Bridoodle

by Mary Simpson

Published: December 29th, 2017

About Bridoodle

Weight

70-80 lb

Height

22-26 inches

Lifespan

11-13 years

Group

Not Applicable

Best Suited For

active families with kids, experienced dog owners, those looking for a low- or non-shedding dog

Temperament

loyal, intelligent, playful, affectionate

Comparable Breeds

Poodle, Briard

Bridoodle Basics

The sweet-natured Bridoodle comes from two highly family-oriented dogs; the smart, fun-loving Poodle and the loyal, independent Briard. This beautiful boy does well with kids and other pets alike while a cautious nature towards strangers makes him a great potential watchdog.

The sweet-natured Bridoodle brings together the fun-loving Poodle and the independent Briard.

Origin

The Bridoodle is a relatively recent mixed breed dog known as a Designer Dog. Introduced back in the 1980’s these dogs are the result of mixing and matching pure-bred dogs to produce puppies that carried the desired traits of both parent breeds – typically a healthier, smaller, hypo-allergenic or gentler form of a popular breed.

Pedigree

The designer dog background of the Bridoodle means he cannot become a member of the prestigious American Kennel Club (AKC) however his parent breeds are both members in good standing. The Briard joined the “herding” group in 1928 while the Poodle was named to the “non-sporting” group in 1887.

Food/Diet

The Bridoodle is a large dog who is quite active so will require a top-quality kibble designed specifically for his age, size and more importantly, activity level. Avoid fillers such as carbs that can cause him to overeat to feel full and potentially result in obesity – joint issues later in life can be a problem so keep him fit and trim. As Poodles can bring digestive issues, choose a low-fat food and plan to schedule meals 2 to 3 times per day versus free-feeding. Poodles are also prone to bloat so ensure exercise is not taken within an hour of him eating.

The Bridoodle’s sweet personality and loving, loyal nature makes him a wonderful dog for any family.

Training

The Bridoodle is the offspring of two highly intelligent breeds and will be quick to pick up commands and follow instruction. His herding instinct may cause him to become distracted and a challenge to keep on point however don’t give up – enlist the services of a professional trainer if necessary. As with most dogs, he will respond best to firm, consistent commands followed by loads of praise and treats of your choosing for a job well done.

Weight

Your Bridoodle will typically weigh in the 70 to 80-pound range when fully grown.

Temperament/Behavior

The Bridoodle’s sweet personality and loving, loyal nature makes him a wonderful dog for any family. He does well with children and other pets however can be cautious around strangers if he inherits the wary, alert characteristics of the Briard. His independent nature means he is okay with being left alone for periods of time but it also means he can also be a handful to train so is ideally suited to an experienced dog owner. This intelligent, playful pooch can be tireless when it comes to chasing a ball or a Frisbee which makes him the perfect choice for an active family.

Common Health Problems

The Bridoodle is unlikely to experience the health issues that plague his pure-bred parents however it’s important to know what he may inherit later in life. This can include joint issues including hip dysplasia as well as digestive issues from the Poodle that includes bloat.

Life Expectancy

The Bridoodle is a relatively healthy dog that will typically live between 11 to 13 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Bridoodle comes from two large, active breeds so exercise will need to be more than a tossed ball in the yard. Daily, lengthy walks will keep him physically fit while periodic visits to an off-leash park where he can run free and interact with other dogs will help ensure this pooch is able to expend some energy and stay mentally stimulated.

The loving Bridoodle is a loyal and playful family member.

Recognized Clubs

The Bridoodle is a designer dog and not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) however he is a member of the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

In spite of the Bridoodle being a low- to non-shedding dog and considered to be hypoallergenic, his long, wavy coat will require daily brushing to keep it tangle-free and looking its best. Visits to a groomer will help keep this boy looking his best while weekly inspection and cleaning of his floppy ears will help prevent infection.

Puppies

Bridoodle pups come from two highly intelligent breeds and can begin their socialization and obedience training at a young age. Because the Briard is a herding dog, your new pup can become distracted easily by other animals so patience will be required to bring out the best in this dog. His love of the chase means agility exercise will be a natural energy outlet for him however pace activity to ensure tiny joints aren’t over-exerted.

