Cadoodle
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
The Collie is a medium to large herding dog that presents an elegant, graceful appearance combining strength with refined beauty. Males stand between 24 and 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 60 and 75 pounds, while females measure 22 to 24 inches and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. The breed displays a lean, athletic build with a body that is firm, hard, and muscular, slightly longer than it is tall. Well-sloped shoulders, deep chest extending to the elbows, and powerful hindquarters enable the smooth, effortless movement essential for a working herding dog. The head is the breed's most distinctive feature, presenting a smooth, wedge-shaped appearance when viewed from the front or side. The skull is flat with a slight but definite stop, leading to a long, straight muzzle with a rounded tip. The expression is gentle and intelligent, created by almond-shaped eyes set obliquely that convey attentiveness and warmth. Eye color is typically dark, though blue merles may have one or both blue or merle-colored eyes. The ears are proportionate to head size, three-quarters erect with the tips folding forward naturally. The abundant mane and frill around the neck are more pronounced in males and contribute significantly to the breed's majestic appearance. Two coat varieties exist within the breed: the Rough Collie with its abundant, long outer coat, and the Smooth Collie with a shorter, flat coat. The Rough variety features a harsh, straight outer coat with a soft, furry undercoat so dense that skin is difficult to see when parted. Four recognized colors include sable and white, tricolor, blue merle, and predominantly white with sable, tricolor, or blue merle markings. The tail is moderately long, reaching at least to the hock, carried low with a slight upward swirl at the tip when relaxed and higher when excited but never over the back.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The breed maintains moderate to high energy levels requiring 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, though they are content to relax indoors after adequate activity. Collies may display herding behaviors including nipping at heels and attempting to gather children or other pets, behaviors that should be redirected through training rather than punished. They are sensitive to stress and discord in their environment, often mirroring the emotional state of their household. Without sufficient mental and physical stimulation, Collies may develop nuisance barking or other undesirable behaviors. They thrive on routine, family involvement, and having a sense of purpose.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation of the skin and muscles, typically appearing before six months of age with hair loss, redness, scaling, and crusting. Severe cases may affect muscles, causing difficulty eating, swallowing, and abnormal gait. Progressive retinal atrophy leads to gradual vision loss and eventual blindness. Degenerative myelopathy causes progressive weakness and paralysis of the hind limbs, typically appearing after age eight. Hip dysplasia occurs less frequently in Collies than in some breeds but should still be screened for in breeding stock. Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus, presents a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. Canine cyclic neutropenia, also called gray collie syndrome, is a fatal immune disorder identifiable by unusual coat color in affected puppies.
Poodle
The Standard Poodle is a medium to large dog of elegant, well-proportioned build that combines athletic capability with refined beauty. Standing over 15 inches at the shoulder and typically reaching 18 to 24 inches, Standard Poodles weigh between 40 and 70 pounds, with males generally larger than females. The breed presents a squarely built appearance, meaning the length of body from breastbone to point of rump approximates the height at the shoulders. Every aspect of conformation reflects the Poodle's heritage as a working water retriever, combining strength, agility, and endurance in a balanced package. The head is proportionate to body size, featuring a moderately rounded skull with a slight but definite stop leading to a long, straight muzzle. The eyes are very dark, oval-shaped, and set far enough apart to create an alert, intelligent expression that is a hallmark of the breed. Ears hang close to the head, set at or slightly below eye level, with long, wide, thickly feathered leather. The neck is strong, sufficiently long to carry the head proudly, and slightly arched. The chest is deep, extending to the elbows with well-sprung ribs. The topline is level, and the tail is set high, carried erect, and traditionally docked to about half length in countries where permitted. The Poodle's distinctive curly coat is dense, harsh-textured, and comes in a variety of solid colors including black, white, blue, gray, silver, brown, cafe-au-lait, apricot, cream, and red. The coat may be shown in various traditional clips for the show ring, while pet owners often maintain a simpler trim. Because Poodle hair grows continuously and sheds minimally, regular professional grooming every four to six weeks is essential to prevent matting and maintain skin health. The breed's hypoallergenic reputation, while not absolute, makes them a popular choice for allergy sufferers. Movement is light, springy, and effortless, reflecting the breed's athletic nature.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Poodles are generally friendly toward people and other animals when properly socialized, though they may display initial reserve with strangers before warming up. Their alertness makes them effective watchdogs who will bark to announce visitors, though they are not aggressive guard dogs. The breed's playful nature persists well into adulthood, and they enjoy games, tricks, and activities that engage both body and mind. Daily exercise of 45 to 60 minutes suits most Standard Poodles, who particularly enjoy swimming, retrieving, and activities that harness their working heritage. Their sociable, adaptable nature makes them excellent family dogs who get along well with children and other pets when raised together.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly called bloat, poses a serious risk for Standard Poodles due to their deep-chested conformation. This life-threatening emergency occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood supply to vital organs. Symptoms including distended abdomen, unproductive retching, and restlessness require immediate emergency veterinary care. Progressive retinal atrophy causes gradual vision loss leading to blindness and can be identified through genetic testing. Epilepsy, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand disease, and various eye conditions including cataracts also affect the breed. Regular veterinary examinations, maintaining healthy weight, and purchasing from health-tested parents help ensure a long, healthy life.
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.