The Colliedoodle is not a pure breed but a “designer dog” achieved by breeding the purebred Poodle with the purebred Collie.
The Colliedoodle is not to be confused with the Bordoodle which is a cross using a specific type of Collie, the Border Collie. You can learn more about the Bordoodle in our Best Doodle Breeds Guide.
In this breed guide, we aim to arm you with all the information you could possibly need to know about the Collie and Poodle cross so you can determine if this is the breed for you.
COLLIEDOODLE QUICK FACTS
| Parent Breeds: | Poodle and Collie |
| Height: | 22” – 26” (Standard) |
| Weight: | 50lbs – 70lbs (Standard) |
| Other names: | Cadoodle, Colliepoo |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, hardworking, protective |
| Best suited to: | Active families, homes with a yard |
Table of Contents
Colliedoodle Breed History
To learn about a mixed breed dog the best thing to do is to take a look at the parent breeds. In the case of the Colliedoodle, we need to look at the history of both the Poodle and the Collie.
The Poodle
There is an age-old argument as to whether the Poodle originates from Germany or France. The majority of those who are learned in canine studies believe he finds his roots in Germany. Known as the country’s Water Dog his name is derived from the Low German ‘Puddeln” which translates to splash.
The other side, supported by the FCI (Fédération cynologique internationale), argues that the Poodle hails from Franch. His French name being Caniche translating to ‘Duck Dog’.
There are some who even believe that they may have originated in Russia, Italy, and even Northwest Africa!
What is not in contention though is his working background. He was originally a huntsman’s dog, used to retrieve waterfowl and lost ammunition in the shape of arrows and bolts. The classic Poodle look that many believe is for show is in fact to enable them to be more streamlined in the water whilst protecting their vital organs.
His temperament is also universally agreed upon, smart, dutiful, and agile the Poodle not only made a magnificent working dog, but he is also the most perfect of companions for any active and loving family.
The Collie
The Collie, originating in the North of England and Scotland is a herding breed used to round up sheep, cattle, and other livestock.
With a rough or a smooth coat, these athletic and lithe pooches flourish on companionship and are known for their love of children. Obedient and easily trainable they are eager to please and happy to continue to learn throughout their lives.
They are no small fry with males measuring between 24” and 26” and females 22” to 26”. Males should weigh between 60lbs and 75lbs with females being slightly lighter at 50lbs to 65lbs.
They are generally a healthy breed with few predisposed conditions which we will look into further later on in the article. They can be expected to live between 12 and 14 years.
THE MOST FAMOUS COLLIE: Anyone who knows Collies, in fact, anyone who knows dogs, will know Lassie. A Rough Collie, Lassie was immortalized in the 1940 novel ‘Lassie Come Home” written by Eric Knight. A number of films followed from 1943 right through to 2020 which have grossed over $34,000,000 at the box office. TV shows have found Lassie in both the starring role and making cameo appearances!
Cadoodle Temperament
The Cadoodle is loyal and protective and whilst not known to show aggression he will use his bark to alert strangers that he is there to protect you. This makes him a great watchdog.
He is from hardworking stock, and he is going to be at his happiest with a job to do. The Cadoodle is agile and intelligent, loving to both play and learn. He will love agility courses which will keep him both physically and mentally fit.
Early socialization, as with all dogs, is recommended, but he is focused and responsive to positive training without a stubborn streak. This makes him a great family dog and will be a loving and affectionate addition whose favorite place to be is wherever you are!
Cadoodle Size
Based on the size of the Collie the Standard Poodle should be used to breed the Cadoodle. It may be possible to eventually use the Miniature Poodle to create a Miniature Cadoodle if smaller dogs are continually used through the generations.
The Standard Poodle stands between 18” and 24” and will weigh between 45lbs and 70lbs. The Collie will measure between 22” and 26” and weigh in somewhere between 50lbs and 70lbs. Both breeds should expect, in general, for the female to be slightly smaller than the male.
Given these statistics, you should expect your fully grown Cadoodle to measure between 22” and 26” at the shoulder and weigh 50lbs to 70lbs.
