The Bordoodle: The Smartest Mixed Breed Dog You’ve Never Heard Of [With Photos]
Rocky Kanaka
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Poodles are well-known as one of the world’s most intelligent dog breeds, but what would happen if you mixed the Poodle with another breed of canine genius? Meet the Bordoodle—a mix of Border Collie and Poodle, this designer mixed breed is another in a long list of Doodles, and might just be the smartest one yet.
While you might be about to fall in love with the Bordoodle mix, we challenge you to identify one on the street! We’ll be covering all the details of the Bordoodle’s health, size, temperament, and care, but we’ll also show you a handful of real-life Bordoodles so you can see how much this breed varies. Think you can predict what this mix will look like? Think again!
Meet 9 Bordoodles From Instagram
Bordoodles are an unregulated mixed breed, and individuals can look vastly different from one another. Some Bordoodles are black and white like Border Collies, while others will inherit light golden, cream, or tan fur from their Poodle side. Of course, both parent breeds of the Bordoodle come in different colors, so this mix is guaranteed to have variation.
Here we’re highlighting nine Bordoodles from around the world who show us just how much diversity there is in this mix.
1. Astro
Source: @AstroTheBordoodle
Still just a puppy, Astro is an adorable F1 Bordoodle whose parents were a purebred Border Collie and a purebred Poodle. Astro is a playful pup who loves to go for walks, visit the beach, and learn new tricks—as long as there are treats!
2. Douglas
Handsome Douglas is classic Border Collie colors and almost looks like he’s wearing a tuxedo! Douglas is technically a mini Bordoodle since his Poodle genes come from a toy or miniature Poodle.
3. Leo
This food-obsessed pup is Leo, a Bordoodle from Canada who loves camping, hiking, swimming, playing fetch, or really anything that can burn off some energy! When he isn’t playing hard, Leo is keeping an eye on the table to make sure no food goes wasted.
4. Benji
This cool dood is Benji from Sydney, Australia! Benji lives a life of fun and luxury and loves to be driven around on his boat or go for a swim in his home pool! When Benji takes a nap, he prefers the softest bed possible, but he’s not against getting a little dirty during playtime.
5. Tully
Lovely little Tully is a two-year-old F1b mini Bordoodle from Dallas, Texas. Just a total lovebug, Tully will snuggle with anyone, including cats! Tully loves almost any kind of play, and is always happy to jump in the water or play with toys when the time calls for it.
6. Russ
Russ is a three-year-old F1 Bordoodle whose full name is Rasgulla Dwarkadas Bhattacharya—but Russ for short is just fine! No, Russ doesn’t have black feet, he’s just a big fan of playing in the mud.
7. Eevee
Eevee (right) is a mini Bordoodle (that means she’s a cross between a Border Collie and a miniature Poodle) from Calgary, Canada who loves to spend as much time as possible outdoors. Here you can see a size comparison of a mini Bordoodle (right) next to a Cockapoo (left) which is a mix of Cocker Spaniel and miniature or toy Poodle.
8. Baci
Baci is a one-year-old chocolate Bordoodle from Adelaide, Australia whose life is kept busy on a farm watching over his humans and his sheep. A classic active and attentive Bordoodle, Baci loves being a working dog and a pet!
9. Finn
Finn is a one-year-old Border Collie x standard Poodle mix with a beautiful and interesting coat! Finn gets some of his fur genetics from his Border Collie side, and has much straighter fur than the typically Doodle-type dog.
Bordoodle Basic Info
If you saw a lineup of those photos without any context or information, would you know that they are all the same mix of breeds? Maybe, maybe not! We think it’s pretty tough to pick out a Bordoodle from a crowd, but there are a few qualities of this mix that are fairly consistent.
Before we dive into what life owning a Bordoodle is like, keep in mind that mixed breeds are not standardized and therefore not always predictable. Some Bordoodles will show extreme preference towards one parent breed or the other while some will be the “perfect” blend of traits. If you bring a Bordoodle into your home, you can expect some of these things, but your pup will be an individual like any other dog.
Bordoodle Temperament
Both Poodles and Border Collies are highly intelligent and eager to please breeds known for their extraordinary ability to learn commands, think through problems, and perform specific and important tasks. Bordoodles love to have a job and are definitely a medium to high energy breed. Happiest when active or getting to be playful, Bordoodles can become bored and destructive without enough stimulation.
