Beardoodle: Bearded Collie Poodle Mix
A scruffy yet handsome crossbreed, the Beardoodle is a mix of the smart and adaptable Poodle with the sociable and cheerful Bearded Collie. Medium in size, the Beardoodle has an athletic body and long, straight limbs. With their thick, wavy fur and round dark eyes, they can be real heart-breakers.
These clever dogs can become easily bored so require plenty of exercise and interaction if nuisance behaviours are to be avoided. Their intelligence makes for rewarding training sessions but also means that owners need to come up with new and inventive ways of keeping them occupied.
What is a Beardoodle?
The fun-loving Beardoodle is a combination of the smart, peppy Poodle and the stubborn yet charismatic Bearded Collie with the end result being a great family dog who loves to play and hang out with his people but also does quite well when left on his own – making him perfect for working families.
Beardoodles are a fun combination of the smart little Poodle and the stubborn Bearded Collie.
Origin
As a designer dog, the Beardoodle likely dates back to the 1980s when breeders first begin mixing pure-bred dogs to produce puppies that carried the desired traits of both parent breeds – typically a healthier, smaller, hypo-allergenic or gentler form of a popular breed.
Pedigree
The Beardoodle’s mixed breed make-up means he isn’t eligible to join the American Kennel Club (AKC) however both parent breeds are long-time members; the Poodle joined AKCs “sporting” group in 1887 while the Bearded Collie was named to AKC’s “herding” group in 1976.
How easy are Beardoodle to train?
Beardoodles are the product of two intelligent, eager-to-please breeds and in spite of the Collie’s stubborn streak, this dog will be quick to pick up and obey commands. Because he is an energetic dog who can become bored and distracted if not engaged, training should include activities that he can be rewarded for – such as fetch or agility. As with most dogs, rewards-based training with lots of praise and treats of your choice will get the results you are looking for.
Diet and Nutrition
The Beardoodle is a medium-sized dog with a big appetite for exercise. As a result, he needs a nutrient-rich kibble that is specifically formulated to match his age, size and high level of activity. Opt for a food that is high in protein and low in fillers to avoid him over-eating to feel full. Because joint issue can be a problem later in life, you need to prevent this dog from becoming overweight so plan to feed him 2 to 3 times a day versus free feed and because Poodles can be prone to digestive issues, avoid high fat meals.
The Beardoodle is self-confident, outgoing and is cool with being left on his own.
How would you describe the temperament of Beardoodle?
The Beardoodle is a fun-loving, super-intelligent dog that loves playing with kids and other pets. He is considered self-confident, outgoing and is a quick study when it comes to picking up new tricks – particularly when rewards are involved. Perhaps because of the independent nature of the Bearded Collie, the Beardoodle doesn’t seem to suffer from separation anxiety and is quite comfortable being left on his own – which makes him a great fit for working families.
Weight
Your Beardoodle will likely weigh in the range of 40 to 60 pounds once he reaches adulthood.
How healthy are Beardoodle?
Typically the health issues that can present in pure-breds have been “bred out” of designer dogs however it is always important to know what your new puppy could inherit. In the case of the Beardoodle, that can include, joint issues from both parent breeds, bloat and digestive issues from the Poodle and Collie Eye Anomaly from the Bearded Collie side of his family.
How active are Beardoodle?
The Beardoodle is a highly active dog who will need a combined 60 – 90 minutes of vigorous exercise each day. From power-walking or running to playing chase and catching a ball or frisbee in his own backyard, this boy loves to be busy. Adding the socialization that comes from visits to an off-leash dog park would be a great addition to his workout routine. A lack of exercise with this dog can result in boredom and destructive behaviors.
The Beardoodle is a fun-loving, super-intelligent dog that loves playing with kids and other pets.
How long will Beardoodle live?
The average life span of a Beardoodle is 12 to 13 years.
Recognized Clubs
Although the Beardoodle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), he is a member of the Designer Breed Registry (DBR).
Coat
The thick, curled fur of the Beardoodle should be brushed every day to prevent it tangling and to keep it in good condition. They will need to be professionally groomed at least once a year and more regularly than this if owners wish to keep their fur short, meaning it will be easier to manage.
Owners should not neglect the ears of their Beardoodle, as they can be prone to infections, particularly if the ear canals contain fur. To keep infections to a minimum, ears must be thoroughly dried after getting wet. On top of this, owners should clean out any wax that accumulates. How frequently this needs to be done will depend on the dog, though every two weeks is typical.
Puppies
Beardoodle puppies come from 2 highly intelligent breeds, one of which has a stubborn streak so plan to socialize and introduce obedience training early on. His parental history of joint issues means leash-training and exercising this little guy will need to be introduced slowly and with care. Over-exerting tiny joints now can result in debilitating issues later in life.