A high-energy and sweet-natured pup, the Cadoodle is perfect for anyone on the lookout for a true friend. A cross between the Poodle and the Collie, the Cadoodle is a loving, loyal and protective dog that will stand by its owners no matter what. Incredibly intelligent, these pups are perfect for families living in warmer climates, as this breed does not like the cold too much.
Like several of their other Doodle peers, the exact origin of the Cadoodle is rather difficult to pinpoint. This pup is likely to have existed as a result of an accidental breeding between the Poodle and Collie well before any formal intentional efforts to mix the two breeds began. The mix likely appealed to pet owners and breeders alike due to the Cadoodle’s obedient nature and hypoallergenic coat (thanks to the Poodle genes) and their protective and loyal nature (owing to the Collie DNA). Not much can be said about their origin, except that we’re glad we have a pup as loving and adorable as the Cadoodle around!
If there’s one thing the Cadoodle loves to do, it is to curl up and cuddle with their owners that they love so very much. This is a highly affectionate dog and will show it by cuddling up next to you on the couch with the expectation of head pats and kisses. They are highly intelligent and thus easy to train. However, the Cadoodle puppy may be a bit of a handful due to their at times feisty nature. However, it is expected that your pup will grow calmer as they age, with adult Cadoodles being relatively laid back. While the Cadoodle is generally friendly and gets along with almost all people and animals, early socialization is incredibly important. A pup that is taught to not be afraid of new situations grows up to be a happy and well-rounded pup, with not many fear-related issues. While they are energetic thanks to their Poodle genes, they don’t need too much exercise and will be content with moderate-intensity exercises like a fun game of fetch or a walk in the park. Due to their intelligence, make sure the Cadoodle gets ample mental stimulation and is kept busy with activities. A bored Cadoodle may become destructive, and that is something you should try to avoid at all costs.
The Cadoodle is a mixed breed dog, and it is thus difficult to pinpoint the exact size that the pup will grow into. The size of the Cadoodle is highly dependent on the genes it has inherited and which parent it takes after. However, on average, you can expect a Cadoodle to grow anywhere between 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh around 50 to 75 pounds. Some Cadoodles may be larger or smaller than the average due to the lack of any set breeding standards.
The Cadoodle is a relatively new hybrid breed, and it is thus difficult to present a standardized list of common health issues that they may face. While the Cadoodle can be considered as a generally healthy dog, certain genetic illnesses that affect both the Poodle and the Collie may end up affecting the Cadoodle as well. It is necessary when getting your Cadoodle puppy from a breeder to ensure health clearances of both parent breeds are provided. Make sure you do not get your puppy from a breeder that mates dogs younger than 2 years since that the age most genetic illnesses surface. Make sure you schedule regular visits to the vet’s clinic to rest assured that your pup is in good health, and in case any health issues are developing, they can be caught and dealt with promptly. Issues that your Cadoodle may be predisposed to include bloat, allergies, skin-related issues, eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy, as well as dental issues.
These pups are positively bursting at the seams with energy! They will need a fair bit of daily exercise, making sure that their physical needs are being met. A long walk a day should suffice. If they do not get a proper outlet for their pent-up energy, they may turn to destructive behaviors inside the house, which no owner wants. Keep them mentally and physically stimulated, and you’ll have a happy and healthy Cadoodle. When it comes to training, the Cadoodle is every dog owner’s dream. These pups are perfect for novice owners who do not have all that much experience in training pups, thanks to their obedient Poodle and Collie genes. These dogs are easy to please and will pick up tricks in no time. They retain desired behaviors very well, so you will have no issues with the Cadoodle after they have been fully trained. Incorporate a lot of positive reinforcements and love and steer clear of any harsh punishments. This is a gentle and sweet dog, and your yelling may do more harm than good.
The Cadoodle is generally a big dog with high energy levels, so it is important to keep this in mind when deciding how much food your dog needs. There is no standard diet that will suit all Cadoodles, and it is best to speak to a veterinarian when devising a diet plan for your dog to ensure that all nutritional needs of your pup are being sufficiently met. How much food your dog will need depends on its size, energy level, and age. It will change as the dog ages. It is a good idea to give your pup a Glucosamine supplement since they are predisposed to joint-related issues. Be sure to speak to a professional before introducing any drastic changes to your Cadoodle’s diet.
The Cadoodle can come in a coat that is black, white, blue, or merle and is generally hypoallergenic in nature, thanks to their Poodle genes. It is low-shedding and low-dander, making it the perfect dog for people with allergies or those who aren’t particularly thrilled at the prospect of cleaning up dog hair all the time. However, it should be understood that all dogs will shed at least a tiny amount, so it should come as no surprise if you find some dog hairs here and there occasionally. They thrive in warmer climates, with a coat that is thick and rough and is usually medium to long in length. It is mostly wavy.
A Cadoodle will require regular brushing to ensure that its coat stays free of any tangles or matted fur. The brushing will ensure that their fur stays healthy. Only bathe your Cadoodle when necessary. Frequent bathing can result in their skin being stripped of natural oils and moisture, which may lead to dryness and irritation. Brush their teeth regularly to prevent any buildup and maintain good oral health.
For a Cadoodle puppy, you can expect to pay anywhere between $800 to $1200. The price depends on whether you get your puppy from a certified breeder as well as the traits of the puppy you are interested in buying.
When it comes to animals, it is always a good idea to adopt rather than shop! Here is a list of organizations that rescue Cadoodles (among other breeds):