Cadoodle
Hybrid Breed Description
The Cadoodle is a cross between the 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 Cadoodle. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Collie
Collies are medium to large dogs with an elegant and well-proportioned body that combines grace with strength. Males typically stand between 24 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 60 to 75 pounds, while females measure 22 to 24 inches in height and weigh 50 to 65 pounds. The breed possesses a fairly square outline with a long, elegant neck, straight back, and balanced hindquarters. Their leggy appearance contributes to their distinctive graceful movement and athletic build. The Collie's most recognizable feature is their luxuriant coat, which comes in two varieties: the rough collie with long, flowing fur, and the smooth collie with shorter, dense hair. The rough collie's coat consists of a harsh outer layer designed to protect from harsh weather and a soft, downy undercoat for warmth. This double coat is particularly abundant around the neck and chest, forming a profuse ruff that frames the head. The coat should form a distinct mane extending over the shoulders and is especially thick on the tail, hindquarters, and around the neck. Collies have bright, almond-shaped eyes that are typically dark brown, conveying intelligence and warmth. The head features a distinctive wedge shape with a long, elegant muzzle and a well-defined stop between the eyes. Their ears are medium-sized and naturally prick forward with the tips folding over, creating an alert and inquisitive expression. The face has been described as fox-like due to the refined features and alert expression. Collies are available in several color patterns including sable and white, tri-color, blue merle, and white, making each dog visually distinctive within the breed standard.
Key Characteristics
Collies are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and gentle nature, making them excellent family companions. Often described as devoted, graceful, and proud, these dogs rank highly among the most intelligent breeds and are quick learners who excel in obedience training and various dog sports. Their cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills make them highly trainable, though they require consistent mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Collies thrive on human companionship and form deep bonds with their families, displaying remarkable loyalty and a strong desire to please their owners. The Collie temperament is characterized by a calm and even disposition combined with an energetic nature when working or playing. These dogs are highly sensitive and responsive to their owner's moods and needs, making them excellent therapy dogs and companions for those seeking an intuitive pet. Collies are generally friendly and social with proper socialization, getting along well with children, other dogs, and pets when raised together. However, their herding instinct may cause them to nip at heels during play, a behavior that should be discouraged through training. They can be somewhat reserved with strangers but are not aggressive, typically alerting their family through barking rather than confrontation. While Collies are active dogs requiring regular exercise, they are not hyperactive and know how to relax indoors. They need at least one to two hours of daily physical activity, including walks, play sessions, and mental challenges to stay happy and healthy. Without adequate stimulation, Collies may develop nuisance behaviors such as excessive barking or destructive tendencies. Their alert nature makes them excellent watchdogs, and they have a tendency toward vocal behavior if not properly trained. These intelligent dogs excel in various activities including agility, herding trials, obedience competitions, and even working as guide dogs for the blind, demonstrating their versatility and trainability across multiple domains.
Collies are generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, though they are predisposed to several hereditary health conditions. Collie Eye Anomaly is one of the most significant genetic concerns, an inherited ocular disease that can result in vision impairment or blindness. This condition is caused by a genetic mutation affecting blood vessel development in the eye and can be diagnosed by a veterinary ophthalmologist when puppies are as young as six to eight weeks old. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is another inherited eye disease that causes gradual vision loss and eventually blindness, though it is not painful for affected dogs. Multidrug Resistance, or MDR1 mutation, is a genetic defect particularly important in Collies that affects how the dog processes certain medications. Dogs with this mutation can experience severe toxic reactions to common drugs including ivermectin and other medications used to treat parasites, diarrhea, and various conditions. Genetic testing is available to identify dogs at risk, allowing veterinarians to avoid potentially dangerous medications. Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory condition affecting the skin and muscles, typically presenting before six months of age with hair loss, crusting, and scaling, followed by muscle weakness. This inherited condition requires lifelong management in affected dogs. Hip dysplasia occurs in less than three percent of the Collie population but remains a concern, particularly as dogs age. This condition causes looseness in the hip joint leading to pain and lameness, with treatment options ranging from pain management and physical therapy to surgical intervention. Epilepsy is another inherited condition common in Collies, with idiopathic epilepsy typically appearing between six months and three years of age. Affected dogs may require lifelong anti-seizure medication. Additionally, Collies are prone to dental disease, bloat in some cases, and may develop thyroid issues. Responsible breeders screen for these genetic conditions, and prospective owners should request health clearances for breeding dogs to ensure they are getting the healthiest possible puppy.
