50-70 lbs
22-26"
Unknown
An ideal companion for active families, the Cadoodle hybrid is said to be a sweet, loyal, and gentle companion who will have bursts of energy and a willingness to play at a moment's notice. This playful canine is a cross between the Poodle and Collie; however, he may also be crossed with another Cadoodle. This large dog is a beautiful hybrid with a dense double coat and is considered high maintenance. His parent breeds were initially herding and water dogs. Today, the Cadoodle is considered a great companion for an active family that is always on the go.
The Standard Poodle was a hunting and retrieving dog said to have originated in Germany, later becoming widely popular in France. In fact, most of his development took place there. Enthusiasts of the breed worked to make him an excellent helpmate for hunters and as a result, these dogs had dense double coats that were said to have been able to withstand the harsh cold waters when they were out retrieving waterfowl for hunters. Ancestors of the Poodle are thought to be the Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and German water dogs, among others. Some believe the Poodle has lineage from Asian herding dogs of the steppes regions. First companions of the nobility and wealthy merchants, later owners of the Poodle entered them in the circus shows so that they could impress with their agility and intelligence while performing. The American Kennel Club first registered the breed in 1888. Collies, on the other hand, were said to have originated on the borderland of England and Scotland around 2000 years ago, making their way there via travelling with the Roman Conquerors. Famous for their clever minds and gentle herding abilities, they were adept at keeping pigs, cattle, sheep and goats safe and moving as the shepherd commanded. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, they are presently the 37th most popular breed in America.
The very attractive Cadoodle is a large, agile dog and can stand anywhere from 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh up to 75 pounds, with males being on the larger end of the scale. He will be slim and athletic, with a graceful but determined gait. This hybrid has a medium length muzzle with a broadened stop at the nose. His bright dark eyes display his high intelligence and his alertness; they are set back on the nose. His ears may be completely flopped down as is seen in the Poodle parent or can be erect and falling forward at the tip like the Collie parent. His coat can vary depending on the dominant parental genes, but despite the texture (wavy or smooth), he will be double coated (meaning that the fur is very thick). The coat may be dense and rough on the outside, but softer on the inside. The color may by tri-colored and can have mixes of sable, blue merle, black, brown, and white.
The Cadoodle may need a fair bit of coat care no matter which parental genes are dominant. The Poodle parent needs to be trimmed on a regular basis in order to keep the shape and to prevent tangles. The Collie's fur can mat easily and be extremely dense. Your hybrid will have a combination of these types of fur so you must expect to brush him daily, taking care to work out the tangles. He may need a trimming on a bi-monthly basis if his fur is like that of the Poodle parent and as well, the feathering on the legs and tail (seen in the Collie) may need to be trimmed with the scissors in order to keep the shape and smart look. If your hybrid loves to swim, be sure to check his ears for excess moisture every time he goes in the water. If dampness remains in the ears, yeast and bacteria may proliferate leading to redness, itching and irritation. Clean his teeth daily if you can; this will ensure the gums stay healthy and the teeth tartar free. Check the nails every week, just to be sure that they are not too long and that there are no cracks or breaks.
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Both parent breeds are hardworking, intelligent dogs and are easy to train. The Cadoodle has working dog lineage; he will be happiest with a job to do. Provide mental stimulation for him in the form of interaction with you, toys that provide a challenge, and activities that allow him to use his mind (such as obedience training, agility competition and field trials). He is a family oriented dog and may be a bit protective but will not display aggression - he will let a stranger know that he is in protection mode by barking. Proper socialization from a young age will enable the Cadoodle to feel comfortable in all situations whether it be canine or human interaction.
The Cadoodle is a high energy hybrid. With a heritage of running, herding and retrieving, this hybrid needs to expend his energy with activities that use his keen mind as well as suit his athletic personality. Herding trials and agility training will please this canine. He can become quite vocal and even a bit destructive if bored so be sure to keep him busy. He can be a great jogging partner and with training, can also learn to run alongside you as you cycle. Best suited to a home with a large yard in which to exercise, this hybrid will appreciate several breaks outside of the house each day in which to check out the goings on of the neighborhood. Do not leave him out there alone for too long though, he really is a people dog and likes to be with his family above all.
Written by Darlene Stott
Published: 12/12/2017, edited: 08/10/2021
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