Enjoy this guide and overview with lots of tips for new and existing owners of Bridoodle Doodle Dogs.

Bridoodles, also known as Briardoodles, are a delightful blend of the Briard and the Poodle. These dogs inherit the best of both breeds, combining the elegance of the Poodle with the tenacity and spirit of the Briard.

History of Bridoodle Doodle Dogs

Originating from the heart of France, the Briard is a breed steeped in rich history and tradition. These large, spirited dogs are ancient, with their lineage traceable as far back as the 8th century. Tales and tapestries from medieval times depict the Briard as a vigilant sheepdog, guarding flocks from predators and ensuring their safety in the vast fields of the French countryside.

Several historical figures, including Charlemagne and Napoleon, held a fondness for the Briard, further elevating its status and recognition in French society. These dogs weren’t just limited to pastoral tasks. Their loyalty, intelligence, and courage were of paramount importance during World War I, where they played instrumental roles as messenger dogs, search and rescue dogs, and even carried supplies to the front lines.

However, as urbanization expanded, and the pastoral lifestyle declined in France, the Briard’s roles began to shift. No longer required for herding as they once were, these dogs became more associated with families and households, cherished for their loyalty and gentle demeanor.

Enter the Poodle: While the Poodle boasts its own illustrious history and significance, its more recent claim to fame has been its contribution to the world of designer breeds. Known for its hypoallergenic coat and outstanding intelligence, the Poodle became a prime candidate for crossbreeding in the late 20th century.

The Bridoodle’s inception was not merely by chance. Breeders saw an opportunity to meld the Poodle’s desirable traits, like its low-shedding coat and sharp wit, with the Briard’s loyalty, tenacity, and historical charm. This combination aimed to offer potential dog owners a breed that encapsulated the best of both worlds: the rustic allure of ancient France with the contemporary benefits of hypoallergenic properties.

The exact timeline of the Bridoodle’s emergence is somewhat hazy, likely making its first appearance in the late 20th or early 21st century. The goal was clear: to birth a breed that was both family-friendly, required less grooming than the Briard, and maintained the rich historical lineage that both parent breeds brought to the table.

Selecting a Bridoodle Doodle Dog

The Bridoodle is a family-friendly, intelligent, and trainable pet that may also be hypoallergenic. Remember, their herding ancestry means they can be energetic and might occasionally herd family members, especially children!

Recognizing the intrinsic characteristics of both the Briard and the Poodle is fundamental. While Briards are known for their loyalty and protectiveness, Poodles stand out for their intelligence and playful nature. Your Bridoodle might showcase a mix of these traits or lean more towards one parent.

Bridoodles, thanks to their herding and sporty lineage, are high-energy dogs. They require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and playtime. If you’re an active individual or family, this breed can be an excellent fit.

Bridoodles thrive in environments where they have ample space to run and play. While they can adapt to apartment living, they’re happiest with a yard to frolic in.

One of the attractions of Doodle breeds is their potential for reduced shedding and being hypoallergenic. However, there’s no guarantee that every Bridoodle will be hypoallergenic. If allergies are a concern, spend time with the dog before making a decision, and consider consulting an allergist.

While Bridoodles make delightful companions, they, like all breeds, come with their own unique set of needs and characteristics. Research, preparation, and understanding will ensure that the bond you form with your Bridoodle is one that lasts a lifetime.

Size and Life Span of Bridoodle Doodle Dogs

Briards are typically bred with Standard Poodles. Adult Bridoodles from such a pairing can stand between 22 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 55 to 85 pounds, depending on the dominant genes and gender.

Benefits of Pet Insurance for Doodle Dogs

With proper care, nutrition, and regular health check-ups, a Bridoodle can live between 10 and 15 years

Health and Maintenance of Bridoodles

Bridoodles, as a mixed breed, can inherit health issues from both the Briard and Poodle lines.

Health Concerns:

• Hip dysplasia is A condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit into the hip socket properly. This is a common condition in large breeds.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An eye condition that can lead to blindness. Regular eye check-ups with a veterinary ophthalmologist are essential.
• Bloat: Large dogs like Briards and Standard Poodles are susceptible to gastric torsion or bloat. It’s a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. Feeding smaller meals more frequently and avoiding vigorous exercise right after eating can help reduce the risk.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland causes this issue. This can be easily treated with medication.
• Von Willebrand’s Disease: A clotting disorder that’s found in both Poodles and Briards. Regular blood tests can detect this disease.

