Bordoodle Grooming: Expert Care Tips

Title Tag: Bordoodle Coat Care Guide | Expert Grooming Tips (2025)

Meta Description: Complete Bordoodle coat care guide from Australian professional groomers. Expert tips on brushing, bathing, and maintaining your Border Collie Poodle mix coat.

Target Keywords: bordoodle coat care, bordoodle grooming guide, border collie poodle grooming, bordoodle brushing tips, how to groom bordoodle

Bordoodles combine two of the most intelligent dog breeds—the Border Collie and the Poodle. The result? A wickedly smart, energetic companion with a coat that demands attention.

That Border Collie heritage brings something unique to the doodle world: a working dog mentality. Bordoodles aren’t content to lounge around. They’re runners, fetchers, and adventure seekers. Which means their coats collect everything—dirt, grass, debris, and the occasional sheep if they get near one.

At WoofSpark, we’ve groomed plenty of Bordoodles and know exactly what these coats need. This guide shares our professional knowledge to help you keep your Bordoodle’s coat healthy, mat-free, and looking brilliant.

What Makes Bordoodle Coats Unique

Bordoodles inherit coat genetics from two very different parents. Understanding this mix explains why their coats behave the way they do.

The Border Collie Influence

Border Collies have:
– Double coat (weather-resistant outer layer, dense undercoat)
– Medium to long hair
– Moderate to heavy shedding
– Feathering on legs, chest, and belly
– Coat designed for outdoor work in all conditions

The Poodle Influence

Poodles contribute:
– Single-layer, continuously growing coat
– Tight curls
– Minimal to no shedding
– High maintenance requirements
– Hypoallergenic properties

What Your Bordoodle Gets

The combination creates significant variation. Your Bordoodle might have:
– A wavy, low-shedding coat (most common)
– A curly, non-shedding coat (more Poodle influence)
– A straighter coat with some undercoat (more Border Collie)
– A mix that changes as they mature

The unpredictability is part of the Bordoodle charm—but it means you need to adapt your grooming routine to your specific dog’s coat.

The Three Bordoodle Coat Types

Wool Coat (Tight Curls)

Characteristics:
– Dense, Poodle-like curls
– Little to no shedding
– Highest maintenance of all coat types
– Often seen in F1B Bordoodles (75% Poodle)

Grooming Requirements:
– Daily brushing (non-negotiable)
– Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks
– Mats form within 3-5 days without brushing
– Most likely to need dematting if neglected

Fleece Coat (Soft Waves)

Characteristics:
– Soft, flowing waves
– The classic “doodle” look
– Low shedding
– Medium maintenance
– Most common Bordoodle coat type

Grooming Requirements:
– Brush every 2-3 days (daily is better)
– Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks
– Mats form within 5-7 days without brushing
– More forgiving than wool coats

Hair Coat (Straighter Texture)

Characteristics:
– More Border Collie-like appearance
– May have undercoat
– Higher shedding than other types
– Lower matting risk

Grooming Requirements:
– Brush 2-3 times weekly
– Professional grooming every 8-10 weeks
– Needs deshedding during coat blows
– Regular attention to feathering

Identifying Your Bordoodle’s Coat Type

The Wet Test:
Wet your Bordoodle’s coat and watch how it dries:
– Springs into tight ringlets = Wool coat
– Forms loose, flowing waves = Fleece coat
– Dries relatively straight = Hair coat

The Feel Test:
Run your fingers through the coat:
– Dense and springy = Wool
– Soft and silky = Fleece
– Coarser with possible undercoat = Hair

Essential Grooming Tools for Bordoodles

Bordoodles are medium-sized dogs with athletic builds. You need tools that can handle their active coats.

Must-Have Tools

Slicker Brush
Your most critical investment. Choose a medium to large brush with flexible pins designed for curly or wavy coats. The brush should reach through to the skin without scratching.

Metal Comb (Greyhound Comb)
Your quality control tool. After brushing, run the comb through the coat. If it glides through smoothly, you’ve done a thorough job. If it catches, there’s more brushing to do.

Detangling Spray
Never brush a dry Bordoodle coat. Detangling spray adds slip, reduces static, and makes brushing more comfortable. A light mist before each session prevents pulling.

Dematting Tool
For working through tangles before they become solid mats. Use gently—the goal is to separate the tangle, not rip through it.

Rounded-Tip Scissors
For trimming around eyes, paws, and sanitary areas between professional grooms. Rounded tips prevent accidents when your active Bordoodle moves unexpectedly.

The Active Dog Factor

Bordoodles are working dogs at heart. They run, they play, they explore. This means:
– More debris collection than calmer breeds
– Faster mat formation from activity
– Regular post-adventure brushing sessions
– Tools that can handle outdoor residue

Daily Care Routine

Bordoodles thrive on routine—and so do their coats.

