Beardoodle Basics
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.
Food/Diet
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.
Training
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.
Weight
Your Beardoodle will likely weigh in the range of 40 to 60 pounds once he reaches adulthood.
Temperament/Behavior
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.
Common Health Problems
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.
Life Expectancy
The average life span of a Beardoodle is 12 to 13 years.
Exercise Requirements
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.
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 Beardoodle’s coat is long, thick, coarse and will require brushing 4 to 5 times a week with a metal comb and pin brush to prevent matts and tangles. In spite of this, he is considered a non- to low-shedding dog making him ideal for those who don’t like the clean-up of a heavy shedding dog. The Poodle in him may require a visit to the groomer every few months to keep his coat looking its best and because he is a floppy eared dog, weekly ear cleaning is a must to prevent infection.
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.
Photo credit: Eric Isselee/Shutterstock.com; Tracey Patterson /Shutterstock.com; Cary Leppert/Shutterstock.com