“[My Bordoodle] needs lots of exercise or he makes himself a nuisance. Fortunately, we have redirected his herding drive into an endless desire to play fetch, so he’s always happy to chase the ball around in our yard.”
Reddit User
Because they are part herding breed, Bordoodles may try to corral, nip at, or correct small children or animals. In other words, Bordoodles can be bossy and impatient, and will quickly take charge if they don’t feel someone else is in control. Providing stimulation for this instinct is important when you own a Bordoodle, so playing lots of fetching games and giving your dog a chance to run is paramount.
While Border Collies and Border Collie mixes may appear to sit still for long periods of time, don’t mistake your Bordoodle’s inactivity for laziness. Herding breeds are observers and your Bordoodle is occupying their mental energy by taking on the task of being watchful for the whole family.
Bordoodle Size
Full grown Bordoodles are typically medium sized dogs that stop growing at around 12–22 inches tall and 35–65 pounds in weight.
Bordoodle Health
Poodles and Border Collies are relatively healthy breeds, but there are always health conditions and issues to be aware of, no matter what dog breed you own. Some common health problems found in both Border Collies and Poodles include:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Hypothyroidism and thyroid disease
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
Where To Find Bordoodle Puppies for Sale
Because there are no official breeding programs or standards for producing Bordoodle puppies, we don’t recommend buying one from a breeder. Most breeders producing Bordoodle puppies and similar mixes are actually puppy mills or backyard breeders and are not following proper health or ethical procedures when choosing mating pairs.
If you are in love with Border Collies, Poodles, or mixes of these breeds, we recommend checking out a breed-specific rescue or your local animal shelter. There are thousands of adorable mixes patiently waiting for a home!
Bordoodle FAQ
Finish getting your Bordoodle fix here! We’re rounding off our overview of this mix of Border Collies and Poodles by answering the internet’s most pressing questions.
How much does a Bordoodle puppy cost?
Bordoodle breeders advertise their puppies for around $800–$2,000, but we don’t recommend purchasing a mixed-breed puppy from a breeder. Instead, try finding a Bordoodle or similar mix at a shelter where you’ll pay between $150–$400.
Are Bordoodles hypoallergenic?
No. No dogs are truly hypoallergenic, and especially not mixed breed dogs whose parent breeds are not both low-shedding.
Do Bordoodles shed?
Yes. Border Collies are a shedding breed, and when mixed with Poodles, their offspring (Bordoodles) typically shed at least a little. If you see a breeder advertising that their puppies absolutely do not shed be aware that this is false advertising meant to capture wishful thinking.
Do Bordoodles need to be taken to the groomer?
Yes. Thanks to their Poodle ancestry, Bordoodle fur will grow continuously and must be maintained with regular brushing, bathing, and trips to the groomer.
What is a mini Bordoodle?
A mini Bordoodle is a mix breed of Border Collie and miniature Poodle. Standard Bordoodles are a mix of Border Collies and standard Poodles. Mini Bordoodles are obviously smaller dogs, but keep in mind that not all “mini” mixed breed dogs will be small.
What is the difference between F1 Bordoodles and F1b Bordoodles?
F1 Bordoodles have two purebred parents, a Border Collie and a Poodle. F1b Bordoodles have one purebred parent (either a Border Collie or a Poodle) and one Bordoodle parent. Here’s a quick rundown of how Bordoodle generations work.
| Generation | Parent Breed #1 | Parent Breed #2 |
| F1 Bordoodle | Poodle | Border Collie |
| F1b Bordoodle | Poodle | F1 Bordoodle |
| F2 Bordoodle | F1 Bordoodle | F1 Bordoodle |
| F2b Bordoodle | Poodle | F2 Bordoodle |
| F3 Bordoodle | F2 Bordoodle | F2 Bordoodle |
Are Bordoodles easy to train?
Yes. Bordoodles are intelligent dogs and a fast learning breed thanks to both their Poodle and Border Collie parentage. Considered two of the world’s smartest dog breeds, both parent breeds are excellent working dogs and pick up quickly on tricks and commands. Bordoodles are often eager to please their humans either for simple praise and affection or for treats, which can also make training easier.
Do Bordoodles bark a lot?
Sometimes. Border Collies are big barkers, and use their voices as working dogs—so the instinct to bark is ingrained in their DNA. Poodles are less vocal, but can still be barkers if they aren’t given adequate outlets for their energy.
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