Morning Quick Check (5 minutes)

Visual inspection — Look for visible tangles, debris, or coat issues
Trouble spot check — Quick feel of armpits, behind ears, and collar area
Remove any obvious debris — Leaves, twigs, grass from overnight or morning activities

Post-Activity Brush (10-15 minutes)

After walks, runs, or playtime:
1. Let coat dry if wet — Brush damp, not soaking
2. Remove debris — Check paws, belly, and feathered areas
3. Quick slicker brush — Focus on areas that collected material
4. Comb check — Verify no tangles formed

Evening Full Brush (15-25 minutes)

The main grooming session:
1. Spray with detangler — Light mist over the section you’re brushing
2. Line brush entire body — Work systematically from skin to tip
3. Check all trouble spots — Behind ears, armpits, groin, under collar
4. Comb through completely — Verify no hidden tangles
5. Reward your Bordoodle — They’ve earned it

Proper Brushing Technique

Surface brushing is the most common mistake Bordoodle owners make. Here’s how to brush properly.

The Line Brushing Method

Part the coat horizontally — Use your free hand to hold the coat above where you’re brushing
Spray with detangling spray — Light mist on the section you’re about to brush
Brush from skin to tip — Start at the skin level and brush small sections outward
Work in lines — Move up the body systematically, parting and brushing each section
Check with the comb — Run a metal comb through each area. If it catches, you missed something.

Bordoodle Trouble Spots

These areas mat first on Bordoodles. Check them every single session:

Behind the Ears
Fine, soft hair that tangles quickly. The ear flap hides developing mats.

Under the Collar
Friction from walking and playing creates mats. Remove collar during brushing sessions.

Armpits
The number one matting spot on any doodle. Hidden, often forgotten, frequently severely matted by the time owners notice.

The “Pants” (Back Legs)
Bordoodles often have impressive leg feathering. This hair mats easily with movement.

Chest Furnishings
The longer hair on the chest tangles with activity, especially harness-wearing dogs.

Groin and Inner Thighs
A friction zone that owners often skip. Part the fur and check thoroughly.

Tail Base and Feathering
Especially important if your Bordoodle has a full, feathered tail.

How Long Should Brushing Take?

For a standard Bordoodle:
– Quick maintenance brush: 15-20 minutes
– Thorough session: 25-40 minutes
– Post-swim or muddy adventure: Add 20+ minutes

If you’re finishing in 5 minutes, you’re not brushing thoroughly.

Bathing Your Bordoodle

The Critical Pre-Bath Step

Always brush before bathing. This is non-negotiable.

Wet mats tighten. Water acts like cement, making mats nearly impossible to remove without cutting. If you bathe a matted Bordoodle, you’re guaranteeing a shave-down at your next grooming appointment.

If you find mats while preparing to bathe, work them out first—or call your groomer.

Bathing Frequency

Coat Type	Typical Frequency
Wool	Every 3-4 weeks
Fleece	Every 4-6 weeks
Hair	Every 6-8 weeks

Adjust based on activity level. Active Bordoodles who swim, roll, or explore may need more frequent baths.

Bathing Steps

Thorough brush and comb — Remove all tangles before water touches the coat
Wet the coat completely — Bordoodle coats are dense. Take time to saturate fully, working water through to the skin.
Apply shampoo — Use a quality dog shampoo. Work it through the entire coat, including legs, belly, and tail.
Rinse completely — Residue causes itching and coat dullness. Rinse longer than you think necessary.
Condition — Optional but recommended. Makes brushing easier and adds softness to curly coats.
Final rinse — Until water runs completely clear.

Drying: Don’t Skip This

Never air dry a Bordoodle. Their dense coat stays damp for hours, creating perfect conditions for:
– Hot spots and skin infections
– That lingering wet dog smell
– Mats forming as the coat dries tangled

Best option: High-velocity dryer. This is what professionals use. It blasts water out and separates the coat.

Home option: Regular blow dryer on cool setting. Keep it moving to avoid heat damage. This takes significantly longer but works.

Essential: Brush while drying. This prevents tangles from forming as the coat dries and leaves you with a fluffy, mat-free result.

Common Bordoodle Coat Problems and Solutions

Matting

The most common issue we see. By far.

