What is a Bordoodle?
The Bordoodle is a designer dog breed created by crossing a Border Collie with a Poodle. This mix has become popular because it combines the best qualities of both parent breeds. Border Collies bring energetic and smart personalities, while Poodles contribute their intelligent and active nature.
Most Bordoodles weigh between 35 and 63 pounds and stand 17 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder. Their lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years with proper care. Because this is a mixed breed, individual dogs can vary quite a bit in appearance and temperament depending on which parent they take after more.
If you are considering adopting or buying a Bordoodle, understanding both parent breeds helps you prepare for what to expect. Use our breed quiz to see if a Bordoodle fits your lifestyle, or check the calorie calculator to plan their nutrition.
Parent Breeds at a Glance
| Trait | Border Collie | Poodle |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Weight | 30-55 lbs | 40-70 lbs |
| Height | 18-22" | 15-22" |
| Lifespan | 12-15 yrs | 12-15 yrs |
| Activity | Very High | High |
| Grooming | Moderate | High |
| AKC Group | Herding | Non-Sporting |
Bordoodle Temperament and Personality
The Bordoodle typically shows a blend of personality traits from both parents. Common traits include being energetic, smart, alert, intelligent. Individual personalities can lean more toward one parent, so meeting the specific puppy before committing is always a good idea.
Early socialization plays a big role in how any dog develops. Expose your Bordoodle puppy to different people, dogs, sounds, and environments during the first 16 weeks. This builds confidence and reduces the chance of fear-based behaviors later in life.
Health and Common Conditions
Mixed breeds often have fewer health problems than purebreds because of increased genetic diversity. That said, Bordoodles can still inherit conditions from either parent breed. Regular vet visits and preventive care go a long way in keeping your dog healthy.
Health issues to watch for:
- ● Cataracts
- ● Hip Dysplasia
- ● Collie Eye Anomaly
- ● Dermatomyositis
- ● Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- ● Epilepsy
- ● Sebaceous Adenitis
Ask for health clearances from the breeder before buying a Bordoodle puppy. Responsible breeders test both parent dogs for hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and breed-specific genetic disorders.
Grooming Needs
Grooming level: High
Bordoodles require regular brushing (3-4 times per week minimum) and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Their coat can mat easily if neglected.
Check our grooming schedule tool for a personalized plan.
Exercise Requirements
Activity level: Very High
Bordoodles need 60-90 minutes of daily exercise. Long walks, runs, fetch, and agility games keep them physically and mentally happy.
Use our calorie calculator to match food intake with activity level.
Feeding Your Bordoodle
A Bordoodle weighing 35 to 63 pounds typically needs about 525 to 945 calories per day, depending on age and activity level. Puppies need calorie-dense food split into 3-4 meals. Adult dogs do well with 2 meals per day.
High-quality protein should be the foundation of your Bordoodle's diet. Check our best food for Border Collies and best food for Poodles for brand recommendations that work well for this mix. For puppies, our puppy weight calculator helps track healthy growth.
Bordoodle FAQ
How big does a Bordoodle get?
A full-grown Bordoodle typically weighs between 35 and 63 pounds. Size can vary depending on which parent's genes are more dominant.
How long do Bordoodles live?
The average Bordoodle lifespan is 12 to 15 years. Mixed breed dogs often benefit from genetic diversity, which can reduce certain breed-specific health risks.
Are Bordoodles good family dogs?
Bordoodles tend to be great family dogs. They inherit traits from both Border Collies and Poodles, which often includes a friendly and loyal temperament. Early socialization is still important for any dog.
Do Bordoodles shed a lot?
Shedding depends on which parent's coat the Bordoodle inherits. Border Collies have moderate grooming needs, while Poodles have high grooming needs. Your Bordoodle's coat type will determine how much brushing is required.
How much exercise does a Bordoodle need?
Bordoodles need regular daily exercise. With a Border Collie parent (Very High energy) and a Poodle parent (High energy), expect your Bordoodle to need at least 30 to 60 minutes of activity per day.
What health problems do Bordoodles have?
Bordoodles can be prone to health issues from both parent breeds, including Cataracts, Hip Dysplasia, Collie Eye Anomaly, Dermatomyositis. Regular vet checkups and a balanced diet help prevent many of these conditions.
How much does a Bordoodle cost?
Bordoodle puppies typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000 from a reputable breeder. Prices vary based on the breeder's location, parent pedigree, and coat color. Adoption from a rescue is a more affordable option and usually costs $200 to $500.
Are Bordoodles easy to train?
Both Border Collies and Poodles are known for their intelligence, which usually makes Bordoodles responsive to training. Positive reinforcement methods work best. Start training and socialization early for the best results.