Bordoodle

[Spaceman1]

I've just completed a questionnaire that recommends that a Bordoodle is the best dog for me. This is a cross between a border collie and a poodle. As they are quite rare I would love to know of anyone who has one and who knows of a reputable breeder.

I have owned lots of border collies. I currently have 2. One came from working parents, Dad was a sheep dog trialling champion. I do dog sport so he is fine in my house, but his energy means he would not be good without a sport to channel him. I think he would likely have ended up in a rescue with behavioural issues. The other collie is a laid back, chilled collie and I knew he would likely be like this from the parents temperament. He is lazy and just wants fusses and to sleep and eat. He would be very suited to a ‘pet’ home.

My point is you cannot just look online a pick a dog or breed. You need to speak to breeders or sellers, and see the parents and review temperaments to get a feel for what you are getting. It doesn’t always follow but mine have been very like parents in terms of drive and energy.

@BigWolfLittleWolf Thanks for your comment, there is absolutely no way I could give the dog that much exercise during the week.

I've just done that dog-finder quiz thing and it offered me:

Chi-Poo (Chihuahua x toy poodle)
Cesky Terrier (Scottish terrier x Sealyham)
Cockapoo - you know that one
Basset hound
Bulldog

followed by (amongst others but first on the list):

Bordoodle

also...

Kyi-Leo (Maltese x Lhasa-Apso)
Frenchton (Boston terrier x French bulldog)
Rottle (Rottweiler x poodle)

The whole thing is utterly bizarre. Most of them are ridiculous crosses.

@colliewobble That's good advice, a good breeder makes all the difference.

So i did the quiz when i got home from walking my own dog and it gave me a load of stupid made up crossbreeds too. Not that there is anything wrong with a crossbreed! Just its a stupid quiz on a stupid websites. If you are in the UK, stick to UK sites. My actual dog is a massive bull breed mix rescue dog ha.
Your children are a good age for the right dog entering the family.
Have you contacted your local rescue centres? They could help match you with one of theirs and an older dog needs less exercise.
You need to bear in mind though that your dog will need regular walks no matter how you are feeling and in any weather. Not just as and when you feel like it.
Dont underestimate the commitment you are undertaking.
As an aside, staffies can be lovely dogs. As a novice dont have an intact male though.

Thanks for your comment, there is absolutely no way I could give the dog that much exercise during the week
It’s not just exercise but temperament aswell.

Collies (and poodles) are high strung breeds; highly sensitive, highly reactive and highly intelligent.
A lot of the collies especially are very uncomfortable with young children because they don’t like the unpredictability, noise and sudden movement.
A lot of the collies aswell don’t like other dogs very much and as a breed they are often aloof with strangers.

You need to thoroughly research not only they exercise requirements but also the general expected temperament traits of any breeds you are thinking of.

Neither a collie or poodle would suit you in terms of exercise no, but it doesn’t sound like a collie would fit in terms of temperament either.

@Wavescrashingonthebeach I'm not rushing into this, I'm going to take my time and find the right dog for me and my family.

What a ridiculous questionnaire! I think you need to do better research OP, not rely on a teenage type 'does he fancy me' survey. I took it and have a dog and am experienced and it chucked crazy breeds at me including a bordoodle. I'll stick with my staffie cross thanks!

Rottle (Rottweiler x poodle)

What the what!

Just going to say it again, I know it’s a way off, but why not plan a trip with your family to Discover Dogs later this year. That way you all get to meet lots of different dogs and their owners. There is nothing better than actually meeting and talking to people about their dogs.

@viques most of that doesn't apply to my grey, though I have to admit he's great at getting into the car on the way out but when it's time to come home is inclined to stand there looking dumb.

We don't let him off the lead, but it's not an issue because his exercise needs are modest.

[quote Spaceman1]@Wavescrashingonthebeach I'm not rushing into this, I'm going to take my time and find the right dog for me and my family. [/quote]
Fantastic thats really good to hear .
Maybe this thread didnt get off to the best start but there's some passionate dog lovers here myself included who will gladly assist you with any queries!
Thinking on im sure me & my sibling were the same age as your kids when our family got our first dog and it was life changing. Started a real life long passion for all of us.
My beautiful boy mutt has just settled his head on my lap as i type

Clearly should be Potweiler.

