Bridoodle Basics
The sweet-natured Bridoodle comes from two highly family-oriented dogs; the smart, fun-loving Poodle and the loyal, independent Briard. This beautiful boy does well with kids and other pets alike while a cautious nature towards strangers makes him a great potential watchdog.
The sweet-natured Bridoodle brings together the fun-loving Poodle and the independent Briard.
Origin
The Bridoodle is a relatively recent mixed breed dog known as a Designer Dog. Introduced back in the 1980’s these dogs are the result of mixing and matching 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 designer dog background of the Bridoodle means he cannot become a member of the prestigious American Kennel Club (AKC) however his parent breeds are both members in good standing. The Briard joined the “herding” group in 1928 while the Poodle was named to the “non-sporting” group in 1887.
Food/Diet
The Bridoodle is a large dog who is quite active so will require a top-quality kibble designed specifically for his age, size and more importantly, activity level. Avoid fillers such as carbs that can cause him to overeat to feel full and potentially result in obesity – joint issues later in life can be a problem so keep him fit and trim. As Poodles can bring digestive issues, choose a low-fat food and plan to schedule meals 2 to 3 times per day versus free-feeding. Poodles are also prone to bloat so ensure exercise is not taken within an hour of him eating.
The Bridoodle’s sweet personality and loving, loyal nature makes him a wonderful dog for any family.
Training
The Bridoodle is the offspring of two highly intelligent breeds and will be quick to pick up commands and follow instruction. His herding instinct may cause him to become distracted and a challenge to keep on point however don’t give up – enlist the services of a professional trainer if necessary. As with most dogs, he will respond best to firm, consistent commands followed by loads of praise and treats of your choosing for a job well done.
Weight
Your Bridoodle will typically weigh in the 70 to 80-pound range when fully grown.
Temperament/Behavior
The Bridoodle’s sweet personality and loving, loyal nature makes him a wonderful dog for any family. He does well with children and other pets however can be cautious around strangers if he inherits the wary, alert characteristics of the Briard. His independent nature means he is okay with being left alone for periods of time but it also means he can also be a handful to train so is ideally suited to an experienced dog owner. This intelligent, playful pooch can be tireless when it comes to chasing a ball or a Frisbee which makes him the perfect choice for an active family.
Common Health Problems
The Bridoodle is unlikely to experience the health issues that plague his pure-bred parents however it’s important to know what he may inherit later in life. This can include joint issues including hip dysplasia as well as digestive issues from the Poodle that includes bloat.
Life Expectancy
The Bridoodle is a relatively healthy dog that will typically live between 11 to 13 years.
Exercise Requirements
The Bridoodle comes from two large, active breeds so exercise will need to be more than a tossed ball in the yard. Daily, lengthy walks will keep him physically fit while periodic visits to an off-leash park where he can run free and interact with other dogs will help ensure this pooch is able to expend some energy and stay mentally stimulated.
The loving Bridoodle is a loyal and playful family member.
Recognized Clubs
The Bridoodle is a designer dog and not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) however he is a member of the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Coat
In spite of the Bridoodle being a low- to non-shedding dog and considered to be hypoallergenic, his long, wavy coat will require daily brushing to keep it tangle-free and looking its best. Visits to a groomer will help keep this boy looking his best while weekly inspection and cleaning of his floppy ears will help prevent infection.
Puppies
Bridoodle pups come from two highly intelligent breeds and can begin their socialization and obedience training at a young age. Because the Briard is a herding dog, your new pup can become distracted easily by other animals so patience will be required to bring out the best in this dog. His love of the chase means agility exercise will be a natural energy outlet for him however pace activity to ensure tiny joints aren’t over-exerted.
Photo credit: LittleDogKorat/Shutterstock