Why it happens:
– Infrequent brushing
– Surface-only brushing (missing the base layer)
– Moisture without proper drying
– High activity levels (friction, movement)
– Collar and harness friction
– Coat transition from puppy to adult (6-12 months)

Prevention:
– Brush properly using line brushing technique
– Check trouble spots every session
– Dry completely after getting wet
– Remove collar and harness during brushing
– Increase brushing during coat transition

What to do when you find mats:
– Small tangles: Spray with detangler, hold at base, gently work through
– Larger mats: Use mat splitter to separate, then brush out
– Severe matting: See a professional. Attempting to brush out painful mats is cruel—shaving is often the kindest option.

The Active Dog Problem

Bordoodles are working dogs. They run, they play, they don’t stay clean.

Common issues:
– Debris collection (leaves, twigs, grass)
– Mud and dirt buildup
– Grass seeds in coat and paws
– Faster mat formation from movement

Solutions:
– Quick brush after every outdoor adventure
– Keep towel by the door for quick wipe-downs
– Check paws and coat for grass seeds (especially in spring)
– Consider a shorter clip if they’re constantly collecting debris
– Accept that a pristine coat and an active Bordoodle don’t coexist

Undercoat Buildup (Hair Coat Types)

Some Bordoodles inherit the Border Collie double coat.

Signs:
– Coat feels thick and dense
– Shed hair trapped in coat
– Skin may be hard to see
– Coat looks “puffy”

Solutions:
– Use an undercoat rake in addition to slicker brush
– More frequent brushing during seasonal coat blows
– Professional deshedding treatments
– Don’t skip the comb check—it reveals trapped undercoat

Dull or Dry Coat

Common causes:
– Poor nutrition
– Over-bathing
– Low-quality grooming products
– Underlying health issues
– Lack of omega fatty acids

Solutions:
– Add omega-3 supplements to diet
– Use moisturising, quality shampoo and conditioner
– Reduce bathing frequency if overdoing it
– See your vet if issues persist despite good care

Hot Spots

More common in active dogs with dense coats.

Signs:
– Red, moist, irritated patches of skin
– Hair loss in affected area
– Excessive licking or scratching
– May appear suddenly

Prevention:
– Dry coat thoroughly after swimming or baths
– Keep coat mat-free (mats trap moisture)
– Regular grooming to promote airflow
– Address allergies if present

Treatment:
– See your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment
– Keep area clean and dry
– May need to clip hair around affected area

Professional Grooming Schedule

Home grooming is essential, but it doesn’t replace professional care.

When to Book

Coat Type	Frequency
Wool	Every 4-6 weeks
Fleece	Every 6-8 weeks
Hair	Every 8-10 weeks

Signs You Need an Appointment Sooner

Mats forming that you can’t easily brush out
Coat looks unkempt or overgrown
Eyes blocked by hair
Nails clicking on floor
Ears smell or look dirty
You’re feeling overwhelmed

What to Expect at a Professional Groom

A full Bordoodle groom typically includes:
– Bath with appropriate shampoo and conditioner
– High-velocity blow dry
– Full brush and demat
– Haircut to your preferred style
– Face, feet, and sanitary trim
– Ear cleaning
– Nail trim
– Finishing cologne

Time required: 2-3 hours depending on coat condition, length, and style.

Communicating With Your Groomer

Tell them:
– Your Bordoodle’s activity level
– Areas that mat fastest
– Any skin sensitivities
– Preferred length and style
– Your realistic brushing commitment

A good groomer will recommend a style you can actually maintain between appointments.

Seasonal Coat Care (Australian Climate)

Summer (December – February)

Challenges:
– Swimming season (wet coat management)
– Beach visits (salt and sand)
– Heat under dense coat
– Grass seeds everywhere
– Hot spots from humidity

What to do:
– Book a summer clip for comfort
– Rinse thoroughly after swimming (fresh and salt water)
– Dry completely every time
– Check for grass seeds after walks (paws, ears, armpits)
– Watch for hot spots
– Increase water intake on hot days

Autumn (March – May)

Challenges:
– Coat begins thickening
– Leaves and debris stick to coat
– Grass seeds still present
– Possible coat blow (hair types)

What to do:
– Good time to let coat grow slightly
– Increase brushing as coat thickens
– Continue debris checks
– Book groom before coat gets unmanageable

Winter (June – August)

Challenges:
– Fuller coat tangles more easily
– Wet weather creates muddy dogs
– Owners assume less grooming needed
– Coat stays damp longer in cold weather

What to do:
– Maintain brushing frequency (winter coats mat too)
– Dry thoroughly after wet walks
– Consider a belly clip for mud management
– Don’t skip professional grooms
– Use coat conditioner to prevent dryness from indoor heating

Spring (September – November)

Challenges:
– Winter coat may blow out
– Peak grass seed season
– Allergies (skin and coat issues)
– Increased outdoor activity

What to do:
– Increase brushing frequency
– Check for grass seeds after every walk
– Book pre-summer groom
– Watch for allergy-related skin issues
– Consider shorter style if shedding heavily

Popular Bordoodle Grooming Styles

The “Teddy Bear” Cut

What it looks like: Medium length all over (1-2 inches), round face, fluffy ears

Maintenance required: High. Needs consistent brushing to prevent matting.