Photo credit: LittleDogKorat/Shutterstock

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Pregnant Dog Saved from Shipping Container by U.S. Coast Guard

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston got a big surprise when they found a dog trapped inside a shipping container. While inspecting the containers, Lucas Loe, Bryan Wainscott, Jose Reyes, and Ryan McMahon heard scratching and barking coming from inside one of them. After bringing the container down to ground level—it had been roughly 25 feet up—they opened it to find an adorable dog desperate to get out.A Dog Rescued Against All OddsThe poor dog had been stuck in that container, which had junked vehicles and was set to be shipped overseas, for at least eight days without any food or water. How she got in there in the first place is a mystery, but they think she might’ve been in one of the cars that was put in the container.What makes this story even more incredible is the fact that there were thousands of shipping containers along with the one that the friendly dog was trapped in, so she’s very lucky that the inspectors heard her and rescued her in time. They named her Connie, and her story quickly went viral. She’s even referred to as Connie the Container Dog. A video posted on Facebook shows her rescue.According to a U.S. Coast Guard Heartland Facebook post, Connie was thrilled and grateful to be free, but she was also tired and hungry. She was taken to Pasadena Animal Shelter to be examined before being flown to Forever Changed Animal Rescue (FCAR) in the Washington, D.C. metro area. She was diagnosed with heartworm and was found to be underweight.A New Discovery: Connie the Container Dog Is PregnantAfter her rescuers noticed that Connie’s mammary glands were swollen, they worried that she’d given birth to and lost her puppies while she was trapped in the container. But an ultrasound revealed that she is indeed pregnant.Once she’s healed and ready to be adopted, Connie will be looking for a forever home. And her puppies will also be looking for homes once they’re old enough. In the meantime, she’ll stay with a veterinarian who will keep a close eye on her and make sure that she and her puppies are doing well.To keep up with Connie’s journey, you can follow FCAR’s Facebook page.You can also watch this video to see Connie and her rescuers:

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How Cold is Too Cold for My Dog to Be Outside?

You might enjoy the magic of wintertime, but that doesn’t mean that your pooch shares your enthusiasm for cold weather – or the situation might be the exact opposite, with your four-legged bestie enjoying snowfall and you dreading the icy temperatures. Either way, you might be wondering if your pet needs some extra protection or different routines during winter – after all, some dogs are less suited for cold than others. So, it begs the question how cold is too cold for your dog, and should you even try going outside in these cases? There are several precautions you can take, but sometimes, you should be wary of extreme temperatures. Let’s delve deeper and learn more. How Cold is Too Cold for My Dog to Be Outside?The tolerance to cold weather can vary among individual dogs based on factors such as breed, size, coat type, age, and overall health. Generally, most dogs can tolerate cold weather to some extent, but there are certain conditions and temperatures where it becomes unsafe for them to be outside for extended periods. Of course, there will be some telltale signs that it’s just too cold to be outside. Signs that your dog may be too cold include shivering, whining, seeking shelter, lifting paws off the ground, or exhibiting signs of discomfort. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to bring your dog inside for some much-needed warmth.Of course, it’s essential to use your judgment and consider your dog's individual needs – you should always prioritize your dog's well-being in extreme weather conditions, but that will differ from dog to dog and climate to climate. Even so, there are some general guidelines for determining if it’s too cold outside for your pet – here’s what you need to know before taking them outside in really cold weather.Consider their coat length and breed: In winter, your pet’s coat can be a determining factor for outside time. Dogs with thick or double coats, such as  Siberian Huskies or  Alaskan Malamutes, may be more tolerant of cold temperatures than those with short coats, like Chihuahuas or Greyhounds. Some dogs were specially bred for living and working in cold environments, while some breeds were developed for completely opposite conditions. If your pet belongs to the latter group, it might be useful to invest in  a warm coat  designed to keep your dog toasty and warm during cold weather.

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