@EveryoneRevealsThemselves

Just going to say it again, I know it’s a way off, but why not plan a trip with your family to Discover Dogs later this year. That way you all get to meet lots of different dogs and their owners. There is nothing better than actually meeting and talking to people about their dogs.

100% this

Exactly what we did and was enormously useful. Went in with one breed in mind, left with us all completely besotted with Collies. Rescue greyhounds are absolutely wonderful too (but very, very different to BC’s).

Discover dogs was really, really helpful.

@EveryoneRevealsThemselves

Just going to say it again, I know it’s a way off, but why not plan a trip with your family to Discover Dogs later this year. That way you all get to meet lots of different dogs and their owners. There is nothing better than actually meeting and talking to people about their dogs.

I second this. What a lovely idea. Just spend as much actual real life time as possible around dogs as you can. If you go your local dog park also its pretty obvious who is happy to chat and who wants to be left alone. Take the kids for a walk in a really popular dog walking area and just get chatting.

"learn to drive & steal your car."

I've never had a dog but spend enough time on here to know either breed is going to need exercise and stimulation so it doesn't climb the walls.

I just did the quiz and got

NOT FOUND
Sorry, but you are looking for something that isn't here.

😅

I don’t know about a Bordoodle but I do have a Border Collie (working parents, she was clearly never going to make the mark there 😂) she’s wonderful. She doesn’t need endless stimulation, she does need to be given ‘nap times’. She is great with the children. She is clever and eager to please but not as clever as BC can be. BC will go for ever if you take them out for a walk, but don’t actually need to go for miles and miles every day, they just don’t have an off switch because, well, wouldn’t work for a sheep dog so they will keep going until you stop them.
This is the thing, although breeds have ‘traits’ you don’t know for sure the personality you will get.

I don't think you are in a position to get a dog.
You sound very naive and your comment about 'ok to be left for 3 hours' is telling.
You also don't sound like you have much time spare for walks during the week?
I appreciate your family maybe desperate for a dog but it's unkind to get one if you're not in a position to look after it properly.

@ChardonnaysPetDragon

Rottle (Rottweiler x poodle)

What the what!

I got Boxweiler absolutely horrible website, glad you've decided to steer clear OP and it's great that you're researching this.

Haven't RTFT, but remember that puppies of any breed will be hard work, high maintenance and pretty much a full time job. It can be harder than looking after a baby, and you could have that for two years before the dog settles down. And some dogs never settle down.

Plus puppies are extremely expensive right now.

Reputable shelters like Dogs Trust will be able to give you a lot of advice, support and guidance, and are very knowledgeable about the dogs in their care. Nobody is saying you have to get a rescue, but it's something you should definitely consider.

@OppsUpsSide Yes, even within a breed there are variations too!

I think if I approach dog owners in the park they are more likely to recommend their own dog rather than one that is best for me!

@RandomMess

May as well just cross a poodle with a red setter - what could go wrong???

I don't know, but at least it will have run 100 miles away by the time you find out!!

@Spaceman1

I think if I approach dog owners in the park they are more likely to recommend their own dog rather than one that is best for me!

But you can ask them what they like and what they don't like about the breed, and make your own mind up. They'll say 'love my lab, but he's a shocker for stealing food and eating socks'. 'Love my JRT, but he yaps at everyone who walks past'.

Seriously, Retired Grey, or if you haven't got room (long legs) a staffie.

Staffies are gorgeous, loving beasts. Very easy going.

My mum has a collie crossed with a poodle after our much loved family collie died aged 16 she's a very lovely dog but absolutely daft, very fast and has only been exhausted once by a 15k jog with my brother. I thought my mum was bonkers when she told me however she can be way more chilled than I thought she would be capable of. That said she would be alot if you didn't have any experience of collies.