Beardoodle

The Beardoodle is a cross between the Bearded Collie and the Poodle. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Beardoodle. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.

Bearded Collie

Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized herding dog that presents a lean, athletic appearance beneath its distinctive shaggy coat. Males typically stand between twenty-one and twenty-two inches at the withers, while females measure twenty to twenty-one inches tall. Both sexes generally weigh between forty-five and fifty-five pounds, though some individuals may range from forty to sixty pounds depending on build and conditioning. The body is slightly longer than tall, with a level back, deep chest reaching to the elbows, and powerful hindquarters that provide the drive necessary for the breed's original work driving livestock over rough Scottish terrain. The head of the Bearded Collie features a broad, flat skull with a strong, full muzzle of moderate length. The eyes are large and expressive, typically brown or hazel in color, though blue eyes may occur in dogs with blue coat coloring. The medium-sized ears are set high and hang close to the head, covered with long hair that blends into the coat. Perhaps the most distinctive facial feature is the characteristic beard formed by longer hair growing on the cheeks and chin, giving the breed its name and a distinguished, almost wise appearance. The double coat is one of the Bearded Collie's most notable characteristics, consisting of a soft, furry undercoat and a flat, harsh, strong outer coat that is shaggy without being excessive. A slight wave is permissible but the coat should never be curly. Bearded Collies are born in one of four colors: black, blue, brown, or fawn, with or without white markings on the face, chest, legs, and tail tip. Interestingly, the coat often lightens considerably as the dog matures, with many adult Beardies appearing much lighter than they did as puppies. The breed enjoys a relatively long lifespan of twelve to fourteen years, with some studies indicating an average of nearly fourteen years.

Key Characteristics

Temperament
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Bearded Collies are exceptionally social dogs that form strong bonds with their families and do not tolerate isolation well. They thrive when included in family activities and can develop anxiety or destructive behaviors if left alone for extended periods. The breed generally gets along excellently with children and other pets when properly socialized from a young age. Bearded Collies make alert watchdogs and will bark to announce visitors or unusual occurrences, though they are typically too friendly to serve as protection dogs. They require substantial daily exercise of one to two hours and benefit greatly from having a job to do, whether that involves herding, agility training, or other structured activities.
Health Considerations
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Bearded Collies may be prone to various autoimmune conditions beyond Addison's disease, including hypothyroidism, pemphigus foliaceus, and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Eye problems affecting the breed include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, persistent pupillary membranes, and corneal dystrophy. Regular ophthalmologic examinations can help detect these conditions early. Epilepsy occurs in some Bearded Collies, typically manifesting between one and five years of age. Heart conditions, particularly subaortic stenosis, have been reported in the breed. Studies from the United Kingdom indicate that the leading causes of death in Bearded Collies are old age at twenty-six percent, cancer at nineteen percent, cerebrovascular disease at nine percent, and kidney failure at eight percent, reflecting the breed's generally good health and longevity.
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Poodle

Poodle

The Standard Poodle is a medium to large elegant dog that combines athletic ability with a dignified, refined appearance. According to breed standards, Standard Poodles stand over fifteen inches at the withers, with most individuals measuring between eighteen and twenty-four inches tall. Males typically weigh sixty to seventy pounds while females are somewhat lighter at forty to fifty pounds. The body presents a square outline with a long, elegant neck, straight back, and high-set tail that is typically docked in countries where the practice remains legal. The overall impression is one of intelligence, grace, and proud carriage that reflects centuries of selective breeding. The Poodle's head features a moderately rounded skull with a long, straight muzzle that gives the face a refined appearance. The eyes are dark, oval-shaped, and set far apart, conveying an alert and intelligent expression that reflects the breed's exceptional mental capabilities. The ears are long, set at or slightly below eye level, and hang close to the head with thick, wavy hair covering them. The standard calls for well-laid-back shoulders, a deep chest, and straight forelegs with strong, compact feet. The hindquarters are muscular and well-angulated, providing the power for the breed's distinctive springy, effortless movement that appears to float across the ground. The Poodle's coat is perhaps its most distinctive feature, consisting of dense, curly hair that grows continuously and requires regular professional grooming every six to eight weeks to maintain proper condition. Unlike most breeds, the Poodle has a single-layer coat rather than a double coat, which contributes to its reputation as a low-shedding breed often recommended for allergy sufferers. The coat may be curly or corded and comes in a wide variety of solid colors including black, white, brown, gray, silver, blue, cream, apricot, red, and cafe-au-lait. Parti-colored Poodles also exist though they are not accepted in all show registries. Standard Poodles typically enjoy a long lifespan of ten to eighteen years with proper care and attention.

Key Characteristics

Temperament
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Poodles are loyal, affectionate dogs that form deep bonds with their families and can become quite attached to their owners, sometimes described as velcro dogs due to their desire to remain close. They are generally good with children and other pets when properly socialized, though Toy and Miniature varieties may be more high-strung or sensitive than Standard Poodles. While friendly, Poodles can be reserved with strangers and will bark to alert their owners to visitors or unusual occurrences. They are sensitive to human emotions and respond poorly to harsh training methods or tense household environments. Their need for companionship means they do not tolerate being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation anxiety if isolated regularly.
Health Considerations
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Addison's disease occurs more frequently in Poodles than in the general dog population, affecting the adrenal glands and requiring lifelong hormone replacement therapy. Epilepsy is another condition to which Standard Poodles are genetically predisposed, typically appearing between one and five years of age. Von Willebrand's disease, a bleeding disorder caused by deficient clotting factor, has been identified in the breed. Other health concerns include hypothyroidism, bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus in Standard Poodles, cataracts, glaucoma, optic nerve hypoplasia, heart disease including mitral valve degeneration, allergies and skin conditions, and dental disease. Toy and Miniature Poodles may additionally experience Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, and portosystemic shunts.
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Important to Remember

Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Beardoodle may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Bearded Collie and Poodle to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.