoodles tend to be very intelligent dogs given both the Bordie Collie and Poodle have high IQs. They’re usually friendly and like to socialise with other people and other dogs. They may be wary of strangers initially before their owners have made it clear that visitors are welcome in the home. Borpoodle can be protective of family members and their territory.
Encompassing some of the traits of both breeds, Bordoodles are usually intelligent, loyal and affectionate. But it’s difficult to predict a Bordoodle’s temperament in detail given they’re going to inherit personality traits from both parents.
To get a better idea of the potential personalities of these dogs, we can look at the temperament of Border Collies and Poodles.
Border Collies were bred to be working dogs. They’re able to make quick decisions, learn new commands with ease and love to work. Border Collies were used to herd livestock on farms and ranches. There’s a potential that they may try to herd or nip other small animals or children.
Poodles were primarily used to hunt ducks rather than herd. They can often have a high prey drive and could chase after birds or small animals.
As a result, Poodles can have poor recall unless you work on this element with your dog.
Charlotte went into great detail giving us an insight into Brontë’s temperament.
Brontë is a very happy, incredibly intelligent, and friendly dog. He loves humans and understands peoples behaviour – when a child is crying he will go and find out who’s crying an sits next to them and helps sooth them. When he meets a wheelchair user, he will sit next to them and let them stroke him. Where as when he meets my sister or a very happy stranger who is excited to see him, he will jump up to greet her and bounce around and be all excitable.
Are Bordoodles smart?
Jeanie the Colliepoo (Photo: @jeaniethecolliepoo / Instagram)
There’s a good chance that a Bordoodle puppy is going to mature into a smart canine.
Both breeds can learn a new command within five repetitions and they’ll obey an instruction without hesitation 95 per cent of the time or better.
Joy explained that Jeanie is a highly-intelligent Bordoodle.
Jeanie is highly intelligent and can understand fairly complex sentences, so we often have to be careful what we say in front of her. Her Border Collie traits are very strong and she shows many typical collie characteristics. She rounds us up, does the ‘out run’ when chasing her ball and takes the typical collie stance when waiting for the ball to be thrown. All she needs is a few sheep!
Are Bordoodles easy to train?
Border Collie Poodle mix Jeanie (Photo: Liz Gregg / @blackwhite.gold)
Given Bordoodles are intelligent dogs, they’re usually pretty easy to train. Border Collies do have an independent streak that can often lead the herding dogs to be slightly stubborn.
Of course, that’s not to say a Bordoodle will be difficult but they could inherit that trait from their Border Collie parent. For that reason, it’s a good idea to train a Borderpoo from a young age.
Kristina provided a valuable insight into how she trained Kamea.
They are extremely smart. Border Collies are the smartest dogs followed by Poodles, so the combination is perfect. They are eager to learn and to please.
Do Bordoodles make good family pets?
Brontë the Bordoodle (Photo: @lifeofbronte / Instagram)
If you’re thinking about a Bordoodle but you have children, you’re probably wondering whether they’re a good choice for family pets. Let’s hear firsthand from some Bordoodle owners.
Kristina gave us an insight into how Kamera interacts with children.
They love children and are very good with kids. I would recommend an active, outdoor lifestyle family. They love being outdoors. Definitely not the best dog for an elderly couple living in a condo.
Charlotte explained how her Bordoodle Brontë is particularly fond of men!
Brontë, and all Bordoodles, make great family pets!! They are a highly intelligent dog, making training easy although you need to be strict and keep with it. They are very loyal and love kids and adults. Brontë loves men, but if he could choose between a man, my family, or me he will choose me and is always checking in on where I am.
Do Bordoodles get along with other dogs?
Kamea the Bordoodle (Photo: @kamea_thebordoodle / Instagram)
Every dog is different so while some Bordoodles may enjoy the company of other canines, that’s not always the case. It can depend on each Bordoodle’s unique personality.
We put this question to Joy and she gave us a glimpse into Jeanie’s interactions with other dogs.
She is not particularly fond of other dogs with the odd local exception. (Friends she meets regularly). She will go out of her way to avoid other dogs in public but can become possessive of her ball should another dog show any interest in it. She is our only pet and doesn’t see why she should share.
Brontë, on the other hand, loves to play with other dogs.
He is social with other dogs too. If he walks past another dog who doesn’t say hello to him he will often bark at them. He understands doggy behaviour. For example, when playing chase, he loves to be the one getting chased and will go extremely fast when there’s a whippet or greyhound behind him, but if there’s a smaller dog he will slow down so they can keep up. Today, he met a dog that was blind and I was told the blind dog doesn’t like bouncy dogs, Brontë was very calm and relaxed around him, But two minuets later, we met another very giddy and playful dog and Brontë became very giddy and playful. He changes his behaviour to those he is around. He does however like to be the dormant dog in the group and will make that known to other dogs.
Is a Bordoodle hypoallergenic?
Jeanie the Colliepoo (Photo: @jeaniethecolliepoo / Instagram)
There’s no such thing as a 100 per cent hypoallergenic dog breed.