Vaccines required for Doodle Dogs

Grooming, ear care, dental visits, exercise, diet, and training are all factors to consider for the maintenance and care of your Bridoodle.

Personality and Behavioral Traits of Bridoodles

Bridoodles inherit the rich tapestry of characteristics from both the Briard and Poodle breeds, making them a unique and delightful addition to any family. Here’s a detailed look into their personalities and behavioral traits:

Intelligence: Drawing from the Poodle lineage, Bridoodles are remarkably intelligent and quick to pick up new commands and tricks. Their sharp minds mean they thrive on mental stimulation, so puzzles, advanced training, and interactive toys are a hit with this breed.

Loyalty: Briards are known for their fierce loyalty to their families. Your Bridoodle will likely be deeply attached and protective, ensuring a strong bond with their human family. This loyalty also translates to being excellent watchdogs.

Sensitivity: Bridoodles have a sensitive nature. They’re attuned to the emotions of their human companions, making them wonderful emotional support or therapy dogs. However, this sensitivity also means they don’t respond well to harsh training methods or loud environments.

Activity Level: This mix tends to be active and requires regular exercise. Whether it’s a game of fetch, a long walk, or even agility training, Bridoodles love to be on the move.

Socialization: Briards can be wary of strangers, a trait that the Bridoodle may inherit. Early socialization is essential to ensure they’re well-adjusted and comfortable in various settings. They often do well with children and other pets, especially if introduced at a young age.

Adaptability: While Bridoodles are adaptable to various living situations, they do best in homes where they have space to move. They might find apartment living restrictive unless they’re given ample exercise opportunities daily.

Interaction with Children and Elderly: Generally, Bridoodles are patient and gentle, making them wonderful companions for children. However, their size and energy can be overwhelming for toddlers or frail seniors. It’s essential to supervise interactions and teach children the correct way to approach and play with the dog. With seniors, their loyalty and affection make them fantastic companions, but it’s crucial to ensure the dog’s energy level matches the senior’s lifestyle.

Training Needs: As mentioned, these dogs are intelligent and benefit from early and consistent training. Their desire to please, paired with their sharp minds, usually makes training a rewarding experience. However, it’s essential to use positive reinforcement techniques, given their sensitive nature.

Quirks: Like the Briard, some Bridoodles may exhibit herding instincts, especially with young children or smaller animals. They might nudge or circle, which is entirely instinctual. Training can help manage this behavior.

12 Tips for Socializing Doodle Dogs

In essence, Bridoodles are a blend of intelligence, loyalty, and sensitivity. They can flourish in various settings with the right training, socialization, and care. Whether you’re a single individual looking for a loyal companion, a family with children, or a senior, the Bridoodle can fit wonderfully into your life with the proper understanding of their personality and needs.

Free online workshop to train your Bridoodle to behave like a well-trained service dog

Nutrition and Diet for Bridoodles

Ensuring your Bridoodle gets the right nutrition is vital for their overall health and longevity. As with all dogs, their dietary needs will change throughout their lives. Here’s a guide tailored for the Bridoodle:

Nutrition:

• Quality Ingredients: As with most dogs, it’s vital to avoid foods with artificial additives, fillers, or by-products. Bridoodles will thrive on a diet rich in high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and balanced carbohydrates.
• Specific Needs: Given the Briard’s thick coat and the Poodle’s curly hair, Bridoodles often have luscious locks that require certain nutrients for optimal health. Foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help maintain their coat’s shine and health.
• Avoid Allergens: Both Briards and Poodles can have food allergies. While not always the case, Bridoodles might inherit this trait. Common allergies may be to chicken, corn, and soy.
• Association Standards: Always choose dog food that meets the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Guidelines.

