Cadoodle (Collie & Poodle Mix): Pictures, Info, Traits & Facts
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Designer dogs, also known as hybrids, have become increasingly popular since their beginning in the 80s and 90s. Designer dogs result from mating one purebred dog with another, with many generations possible in the mix. Take, for example, the Cadoodle. If you want a dog with exceptional traits from two intelligent breeds, this designer dog may be for you. Interested in learning what breeds make the Cadoodle? Read on to find out and discover the characteristics and traits of these amazing dogs.
Breed Overview
| Height: | 22–26 inches |
| Weight: | 50–75 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Colors: | Black, blue, brown, white, merle |
| Suitable for: | Active families, families with children, those looking for a hypoallergenic dog, families with large and fenced yards |
| Temperament: | Loyal, protective, intelligent, high energy, sweet, gentle, playful |
The Cadoodle is a mix of the Collie and the Standard Poodle. Sometimes, the Cadoodle, also called the Colliepoo or Colliedoodle, can be bred with another Cadoodle, making it a second-generation hybrid. These dogs are loyal and protective of their families, but they are also gentle, sweet, and loving, with no aggression issues. They are highly intelligent thanks to their parent breeds, making them easy to train.
Cadoodle Characteristics
Cadoodle Puppies
Cadoodle puppies are adorable with their fluffy coats—one look and you’ll fall in love instantly. Cadoodle puppies will have lots of energy that will carry over to adulthood. Early socialization and positive reinforcement are key to raising a well-rounded, intelligent dog. Given their high intelligence, puppies will master commands and tricks in no time. Obedience training comes easy with these little fluff balls, as these hybrids love having a job to do.
Since this new hybrid was developed in the 2000s, finding a reputable breeder may prove challenging, depending on your location. Given their superb qualities, puppies tend to sell fast, and you may even need to get on a waiting list with a reputable breeder if you have your heart set on one. You can always check your local animal shelter, but finding one there will be less likely.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Cadoodle 🧠
When you combine two highly intelligent breeds—in this case, the Collie and the Standard Poodle—the result will be highly intelligent offspring. These dogs are also just as energetic as they are smart, and they do best with active families and having a job to do, given their working dog lineage.
They are loving, sweet, sociable, and playful, but they are also loyal and protective of their families. However, there’s no need to worry about aggression; they will bark with strangers but quickly differentiate between friend and foe, and their bark is loud enough to alert you to out-of-the-ordinary activity around your home.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
The Cadoodle makes an exceptional family companion. They bond closely with family members and do well with children, especially since they have high energy. They can keep up with active children with no problem. However, like with any dog, early socialization will help the Cadoodle grow into a well-behaved dog.
If you have small children, it’s best to teach them how to be respectful of the dog (no ear, hair, or tail pulling). Observing playtime is also wise given the Cadoodle’s size, as they are medium to large-sized dogs weighing 50 to 75 pounds. Of course, the Cadoodle is sweet and loving, but they may accidentally knock over a small child during play and excitement.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?🐶 😽
The Cadoodle gets along famously with other pets and does well with canine companions who can keep up with their energy. However, like with any dog, early socialization is vital in ensuring your Cadoodle gets along with dogs, as well as other pets. As long as they are exposed to such pets at an early age, you will have no problem.
Things to Know When Owning a Cadoodle:
Before getting any dog, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with their daily requirements to ensure you’re up for the responsibility. This next section will cover their diet, exercise, training, and grooming needs. We’ll also discuss possible health conditions to keep an eye on.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Since Cadoodles have high energy, they do best with high-quality dog food with high-quality protein as the first ingredient, such as chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb. They also benefit from healthy fats, such as flaxseed oil, fish oil, and olive oil. The food should be 100% balanced and composed of complex carbohydrates to replenish the energy levels. Sweet potatoes, brown rice, and oats are excellent ingredients to look for in your Cadoodle’s dog food. The food should also include essential vitamins and minerals for maximum health.
Typically, a Cadoodle will require 3 cups of kibble a day spread out into two feedings of 1½ cups (morning and evening.) Your vet can always steer you in the right direction if you’re unsure what and how much to feed.
Exercise 🐕
Exercise requirements should consist of daily walks or runs of at least 30 minutes to an hour for the adult Cadoodle. Take heed not to over exercise your puppy to prevent damage to the joints. Even though Cadoodles are high-energy, they tend to mellow out a bit once they reach adulthood, but they still are very active dogs. They love to engage in family activities, so don’t leave your Cadoodle behind if you go on hikes, walks, runs, etc.