However, Bordoodles are thought to have coats with hypoallergenic qualities thanks to their Poodle parent.
Poodles have unique coats that don’t shed a lot and don’t produce a lot of dander.
But if a Border Collie Poodle mix inherits a coat more similar to their Border Collie parent, the designer dog could be less hypoallergenic.
They often make great service dogs thanks to their high IQ and low shedding coats, especially for people with allergies to pups.
Bordoodles are the latest and greatest discovery in high quality service dogs, especially well suited for Mobility Assistance, PTSD, Diabetic Alert and Seizure Response as well as Seizure Alert service dogs, according to Mountain Rose Bordoodles.
Just remember: There is no guarantee that the coat will have hypoallergenic qualities.
Charlotte had firsthand experience of seeing Brontë around a friend who allergies to dogs. Here’s how that went:
Brontë does not shed much, but isn’t 100% hypoallergenic. My friend from Canada stayed over who is allergic to dogs, he found he wasn’t as bad as he normally is around dogs but was still struggling needing antihistamine to help him.
Bordoodle grooming and shedding
Bronte the Bordoodle (Photo: @lifeofbronte / Instagram)
Bordoodles shouldn’t require too much maintenance given their usually low-shedding dogs. As a result, Borderpoo owners will only need to give their pup weekly brushing to get rid of any dirt or debris.
Kristina, for example, hasn’t experienced much shedding with Kamea. When asked if her Bordoodle sheds, she told hellobark.com:
No – minor shedding when brushing and bathing.
Joy gave us an insight into cost of getting her Colliepoo Jeanie groomed:
Jeanie does need to be groomed about every three months and local prices vary from between £25 to £40. It is important to brush her often though as the fur can matt if left alone.
Bordoodle energy level and exercise
Kamea the Bordoodle (Photo: @kamea_thebordoodle / Instagram)
As you’ve probably figured out already, Bordoodles do require substantial exercise.
Both Border Collies and Poodles are active breeds so Bordoodles will usually have lots of energy to burn.
Bordoodles will need between 45 minutes and 60 minutes of exercise a day. This could be going for a run with their owner, a long walk or trip to the dog park.
Their high IQ dictates that Border Collie Poodle mixes will need a lot of mental stimulation to prevent them resorting to destructive and unwanted behaviors due to frustration or boredom.
Kristina explained that her Bordoodle Kamea needs a lot of exercise.
Bordoodles are extremely active and require a lot of exercise. We walk our dog twice a day, two miles minimum each walk. Our Bordoodle loves the beach and swimming and can run for hours chasing a tennis ball. I would recommend Bordoodles for very active families that have the time to properly exercise them.
Do Bordoodles have separation anxiety?
Jeanie the Colliepoo (Photo: @jeaniethecolliepoo / Instagram)
Separation anxiety is a chronic canine disorder that can affect any dog irrespective of breed. It usually occurs when pet owners leave their dogs at home alone. The result can be incessant barking or howling, destructive behaviours, or even defecating or urinating inside the home.
Charlotte hasn’t experienced separation anxiety since adopting Brontë.
Brontë LOVES me being around, but whilst I’m at work, he just relaxes and sleeps. Does not show separation anxiety. He has never damaged anything in my home whilst he’s home alone. I got a crate for him when he was a puppy but have never needed to use it. He used to sleep down stairs but I let him up for a night and he just got used to it. He loves sleeping on my bed with his back against any part of my body. But in the warmer nights he will come up to bed, but once I settle he will go and sleep downstairs on the colder floor and return upstairs in the morning.
Bordoodle lifespan
Brontë the Bordoodle (Photo: @lifeofbronte / Instagram)
A Bordoodle should have a life expectancy ranging between 12 and 18 years.
Bordoodle health problems
Border Collie Poodle mix Jeanie with her sibling Elsa (Photo: Liz Gregg / @blackwhite.gold)
Hybrid dogs are usually considered to be healthier than pure breeds with less problems.
The Bordoodle is a young breed so a lot of potential health problems are yet to be identified.
However, a Borpoodle owner should keep an eye out for hip dysplasia, epilepsy and progressive retinal atrophy.
Joy is happy to report her Bordoodle Jeanie has been free of any health issues so far.
Jeanie doesn’t have any health problems at all and she is extremely fit and healthy. She will be four years old in August.
Are Bordoodles fussy eaters?
Kamea the Bordoodle (Photo: @kamea_thebordoodle / Instagram)
Some dogs can be fussy or picky eaters. I’ve experienced this issue with my Alaskan Klee Kai, so I know how challenging and difficult this problem can be.
I’ve reviewed the best dog food delivery companies in the USA and the best dog food delivery companies in the UK. Alternatively, if you prefer feeding your Bordoodle dry food such as kibble, you can still find some great options here. Other pet parents may prefer to check out the leading options in the raw dog food market.
We put this question to Charlotte and it seems like Brontë can be quite clever where dog food is concerned.