Feeding:

• Age-Appropriate Diet: Puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional requirements. Make sure you’re feeding an age-appropriate diet to your Bridoodle.
• Feeding Schedule: Until six months of age, Bridoodle puppies should be fed 3–4 times a day. After six months, you can reduce this to twice daily.
• Quantity Given the Briard’s large size and the potential size variance with a Poodle mix, it’s essential to monitor your Bridoodle’s weight and adjust feeding amounts accordingly.
• Treats: As with all dogs, treats should be given in moderation. Remember that treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
• Fresh Water: Ensure your Bridoodle always has access to fresh water. Hydration is just as crucial as nutrition.
• Monitor Weight: Given the size of the Briard and the potential for a larger Bridoodle mix, be vigilant about weight gain. Obesity can lead to various health issues, so it’s essential to keep them at a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Special Considerations for Bridoodles: Briards have a robust and hearty appetite. If your Bridoodle inherits this trait, it might be more prone to overeating. Use puzzle feeders or slow-feed bowls to ensure they don’t gulp down their food too quickly, reducing the risk of bloat and aiding digestion.

Free Homemade Food Recipes for Doodle Dogs

Remember, every Bridoodle is unique. Regular check-ups and consultations with your vet will help tailor the best dietary plan for your specific dog, ensuring they get all the nutrients they need to live a long, healthy life.

Average Cost to Purchase a Bridoodle and Annual Costs

The cost of a Bridoodle puppy in the U.S. generally ranges between $1,800 and $4,000. The higher end of this range typically includes puppies from breeders with strong reputations and lineage credentials.

Reputable Doodle Dog Rescue organizations USA

Food, veterinary care, grooming, training, toys, miscellaneous supplies, boarding and/or pet sitting may have an annual cost of approximately $1,700 to $3,700.

List of items needed for preparing for a Doodle Dog

Grooming a Bridoodle

Bridoodles, with their unique lineage, present a distinctive appearance that benefits from regular grooming. It’s crucial to maintain the health and luster of their coat, which can range from wavy to curly due to genetic influences from both Briard and Poodle breeds. Here’s a comprehensive guide to grooming your bridoodle:

Typical Appearance:

• Coat: Bridoodles often sport wavy to curly coats. The coat can be dense, reflecting the Briard’s historical role as a shepherd dog, requiring protection from harsh weather, combined with the Poodle’s naturally curly fur.
• Colors: Bridoodles come in a variety of coat colors. Common colors include black, gray, and tawny, but they can also showcase combinations or shades of these colors.

Coat Care:

• Brushing: It’s essential to brush your Bridoodle’s coat 2 to 3 times a week to prevent matting and tangling. Using a good-quality pin brush or slicker brush can help in effectively detangling and keeping their coat shiny.
• Bathing: Bath your Bridoodle once every 4 to 6 weeks. Always use dog-specific shampoos and conditioners that cater to wavy or curly coats to maintain coat health.
• Professional Grooming: Due to their dense and sometimes curly coat, Bridoodles can benefit from professional grooming every 2 to 3 months. This ensures that their coat is correctly trimmed, especially during warmer months, and potential matting is addressed.

Ear Care: Briards typically have ears covered with long hair. This characteristic might be passed onto the Bridoodle, making them prone to ear infections.

• Check your Bridoodle’s ears weekly for signs of redness, bad odor, or unusual discharge.
• Gently clean the ears using a dog-specific ear cleaner and a cotton ball. Never use a cotton swab inside the ear canal.
• If your veterinarian advises it, trim or pluck any excessive hair inside the ears.

Eye Care:

• Regularly check your Bridoodle’s eyes to ensure they’re clear and free from discharge.
• Remove crust or dirt from the corner of the eyes with a clean, moist cloth.
• If you notice excessive tearing, redness, or cloudiness, contact your veterinarian.

Nail Care:

• Bridoodles, if not regularly exercised on abrasive surfaces, will need their nails trimmed every 3 to 4 weeks.
• Using a dog nail clipper or grinder, trim the nails carefully, avoiding the quick.
• If you’re unsure or uncomfortable trimming your dog’s nails, it’s recommended to let a professional groomer or veterinarian handle it.

Start grooming routines when your Bridoodle is young. This will get them accustomed to the process, making it a stress-free experience for both of you. Always give positive reinforcement after grooming sessions. This will make future sessions easier.

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