There are some hybrid breeds of dog that sound adorable from the moment you hear them. One such breed is the miniature Goldendoodle.

The first question for some here is simple: is the idea of this mini Goldendoodle dog wishful thinking, or do they really exist?

A quick search for pictures of mini Goldendoodles will show that they do.

There are loads of potential benefits to a mini version of the Goldendoodle for a lot of people, especially those that like the idea of the full-sized dog but don’t have the space.

But, is the mini Goldendoodle puppy all that buyers expect it to be, and are there any hidden surprises from this alternative breeding?

Just because we know the Goldendoodle doesn’t mean that we know its little cousin just as well.

In this guide to the mini Goldendoodle we will look at how this pup comes about in terms of breeding and the physical characteristics that separate it from the regular sized Goldendoodle. What is the average mini Goldendoodle size and weight?

We will also look at the care needs of the dog, to see if this miniaturization has any effect on their care, exercise, grooming or health issues.

We will also compare mini Goldendoodle info on the temperament and personality of these dogs to the regular dog to see if there are any differences to expect due to this alternative breeding. This will also concern intelligence and training issues.

Finally, we will look at ways of getting miniature Goldendoodle puppies before weighing up the pros and cons of this dog.

What sort of breeding and genetic mix needs to occur here in order to get these miniature Goldendoodles?

The difference here all comes down to the Miniature Poodle. With a typical Goldendoodle, there is a 50/50 split between the golden retriever and the standard poodle – the largest of the three breeds of poodle. With the miniature goldendoodle, this changes to a 50/50 split between the golden retriever and the slightly smaller miniature poodle.

The reason for this is pretty simple. The Goldendoodle is a popular dog with a lot of families and service industries, but sometimes there is a need for a smaller, more manageable dog. The size reduction from the miniature poodle achieves this.

Mini Goldendoodle Puppy – Image Source

Clearly we are going to be getting a small Goldendoodle with this alternative breeding, but just how big do mini Goldendoodles get?

The size of these dogs is one of the more pressing matter for anyone that is looking to get one of these animals. Are they just a little bit smaller, or is this the difference between a large working dog and a toy?

[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””]Starting with the mini Goldendoodle size, the height difference may not actually be as big as you expect, the biggest mini doodle pups can reach up to 20 inches. Then there is the mini Goldendoodle weight, which is where the main difference lies. Standards can reach up to 30 pounds, while the mini only usually gets to 15. [/thrive_text_block]

So if there isn’t that great of a size difference between the two, why do we sometimes see such small versions of the mini Goldendoodle dog in photos online.

There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, there is the chance that you may be looking at a picture of a young dog being passed off as a full-grown small breed.

[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=””]Secondly, there is also the petite Goldendoodle to consider. Also known as the toy Goldendoodle, this little dog isn’t necessarily what many people may expect. This is not a mix between the Goldie and a Toy Poodle, but rather a hybrid dog with gene of the Golden Retriever, Miniature Poodle and Cocker Spaniel. So how does this work? The parents of these pups are a pure bred Miniature Poodle and a cross between a Goldie and Cocker. This is to bring down the size, without diluting the poodle genes that are so highly sought after. This tends to work as they often inherit the hypoallergenic coat and intelligence of the poodle with a smaller stature than the mini-doodle. It tends to weigh no more than 18 pounds and reaches no higher than 16 inches. [/thrive_text_block]

Petite Goldendoodle – Image Source

What other physical characteristics can we expect with a mini Goldendoodle of this type?

Generally speaking, the physical characteristics and build are quite similar and there are some basic expectations on the shape of the face, the round black eyes, the small drooping ear and the quality of the coat. Some may find that the face of mini Goldendoodles is much like that of the poodle.

Be aware that you will also get different coat colors in the mini version than the standard because of this change in parentage.

Standards can be black, brown, white, yellow and red. Minis don’t have these darker tones and there is a strong tendency towards apricot.

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Now we know what to expect from the features of a mini Goldendoodle full grown, we need to think about their general care needs

One of the biggest care concerns for anyone with a Goldendoodle mini is grooming.

There are plenty of preconceptions about any dog with “doodle” at the end, which mean that there are some high hopes when it comes to the issue of miniature Goldendoodle shedding.

Many poodle crosses are bred for their hypoallergenic fur and lack of shedding. So what does this mean for miniature Goldendoodle grooming needs?