Colliedoodle Coat Type and Maintenance
The Poodle coat is a tight curl and high maintenance. The Collie requires a moderate grooming routine. Depending on whether he has a rough or smooth coat will make a difference to aesthetics and upkeep.
The Rough coat is longer and will require attention to ensure that it doesn’t matt. The Smooth Collie has a shorter but double coat. Grooming will be required more during shedding periods in order to brush out the undercoat.
Coat Type
The Colliedoodle’s coat texture can vary greatly. From straight to corded and anything in between. Even taking into consideration how the parents look won’t necessarily prepare you for how your pup’s coat will be once they are fully grown.
Length again can be variable. If they have tight curls like their Poodle parent, then they are unlikely to look like they have long hair, but a Rough coated parent and wavy fur will give a longer coat.
Coat Colors
As both the Poodle and the Collie come in a variety of shades and colors your Collidoodle too can display a plethora of designs.
He may be a solid color, or he may be bi or tri-colored. The Poodle parent will need to carry the parti gene for him to be more than 50% white with one other color.
Collidoodles can be black, white, brown, and blue. They can have a sable pattern which is where the hair is lighter at the root, and they can also be merle. Merle can be very dangerous if not bred carefully and responsibly. You can learn more in our article is the merle gene bad?
Maintenance Guide
Regardless of the dominant coat genes, the Colliedoodle is likely to be high maintenance in terms of grooming. Matting is high risk in both breeds so regular brushing will be a must alongside routine visits to the groomers.
Furnishings, should your Colliedoodle have them, will need to be kept in shape too. Overgrown eyelashes can impair vision which in itself is a hazard, you don’t want your pooch bumping into tables and chairs causing himself an expensive injury.
Beards and mustaches need trimming for hygiene reasons, stale food caught up in there is not a pleasant experience. Shorter facial hair will also reduce the volume of water your Doodle will distribute about his feeding area whenever he has a drink!
Nails will also need regular trimming. Depending on the type of ground your dog mainly walks and runs on will determine how often. Dogs who spend more time on hard ground like tarmac will need theirs cut less often.
Don’t forget about those ears, especially after a bath or a swim. A damp ear canal is a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Gentle dry them with a dry towel and make sure you don’t go digging around in there. If the ears are dirty a damp cloth should be enough to clean them following the same rules.
Colliedoodle Exercise Needs
Both active and intelligent the Colliedoodle will need his mental needs stimulated along with his physical. Some activities can kill two birds with one stone such as agility courses, hide and seek or frisbee.
Obedience training and field trails are great activities for the Colliedoodle with both combining the physical and the intellectual stimulation required to keep the happy and healthy.
Physical
His working lineage styles the Colliedoodle as a high-energy hybrid hound. As already mentioned, agility training and even herding trails will suit him and his background well.
Should you be a jogger or a cyclist he would be happy to run alongside you as you exercise, and risk-assessed swimming is another great alternative exercise regime. You can read all about taking your Colliedoodle swimming in our article do Doodles like to swim?
He will be best suited to a home with a yard where he can go out to run, roam and sniff. Sniffing is a great way for dogs to satisfy their sensory needs and is as important as their physical and mental needs.
Mental Stimulation
The Colliedoodle is as intelligent as he is active. This intelligence will need to be embraced or you could end up with a bored and naughty pooch on your hands.
Hide and seek, obedience training and puzzle game are all tasks that will keep his gray matter ticking over and help to prevent a noisy and chewy dog.
Colliedoodle Health
Hybrid vigor may play its part in reducing the risk of predisposed health issues associated with the parent breeds, especially in the first-generation cross. However, there are never any guarantees.
It is important that breeders’ health test all dogs on their breeding program to rule out genetic issues and ensure that all litters have the best chance of being born healthy.
Different breeds will require testing for the genetic problems that they are predisposed to. To look into the health of the Colliedoodle we first need to take a look at the parent breeds, the Collie, and the Poodle.