Poodle
Poodles are elegant dogs that come in three distinct size varieties: Standard Poodles stand over 15 inches tall and weigh 45 to 70 pounds, Miniature Poodles measure 10 to 15 inches and weigh 12 to 20 pounds, and Toy Poodles stand under 10 inches and weigh 3 to 7 pounds. Despite size differences, all Poodles share a square-like body structure with a straight back, long elegant neck, and well-proportioned build. They have a proud, regal bearing and move with a distinctive springy gait that demonstrates their athleticism and grace. Their legs are long and well-muscled, with strong hindquarters that provide power and agility. The Poodle's most distinctive feature is their dense, curly coat that forms tight ringlets throughout the body. This single-layer coat consists of harsh-textured guard hairs that stand off from the body, creating the breed's signature fluffy appearance. The coat is considered hypoallergenic because it sheds minimally, with loose hairs becoming trapped in the curls rather than falling to the floor. Poodles require regular grooming to prevent matting, and their coats can be styled in various clips from the traditional show cuts to shorter pet trims. The breed comes in a wide array of solid colors including black, white, apricot, cream, brown, red, silver, blue, and cafe au lait. Poodles have a long, straight muzzle with a slightly rounded skull and a well-defined stop. Their eyes are oval-shaped, set wide apart, and typically very dark brown, conveying an intelligent and alert expression. In brown or cafe au lait Poodles, amber eyes are acceptable. The ears are long, wide, and thickly feathered, hanging close to the head. Their nose is dark in most color varieties but may match lighter coat colors in certain dogs. The tail is traditionally docked but not short, set high and carried proudly. The overall appearance conveys elegance, intelligence, and an aristocratic bearing that has made the Poodle a favorite in show rings worldwide.
Key Characteristics
Poodles are exceptionally intelligent dogs, frequently ranking among the top breeds for cognitive ability and trainability. Their sharp minds and problem-solving skills make them quick learners who excel in obedience training, tricks, and various dog sports. However, this high intelligence means they require substantial mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors or excessive barking. Poodles are active and energetic dogs with a playful nature, enjoying interactive games, learning new commands, and participating in activities that challenge both their minds and bodies. Despite their reputation as elegant show dogs, they retain strong hunting instincts from their water retrieval heritage. The Poodle temperament is characterized by loyalty, affection, and a strong desire for human companionship. These dogs form deep bonds with their families and thrive on attention and interaction, making them excellent companions but potentially prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Poodles are generally friendly and social, though some individuals can be reserved with strangers. Early socialization is crucial to prevent shyness or excessive wariness. While not naturally aggressive, Poodles make excellent watchdogs due to their alert nature and tendency to bark at unusual sounds or visitors. They are sensitive dogs who respond best to positive reinforcement training methods and can become fearful or anxious with harsh corrections. Poodles adapt well to various living situations, from apartments to larger homes, as long as their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met. All sizes require daily physical activity, with Standard Poodles needing more vigorous exercise than their smaller counterparts. Without adequate outlets for their energy, Poodles can become hyperactive, neurotic, or develop behavioral problems. They generally get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized, though their exuberance may be overwhelming for very young children. Toy and Miniature Poodles can be more sensitive and may nip when anxious or stressed if not properly trained. The breed's intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly versatile, succeeding in roles ranging from family companions to service dogs, therapy dogs, and competitive performers in obedience, agility, and other canine sports.
Poodles generally enjoy good health with lifespans ranging from 12 to 18 years, with smaller varieties typically living longer than Standard Poodles. However, the breed is predisposed to several genetic health conditions that potential owners should understand. Hip dysplasia is more common in Standard Poodles due to their size, occurring when the hip joint forms improperly, leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Progressive Retinal Atrophy affects primarily Miniature and Toy Poodles, causing gradual vision loss that typically begins as night blindness and can progress to complete blindness, though the condition is not painful. Addison's disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, is significantly more common in Poodles than many other breeds, with Standard Poodles particularly at risk. This serious condition occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce adequate hormones, leading to symptoms including lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. While the exact genetic mechanism isn't fully understood, the condition has a heritability of approximately 75 percent. Sebaceous adenitis is another major concern, especially in Standard Poodles where up to 50 percent may be carriers or affected. This inflammatory skin disease destroys sebaceous glands, causing progressive hair loss, dandruff, and skin infections. Epilepsy is common in Standard Poodles, with idiopathic epilepsy typically appearing between one and five years of age and requiring lifelong management with anti-seizure medication. Toy and Miniature Poodles face additional health concerns including luxating patellas, where the kneecap slips out of its normal position, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, which affects the hip joint in young dogs and typically requires surgical correction. Bloat is a life-threatening emergency primarily affecting Standard Poodles and other deep-chested breeds, occurring when the stomach fills with gas and potentially twists. Dental problems are common across all Poodle sizes, with toy breeds particularly susceptible due to crowded teeth in small mouths. Other conditions include hypothyroidism, various eye problems such as cataracts, von Willebrand's disease affecting blood clotting, and portosystemic shunts in smaller varieties. Responsible breeders conduct health testing including hip evaluations, eye examinations, thyroid testing, and DNA tests for various genetic conditions to minimize these risks in their breeding programs.
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 Cadoodle 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 Collie and Poodle to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.