These dogs also excel in agility courses and obedience trials, which will give your Cadoodle a chance to show off their athleticism while keeping them happy as well.
Ensure you keep plenty of toys on hand for your Cadoodle, especially interactive toys. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical, and your Cadoodle will need the opportunity to exercise their brain to be happy. Remember that Cadoodles are happiest with a job to do, thanks to their parent breeds. Provide your Cadoodle with puzzles and games. You may even consider subscribing to a monthly dog toy box subscription to keep them stimulated.
Training 🎾
Training your Cadoodle should come easy, as they are smart and eager to please. You can have fun teaching your Cadoodle tricks and commands, and they take to training very well. Both parent breeds come from working lineages, making teaching the Cadoodle commands smooth and easy.
Grooming ✂️
Collies have thick, double coats that will mat if not brushed regularly, and the Standard Poodle has a single-layered coat that sheds minimally. That said, the Cadoodle’s coat can be relatively high maintenance depending on the dominant gene the dog inherits. Generally, the Cadoodle tends to inherit the double thick coat that can be wavy or smooth.
Some Poodle owners prefer to keep the coat short and trimmed to keep mats from forming, and you may consider doing this with your Cadoodle. On a positive note, these dogs are considered hypoallergenic, which is good news for allergy sufferers.
Keeping the gums and teeth in shape is important, and you can achieve this by brushing the teeth at least three times a week and more if your Cadoodle doesn’t put up a fight. Ensure the toothpaste is for canines, as human toothpaste contains toxic ingredients. Trim the nails and trim them when needed. Also, check the ears often and clean them as needed as well.
Health and Conditions ❤️
The Cadoodle is a newer hybrid, and the extent of any health issues is not yet fully known. In this case, look to the parent breeds to see what health conditions either parent breed may be prone to. For example, both the Collie and the Standard Poodle are prone to skin allergies, so it’s plausible the Cadoodle will inherit this problem. Even though the parent breeds are prone to certain conditions, it doesn’t guarantee the Cadoodle will too, but it’s good to know. Let’s break down certain medical conditions to watch for.
- Skin allergies
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Degenerative disease that affects photoreceptor cells, eventually leading to blindness.
- Hip Dysplasia: The ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit and function properly, leading to mobility issues and pain.
- Dermatomyositis: Inflammation of the skin, muscles, and blood vessels.
Male vs. Female
There are only a few differences between the male and female Cadoodle. Males tend to be a bit bigger in size than females and may stand taller. Intact males are typically territorial, and intact females may be a bit moody, especially when in heat.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Cadoodle
1. They Are Considered More “Hypoallergenic” Than Other Breeds
The coats can vary depending on the dominant gene. However, if a Cadoodle inherits the Standard Poodle coat, the coat will shed minimally, meaning less dander in the air and better air quality for the allergy sufferer. While there are no true hypoallergenic coats, low-shedding dogs can help with this issue. However, this still depends largely on the individual dog.
2. They Are Not Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
Designer dogs are usually not recognized by the AKC. The AKC’s goal is to keep the breed standard intact and pure, and a designer dog will have a combination of different traits from either parent breed, which automatically disqualifies them from being a registered breed of their own. However, other organizations allow you to register your Cadoodle, such as the Designer Breed Registry, the American Canine Hybrid Club, the International Designer Canine Registry, and the Dog Registry of America.
3. They Have a Long-Life Expectancy
The Cadoodle has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, which is a lengthy lifespan for a dog of their size. Typically, smaller dogs live longer lives, but the active Cadoodle can live a long life, too. Given their energy and athleticism, there are a few positives on their side for longevity.
Final Thoughts
The Cadoodle is an overall well-rounded designer dog that comes from two exceptional dog breeds: the Collie and the Standard Poodle. They make wonderful family companions and do best with active families. Having ample yard space for exercise is essential for these dogs, and they do well with children and other pets. Their coat may be hypoallergenic, especially if they inherit the coat of the Standard Poodle, and they are loyal, protective, gentle, loving, and playful. If you’re looking for an intelligent dog who loves to play and is easy to train, the Cadoodle is a perfect match.
Featured Image Credit: Left – Kanashi, Unsplash | Right – chili71, Pixabay