Common Poodle Health Issues
Overall, the Poodle is a healthy dog with few problems. His life expectancy is somewhere between 12 and 15 years. The few health problems which are prevalent in the Poodle are:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Addison’s Disease
- Thyroid Issues
- Bloat
Common Collie Health Issues
There is a genetic mutation within the MDR1 gene that can affect some Collies, especially the Rough Collie and the Smooth Collie. This makes them sensitive to some drugs, including antibiotics. It is important that the Collie parent of the Colliedoodle is tested for this mutation and not used within a breeding program if found to be affected.
There is another genetic disorder that affects Collies known as ‘Grey Collie Syndrome’. Affected puppies rarely live beyond 6 months. Both parents need to pass the gene on so an F1 Colliedoodle would never be affected. However, once they become multigenerational or reverse back bred then the chances increase. Again, dogs should always be tested before being used for breeding.
They are also susceptible to:
- Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
- Skin Problems
Cadoodle Health Issues
Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) are the three main concerns with Cadoodles. This doesn’t mean that your dog will definitely suffer but it’s worth having them on your radar and knowing what to look out for.
Both parents should have had their hips tested before being used to breed so make sure that you ask to see their scores. Whilst Hip Dysplasia can be hereditary the dog’s environment can also have an impact. Ensure that you don’t over-exercise your puppy and make sure they have an appropriate diet with all the suitable nutritional supplements.
PRA can also be tested for pre-breeding. Bloat is something that tests will not determine, and deep-chested dogs are most at risk. Bloat is life-threatening and needs immediate attention. Have a read of what causes bloat in Poodles to learn more.
What to Feed your Cadoodle
Considered a medium to large breed job the Cadoodle isn’t going to be the cheapest pooch to keep in food. On average he’s going to need around 3 cups of food per day given over 2 or three feeds. Depending on what you feed him and the quality of the food this is likely to cost you upwards of $2 per day.
This will vary based on the size, appetite, and activity levels of each individual dog. There are various foods that you can feed your Cadoodle. Raw, wet, and kibble and ultimately you will choose what is best for you and him. If you are unsure speak to your vet or a canine dietician to arm yourself with the best understanding.
Try to prevent your Cadoodle from counter surfing or eating human scraps. It’s a bad habit that can lead to obesity. Treats, of course, are welcome, especially when training but ensure that they are healthy and that you limit them.
Is the Cadoodle the Right Dog for me?
Only you can answer this question. Think about your lifestyle, are you active enough, can you provide enough mental stimulation, and do you have room for a playful dog like the Cadoodle? Probably most importantly can you afford it, a pooch isn’t a cheap addition, and you may need to be prepared for vet bills if you don’t have insurance.
Aside from the above, we hope that our breed guide has provided you with enough information to decide whether the Colliepoo is the right breed for you. If you are unsure, we have a whole plethora of different Doodles in our breed guide section of the website for you to look at.
FUN FACT: Being a crossbreed the Cadoolde is not able to be registered with organizations such as the AKC (American Kennel Club) or The Kennel Club (UK). However, they are recognized by the following:
- ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club)
- DBR (Designer Breed Registry)
- DDKC (Designer Dogs Kennel Club)
- DRA (Dog Registry of America Inc)
- IDCR (International Designer Canine Registry)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Poodle Mix is the Healthiest?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Whilst the Poodle is considered overall to be a healthy breed and hybrid vigor can be factored in, especially to first-generation crosses, ultimately, it’s down to good genes and even luck.
When looking at buying a new dog to join your family you should always check that the breeder has health tested the parents to eliminate genetic problems. However, issues such as luxating patella and bloat cannot be tested for.
Have a read of our what is the healthiest Doodle piece to learn more.
Is a Cadoodle Hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Whilst using the Poodle as a mix with other breeds is often to reduce shed and dander there is no guarantee that this will be the case, especially in first- and second-generation crosses.
A back cross is the most likely cross to give a low to non-shedding dog which is less likely to trigger any allergies. This means an F1 (first generation) crossed back to a Poodle. This generation is known as an F1b.
You can learn more about the grading system and what odds each is likely to give in terms of shedding in our article Cavapoo generations explained.