[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””]Again, the needs here are minimal, the dog inherits the easy maintenance, non-shedding coat of the poodle rather than the long, hard-to-manage coat of the retriever. As always, this is great for those that want a cute pup with the traits of a retriever but can’t own them because of allergies. [/thrive_text_block]

The next issue regarding the care needs of these animals is health care. What is the miniature Goldendoodle lifespan and are they longer lived for being smaller, like some other miniature versions of breeds?

[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””]The life span will depend on the health and individual conditions for each dog, but they are said to be pretty similar to the standard and toy doodles at around 10-15 years. Those that are well cared for and free from major health conditions could turn out to live even longer. [/thrive_text_block]

There are still some miniature Goldendoodle health concerns to keep in mind here. There are some risks shared between the two, regardless of size, and they are joint issues such as dysplasia, allergies and gastric issue. Owners are also warned to look out for PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), Von Willebrands, bloat, Patellar Luxation and hypothyroidism.

What do new owners need to know about the personality traits of this golden retriever/ mini poodle hybrid?

The good news here is that there is quite a nice split between some of the best characteristics of both dogs.

[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””]They have the playful, gentle family-oriented side of the Goldie, but they are a little more assertive and sharper, thanks to the poodle genes.

This means that they can be great family pets, that are good with kids and other animals. At the same time, it also means that they can be more effective as a watchdog than the pure Golden Retriever that might welcome an intruder rather than warn them off. Even so, they still make great service dogs because of their temperament and are just as good as therapy dogs too. [/thrive_text_block]

Many people enjoy using this breed in care homes and hospices because of their size, nature and the minimal risk of allergies. This is another reason why some may turn towards the toy version, as an even smaller, more manageable version for this situation.

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So what does this all mean for miniature Goldendoodle training?

Are these dogs easy to handle and obedient?

Generally speaking, this miniature Goldendoodle should be easy to train because it inherits the intelligence of the poodle and the willingness to please of the Goldie.

Owners should be able to train basic obedience and commands pretty quickly with minimal need for repetition. This is another reason why they are seen as such desirable working dogs as well as family pets. They soon learn precisely what is required of them, will respond well to commands and can learn a range of behaviors. This is why they are seen in roles as varied as therapy dog and narcotics detector.

This all means that there should be minimal issues in training these dogs. However, there is sure to be a few animals that struggle with certain areas, either due to their genetic mix or the lack of experience of the owner. Therefore, some owners may find that they are in need of some extra help when training. A good place to start is with Doggy Dan the online dog trainer. This online resource provides a step-by-step approach in easy to follow terms and looks at a range of commands and behaviors. Furthermore, this is a much more affordable option that obedience school.

Finding a miniature Goldendoodle for sale from responsible, knowledgeable miniature Goldendoodle breeders

If you decide that you want to get one of these animals for the home, either as a family pet or a future therapy dog, you need to find a reliable source.

Firstly, you need a breeder that understands the requirement of the hybrid and isn’t trying to sell some other mix with false pretenses. The mini must be a miniature poodle and Goldie and the petite Goldendoodle must be a miniature poodle and Goldie/Cocker cross. This is where it pays to ask to see the parents. A firm understanding of the genetic line tells you what to expect from the dogs. If the parentage is incorrect, or the animals seem unhealthy or overbred, walk away. A responsible breeder will give you plenty of information and time with the dogs, so make the most of it.

What about the mini Goldendoodle cost

Of course the other important concern here with breeders and purchasing mini Goldendoodle puppies is the mini golden doodle price.

These animals are not going to be cheap because there is a double layer of “rarity” here. Not only is this a hybrid/designer dog, it is an alternative version of another hybrid that has been bred for certain standards. Therefore, some will charge thousands for a good pup from good stock.

Beware of those charging excessive amount by claiming they have rare colors on top of these. These people are only out with profit in mind. Also be aware of the really cheap puppies that may not be all they seem.

There is always the option of adoption here to reduce costs and find a great dog in need. Remember that adoption is a great way to find a mini Goldendoodle adult that perhaps didn’t behave as well as owner hoped or that had to be given up for other reasons. These pups won’t suit everyone and there is the risk that this fad dog was bought for kids and then rejected. Check your local shelter to see if there are any rescue mini doodles available. You can save money and a life at the same time.

So, is the miniature Goldendoodle the right dog for you?

Now that you know the miniature Goldendoodle 101, you should have a better idea over whether or not this is a good breed for your home.

There is a lot to love about this dog in terms of its nature, care needs and adaptability to a family home. They really do have the best elements of both parent breeds with that sweet nature, intelligence, work ethic and coat.

Just be aware of issues with breeding and price – especially with those dealing in the petite version not the mini – and take your time with your decision.

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