About Bordoodles

What is a Bordoodle?

The Bordoodle, also known as "Borderdoodle", is a hybrid cross between the two smartest dogs in the world, a purebred Border Collie #1 and a Purebred Poodle #2.

Origin of Bordoodles.

It was only about 8-10 years ago that organizations like... the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breeder Registry, and other similar kennel registries began to recognize this breed. Mountain Rose transitioned from breeding and training purebred Border Collies to Bordoodles in 2012. 

What colors are Bordoodles?

Bordoodles come in a wide variety of Colors.... and many with "Irish Spotting" pattern as is common associated with the Border Collie. Colors of Black/White, Red/White,  Chocolate/White, Blue  Merle/White, Solid Black, Solid Red, Solid Brown, Merle, Parti (red & white, black & white), and Tri-color. The most common color is black and black/white.

What size are Bordoodles?

Bordoodles come in a variety of sizes ranging from 20 lbs to 80 lbs, most often depending upon the size of the poodle parent. However, most Bordoodles are between 35 and 45 lbs, similar to the size of the average border collie. Height ranges from 15 inches to 26 inches with the average being 18-22 inches, similar to the average height of a border collie.

Bordoodle Temperament.

Because they are a cross between the two smartest dogs in the world, Bordoodles possess a wonderful mind. They like having things to do, playing games and going places. They are tolerant, affectionate and very loyal. They are ideal as family pets and well suited for kids.

Can you predict the temperament of a Bordoodle?

While there is a general expected temperament for Bordoodles, each individual puppy has its own "personality". Volhard Temperament Testing (Volhard.com) can help you determine the natural temperament of most puppies… whether it is considered to be reserved, playful, independent, outgoing, etc...  Testing will reveal that some pups are more assertive while others are more reserved. Some pups may be more suitable as lap dogs, others as "service dogs", while others may have the temperament to be an agility champion.  The test will also reveal which pups are brave and which may be timid. You'll also find out which puppies are natural fetchers, while the others can of course be taught to fetch. Temperament profile testing is an absolute must for those who are acquiring a puppy for future use as a service dog, or looking for the ideal dog for your lifestyle. 

Do Bordoodles shed?

“F1” Bordoodles may or may not shed. Most “F1b” Bordoodles do not shed. At 6 weeks of age, an experienced breeder can usually tell whether or not the puppies will shed.

Are Bordoodles hypoallergenic? 

Typically a dog that is hypoallergenic is one that does not shed. Some Bordoodles are hypoallergenic and some are not. Once pups reach 6 weeks of age an experienced breeder can usually tell which pups will be hypoallergenic and which ones are not.

Bordoodle grooming.

Bordoodles that do not shed have coats that continue to grow (hair) and definitely need regular grooming and haircuts.

Do Bordoodles make good family pets?

Because Bordoodles are smart, tolerant, loyal and super affectionate, they make wonderful family dogs and personal companions. They love to play games, go on hikes and be part of the family. Bordoodles love kids and get along well with other animals. They don't usually bark, except to warn of a stranger on your property. Bordoodles also excel in agility sports and are super desirable as service dogs due to their high I.Q. and astonishing reasoning ability, which makes them super easy to train. Your Bordoodle puppy can be easily trained to proficiently obey all basic obedience commands by just 11 weeks of age! Mountain Rose can help you accomplish this.  

How much exercise do Bordoodles need?

Generally speaking, most Bordoodles need a moderate amount of exercise and do best in homes with large yards and/or with people who have active lifestyles. A morning and evening walk (20 minutes) on a daily basis would be the bare minimum for this breed. However, the requirement of exercise depends a bit on the Bordoodles natural temperament which can be discovered by Volhard Testing young puppies and also by observation. Puppies that inherently have low anxiety will require less exercise than a puppy with high anxiety.

Are  Bordoodles predisposed to any health conditions?

Bordoodles may very well be the healthiest of all “doodles” existing today. Because the Border Collie has always been bred for health and temperament as opposed to looks, the Border Collie is considered one of the healthiest purebred breeds in the world. A good breeder will DNA test both the Border Collie parent and the Poodle parent to ensure that they are free of any mutated gene that may cause certain diseases that poodles and/or Border collies may be predisposed to developing. A good breeder will also perform OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) testing on the parent dogs prior to breeding to ensure that they have no predisposition to hip dysplasia or joint problems.

What is life expectancy of Bordoodles?

Because of the strong genetics of the Border Collie and Poodle, their life span averages between 13-16 years. This is based on the study of Poodles living 12-15 years and Border Collies living to be 14 -17 years of age. Actual studies on the life span of the Bordoodle have not been concluded as the breed is only about 10 years old. Thus, the time span stated is an average of both the Border Collie and Poodle. This does not take into consideration the “Hybrid Vigor” factor.

How many Bordoodles breeders are there in USA?

According to a recent survey of the first five pages on Google with the key word “Bordoodle” and also “Borderdoodle” and  “Border Collie Poodle”, there are less than a dozen recognized professional breeders listed. Of course there are many more small “onetime” breeders throughout the world. 

What advice would you have for someone considering a Bordoodle

Ensure that the breeder you choose is reputable and conducts DNA and OFA health tests on the parent dogs and that their parent dogs have pedigrees proving their lineage. Volhard Puppy Aptitude Testing (or comparable) will also help you identify the puppy that is right for you. Visit the breeder’s property if possible or ask the breeder to provide pictures of their property, thus you will avoid the dreaded “puppy mill”.

What are the highlights of the breed? 

This breed is ideal for people and families with active lifestyles and families with children. Due to their superior brains and intuitive nature, along with their superior physical makeup, Bordoodles also make superb service dogs excelling in “Mobility Assistance”,  “PTSD” and “Therapy” work.

Bordoodle Service Dogs

The balancing nature of the resulting cross between a "Mountain Rose" Poodle and a "Mountain Rose" Border Collie draw the very best attributes of both breeds while seemingly leaving behind any negatives. A "Mountain Rose" Bordoodle is smart, mindfully calm and intuitive.

Because of these proven traits in which we are consistently achieving, our dogs make ideal service dogs ranking high in three particular service categories...

1. Therapeutic

2. PTSD

3. Mobility Assistance
   

We are proud to have many of our dogs placed in all 3 service categories along with more of our Bordoodles working as Diabetic Alert, Seizure alert and Seizure Response dogs.

Mountain Rose trains service dogs.  Learn More