Bordoodle

Origins & History

The Bordoodle (also known as the Borderpoo or Border Doodle) is a designer crossbreed resulting from the mating of a Border Collie and a Poodle (usually Standard or Miniature). Originating in Australia and the United States in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the goal was to combine the legendary work ethic and intelligence of the Border Collie with the low-shedding, hypoallergenic qualities of the Poodle. In New Zealand, a country famous for its sheep farming and love for working collies, the Bordoodle has found a natural home. It has transitioned from rural lifestyle blocks to active suburban households, valued as a highly trainable companion.

The Intelligence & Training Reality

Combining the top two smartest dog breeds in the world results in a dog of exceptional cognitive ability. While this makes them incredibly fast learners, it also means they require a knowledgeable owner. A Bordoodle will easily outsmart an inexperienced owner. If they are not given a clear job, daily training challenges, or puzzle toys, they will invent their own entertainment—which often includes destructive chewing, digging, or escaping. They are not recommended for novice owners. If you are preparing to bring one home, research getting a dog in New Zealand to understand the long-term commitments required.

Coat Types & Grooming Demands

Bordoodles generally inherit a thick, wavy, or curly double coat. While they shed significantly less than a purebred Border Collie, they are not maintenance-free.

• Wavy/Shaggy Coat: Very common in F1 crosses. It sheds minimally but acts like a velcro strip, trapping NZ grass seeds, burrs, mud, and twigs during hikes. Weekly deep brushing is mandatory.
• Curly Coat: Closely resembles the Poodle. It is highly low-shedding but mats easily if not brushed daily down to the skin.

Bordoodles need professional clipping and grooming every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent painful mats. Additionally, their floppy ears trap moisture, making regular cleaning vital. If you need grooming supplies or high-quality brushes, check out our dog shop for suitable items.

Temperament, Herding Instincts & Socialisation

Bordoodles are loyal, alert, and deeply affectionate with their families. However, they often inherit the Border Collie's herding drive. This can manifest as a desire to chase fast-moving objects, cars, bicycles, or even herd young children and other pets by nipping at their heels. Early socialization and structured training are vital to curb these behaviors. To ensure they develop into balanced companions, puppy school and early exposure to different environments are highly recommended. You can read about socialisation for puppies on the SPCA NZ website for guidance.

Health & Exercise Needs

Bordoodles are active dogs that require at least 60 to 90 minutes of active exercise daily. They are not suited to apartment life or small yards. Excellent outlets include agility training, flyball, running, and swimming. For health comparisons with other active designer dogs, you can read our Labradoodle guide or check the Goldendoodle guide.

Genetic health testing is crucial. Bordoodles can inherit hip dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA). Crucially, they can inherit the MDR1 (Multi-Drug Sensitivity) gene mutation from the Border Collie side, making certain common veterinary medications highly toxic. Always ask breeders for health screening results. For more buying guidance, review our article on how to find puppies for sale in NZ.