Best for: Owners committed to regular brushing who love the classic doodle look.

The “Puppy Cut”

What it looks like: Shorter version of teddy bear. Even length all over (1/2 – 1 inch).

Maintenance required: Moderate. Still needs brushing but more forgiving.

Best for: Active dogs, busy owners, warmer weather.

The “Sporty Cut”

What it looks like: Body shorter, legs moderate length. Clean, athletic appearance.

Maintenance required: Low to moderate. Practical for active Bordoodles.

Best for: Working Bordoodles, highly active dogs, owners who want minimal fuss.

The “Border Collie” Style

What it looks like: Maintains some of the Border Collie feathering. Body moderate length, longer on legs, chest, and tail.

Maintenance required: High. Feathered areas need regular attention.

Best for: Owners who want to showcase the Border Collie heritage.

The Short Clip

What it looks like: Short all over (under 1/2 inch).

Maintenance required: Low. Minimal home brushing needed.

Best for: Owners who struggle to keep up with brushing, very active dogs, hot climates.

Pro tip: There’s no shame in keeping your Bordoodle short. A well-maintained short coat is far better than a long coat full of mats. Be honest about your brushing commitment and choose a style you can actually maintain.

Working With Bordoodle Intelligence

Here’s the good news: Bordoodles are smart. Really smart. This can work for or against you in grooming.

The Advantages

Can learn grooming routines quickly
Often cooperative once they understand what’s expected
May enjoy the mental engagement of grooming time
Can be trained to “help” (offering paws, standing still)

The Challenges

May get bored during long grooming sessions
Will try to outsmart you if they don’t want to be groomed
Remember negative experiences and hold grudges
Need mental stimulation during grooming

Making Grooming Work

Keep sessions engaging:
– Talk to your Bordoodle during grooming
– Use puzzle feeders or lick mats as distraction
– Take breaks for quick training exercises
– Vary the routine slightly to maintain interest

Build positive associations:
– High-value treats during and after grooming
– Keep sessions positive—never punish during grooming
– End every session on a good note
– Make grooming part of their routine from puppyhood

Use their intelligence:
– Teach a “grooming” command that signals it’s time
– Train them to stand on cue
– Reward calm behaviour generously
– Channel that brain into cooperation, not resistance

Products We Recommend for Bordoodles

Based on what works in our salon for active, intelligent dogs:

For Brushing:
– Medium to large slicker brush designed for curly coats
– Metal greyhound comb
– Professional detangling spray

For Bathing:
– Sensitive skin shampoo
– Coat conditioning treatment

For Maintenance:
– Daily freshening cologne
– Skin & Coat Omega supplement

For Active Dogs:
– Paw balm for protection during outdoor activities
– Quick-dry towel for post-adventure wipe-downs

The Bottom Line

Bordoodles are extraordinary dogs—intelligent, athletic, and loyal. Their coats reflect their complexity: not quite Poodle, not quite Border Collie, entirely their own.

The winning formula:

Regular brushing + proper technique + professional maintenance = gorgeous, healthy coat

The reality:

Bordoodles need commitment. Their active lifestyle means more debris, more moisture, more opportunities for mats. Their dense coats need consistent attention.

The payoff:

A well-groomed Bordoodle is a sight to behold. That glossy coat, those bright eyes, that athletic build—all showing because you put in the work.

The owners who succeed:
1. Understand their specific dog’s coat type
2. Brush properly and consistently
3. Use quality tools
4. Adapt to their dog’s activity level
5. Work with a professional groomer regularly
6. Choose a realistic style they can maintain

If you commit to the care, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning, mat-free Bordoodle. If you can’t commit to regular brushing, keep them in a shorter clip that’s more forgiving.

Your Bordoodle is smarter than the average dog. Show them you’re smart enough to maintain that coat properly.

Need Professional Grooming for Your Bordoodle?

Our team at WoofSpark specialises in Doodle breeds. We’ve groomed plenty of Bordoodles and understand their unique combination of intelligence, activity, and coat care needs.

Book a Groom | View Our Services | Shop Grooming Products

Free Resource: The Complete Doodle Coat Care Guide

Want more in-depth coat care tips? Download our free guide covering everything you need to know about maintaining your doodle’s coat between professional grooms.

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Have questions about your Bordoodle’s coat? Reach out—we love helping fellow Bordoodle owners keep their brilliant dogs looking their best.

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