Brontë will eat anything and everything, however only on his terms!! For example, I give him dry food at mine, but when we go to my parents house (most evenings) he has wet as they think he prefers it. He then started to refuse to eat at my home and hold out until he got to my parents where he would eat the wet food, and if I said he hasn’t eaten at mine, they would then give him more wet food to make up for it. (Very cleaver dog if you ask me)
Mini Bordoodle
Bordoodles can come in two different sizes.
As we mentioned, they’ll usually grow to between 12 and 20 inches tall and weigh between 45 and 55 pounds.
However, a Mini Bordoodle is the result of breeding between a Miniature Poodle and a Border Collie to result in a companion-sized designer dog.
Bordoodle price
Jeanie the Colliepoo (Photo: @jeaniethecolliepoo / Instagram)
Bordoodle puppies don’t come cheap – so be prepared to dig deep into your pockets.
Breeders can charge between $2,000 and $3000 for a Bordoodle puppy. They’ll usually require potential owners to place a non-refundable deposit to get on a waiting list.
In our experience, Borderpoo breeders will charge a fixed sum regardless of color, size and gender.
Kristina kindly provided us with an insight into the price of adopting Kamea.
Our Bordoodle cost $1800 compared to the Goldendoodles that are $2500-$3000.
Other potential costs include dog food, pet insurance, grooming, vet trips and much more. You can check out the best pet insurance options in the USA and the UK.
Blue merle Bordoodle
One sought after variety of these dogs tends to be the blue merle Bordoodle.
According to Oregon Bordoodles, a blue merle dog is actually a black and white dog, with a merle pattern “on top”, giving it the “swirl” look.
They may be a popular type of Bordoodle, but you shouldn’t be charged extra for this color.
Bordoodle vs Aussiedoodle and Bordoodle vs Labradoodle
When considering a Bordoodle, you’ll often see them compared to other designer dogs. The most common comparisons are with the Aussiedoodle and Labradoodle. The Australian Shepherd’s function was similar to a Border Collie, so in theory, a Bordoodle and Aussiedoodle could have similar traits. Labradoodles are a cross between a Labrador and Poodle. Labradors, like Border Collies and Poodles, are very intelligent dogs. To find out more about the differences and similarities, you could contact breeders.
For other Poodles mixes, check out Sheepadoodles, Irish Doodles and Goldendoodles.
Are Bordoodles a good option for first-time owners?
Brontë the Bordoodle (Photo: @lifeofbronte / Instagram)
If you haven’t owned a dog before but you’re interested in getting a Bordoodle, here’s what are pet parents have to say about their suitability for firs-time dog owners.
Here’s what Joy had to say on this topic.
I would definitely recommend Bordoodles/Colliepoos as a pet for first time owners as Jeanie is loving, clever and a great companion. I cannot comment on how she would be with small children as we do not have any in our family at the moment.
Bordoodle pros and cons
Pros
Joy/Jeanie: There are only pros for us as Jeanie’s parents. She is small enough to pick up and likes sitting on our laps in pubs. She is obedient, loving and is excellent off leash. The poodle in her can dance and she truly believes she has the right to sit on any comfortable furniture.
Charlotte/Brontë: They are pretty unique, at least in the UK anyway. Everyone we meet has never heard of the mix. They’ve got a great temperament and they’re very social with people and dogs. They’re perfect size, not too big, not too small.
Kristina/Kamea: They’re very intelligent and easy to train. They love to be around people. They’re very good with children. Our dog LOVES kids. They can be hypoallergenic so great for people with dog allergies. They also love other dogs. They’re very friendly and plays well with dogs of all sizes and ages.
Cons
Joy/Jeanie: None.
Charlotte/Brontë: None.
Kristina/Kamea: They must be properly exercised as young Bordoodles have a lot of energy. Bordoodles also bark a lot as Border Collies are very vocal. They don’t fit the lifestyle of all families/people.
Bordoodles to follow on Instagram
Border Collie Poodle mix Jeanie with her siblings (Photo: Liz Gregg / @blackwhite.gold)
If you’re eager to learn more about Border Collie Poodle mixes, you can contact some Borpoodle owners on Instagram.
They’ll usually be more than obliging when it comes to shedding light on these designer dogs.
You can learn key information and revealing insights from some Bordoodles on social media.
Here are some Instagram accounts that you may want to consider checking out.
• Jeanie (@blackwhite.gold)
• Jeanie (@jeaniethecolliepoo)
• Brontë (@lifeofbronte)
• Kamea (@kamea_thebordoodle)
Anything else to consider?
We don’t recommend purchasing a Bordoodle from a pet shop, online or through a third party.
You should contact an established and reputable breeder, who will usually ask you to fill out a questionnaire, place you on a waiting list and request a deposit.
It’s good practice to ask to see a puppy’s mother and father, watch the puppy interact with its mother, ask for the AKC and UKC papers for both parents as well as documentation regarding health checks at the vet.
In conclusion
Kamea the Bordoodle (Photo: @kamea_thebordoodle / Instagram)
So there you have it, we’ve provided a little more insight into Bordoodles.
They’re a cross between a Border Collie and a Poodle. A Borpoodle is a smart dog that requires a lot of exercise.
However, in the right environment, they can make great pets with coats that tend to have hypoallergenic qualities.
