Mini Goldendoodle: Your Complete Guide

Since the 1990s, the adorable ‘doodle’ breed has been favored by pet parents around the world. As a hybrid mix between a poodle and another dog breed, this type of canine is in high demand – and for a good reason. Not only are doodles cute beyond measure, but they take on the intelligence and playful spirit of a poodle, plus the traits of whatever breed they’re mixed with.

Enter the mini goldendoodle. As its name implies, this breed is a mix between a miniature poodle and a golden retriever. The result is a dog that is gentle, loving, smart, and eager to please (much like its parent breeds tend to be). Small in stature but big on playfulness, mini goldendoodles are an ideal family pet that gets along with kids and other animals.

If you’re curious about adopting a mini goldendoodle, the guide below covers everything you need to know about the breed’s history, physical characteristics, temperament, lifespan, training, and more. We also answer the most common questions about mini goldendoodles and how you can adopt and care for one.

Quick Look at the Mini Goldendoodle

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

Weight/Height	15 to 35 pounds 13 to 30 inches tall
Coat Type	Flat, straight, wavy, or curly
Grooming Needs
Shedding
Temperament	Social, outgoing, intelligent, playful, easy to train
Good With Kids
Good With Other Animals
Intelligence
Easy to Train
Energy Level
Barking Habits
Lifespan	12 to 15 years

What Is the History of the Mini Goldendoodle?

Appearing in the mid-1990s, the mini goldendoodle is the result of breeding a miniature poodle and a golden retriever. Designed to take on the smarts of the poodle and the gentle disposition of the golden retriever, these dogs are intelligent and active, with a mild temperament.

Poodles originated in Germany and were historically used for hunting and retrieval. They gained popularity among the French, where they were refined into three additional sizes – standard, miniature and toy. While these dogs became associated with high society, they were also known as affectionate and easy to train.

Golden retrievers, on the other hand, have their roots in 19th century Scotland, where a nobleman named Lord Tweedmouth set out to breed a dog that could hunt/retrieve but that was also devoted and attentive. As working dogs and loyal companions, golden retrievers have since become one of the most popular purebred dogs in America.

Fast forward to present day, and the mini goldendoodle – having inherited traits from both breeds – is a gentle, loving canine that is intelligent and easy to train.

What Do Mini Goldendoodles Look Like?

Due to the inheritance of the long-haired golden retriever and the curly poodle, these dogs are a ball of fluff as puppies. Not only are they adorable, but they also have a teddy-bear appearance that makes them irresistible to would-be pet parents. They also come in colors ranging from golden to red to dark brown.

Mini goldendoodles can vary in size depending on which breed characteristics they take on. However, mini goldendoodles are generally well proportioned with large, expressive eyes, a rounded head, and a short to medium-sized muzzle. Mini goldendoodles also share the leg characteristics of the poodle, which gives them a “prance-like” gait. They also have floppy ears and a long, fluffy, or feathered tail (like the golden retriever).

What Size Is a Mini Goldendoodle?

As a hybrid dog, mini goldendoodles range in size and weight. Generally, though, MGs can weigh anywhere from 15 to 35 pounds and reach a height of between 13 to 30 inches. The size of a mini goldendoodle can also depend on the height and weight of its parents.

What Is a Mini Goldendoodle’s Coat Type?

The coat of a mini goldendoodle changes as it ages. As a puppy, the coat is fluffy, maturing into wavy, flat, or curly fur. However, if your goldendoodle takes on more characteristics of the golden retriever, its fur can also be straight, too.

What Is a Mini Goldendoodle’s Temperament?

Mini goldendoodles are known for their gentle and mild-tempered natures. These dogs are eager to please and are loyal, sociable, and incredibly playful. Both poodles and golden retrievers are also known for their smarts, so MGs take on this trait, making them easy to train. Just be aware that they are also energetic, so you’ll need to keep them exercised and mentally stimulated.

Are Mini Goldendoodles Affectionate?

Mini goldendoodles are affectionate animals. These dogs love a good cuddle, as well as spending plenty of time with their family. They often express affection through their playful natures, whether it’s jumping, licking, or snuggling up to their pet parents.

Like most dogs, MGs also show affectionate states through facial or body language and through their wagging tails. However, due to their excitability, these dogs may not stay long on your lap!

Are Mini Goldendoodles Good With Kids?

Mini goldendoodles are a fantastic family pet. Not only are they great around kids, but they are also loving and affectionate towards their family. Mini goldendoodles also love to play, which is great for rambunctious children!

However, like most dogs, early socialization and obedience training are important for ensuring they behave appropriately around kids. The good news is that mini goldendoodles are easy to train, which means you can teach them good manners, even if you’re new to pet parenting.

Are Mini Goldendoodles Good With Other Animals?

This breed is generally good around other animals, such as cats, especially if they’re socialized properly. Mini goldendoodles are also good with other dogs, but it’s still a good idea to introduce your MG to another canine while they’re still a puppy.

Are Mini Goldendoodles Aggressive?

Mini goldendoodles are not aggressive; they’re known for their friendly and playful natures. These dogs also get along well with kids and other animals. While some people mistakenly think mini goldendoodles are aggressive when they nip or chew during their teething stage, this is actually part of their normal development.

That said, any dog that isn’t socialized or given obedience training can develop behavioral issues. If this occurs, positive reinforcement and reward-based training can remedy these behaviors.

Do Mini Goldendoodles Bark a Lot?

Those who aren’t fans of loud or excessive barking will be pleased to know that mini goldendoodles are not that vocal. They may bark at the occasional stranger or if they want your attention, but generally, these dogs are not known for their vocality.

Are Mini Goldendoodles Intelligent?

Mini goldendoodles are bred from two very intelligent breeds – poodles and golden retrievers. Therefore, this hybrid breed takes on the smarts of both genetic counterparts. The intelligence of mini goldendoodles make them fun to be around; however, beware that they can get into mischief due to their smarts! Keeping their minds stimulated with treat puzzles can be good ways to curb this behavior.

Are Mini Goldendoodles Easy to Train?

Because mini goldendoodles are intelligent and eager to please, they are also easy to train. The only thing to be mindful of is that their playful energy can create short attention spans; therefore, keep training sessions short rather than long and drawn out.

Like most dogs, a combination of positive reinforcement and reward-based training will go a long way. Avoid using punishment and focus only on working with this dog’s smarts and eagerness to please using treats, toys, and other rewards.

Are Mini Goldendoodles Energetic?

Mini goldendoodles have plenty of energy! However, they’re not as active as some breeds, so we would rank them as medium-high in this regard. Regular walks each day mixed with playtime should be enough to drain their energy. One way to think about this breed is that they enjoy short bursts of energy rather than long marathon sessions.

Are Mini Goldendoodles Good Apartment Dogs?

Due to their smaller size, mini goldendoodles make great apartment dogs. These dogs also shed very little and are fairly quiet when it comes to barking. Combined with their even temperaments, these dogs are good apartment dwellers.

Are Mini Goldendoodles Good Watchdogs?

If you’re looking for a guard dog, the mini goldendoodle isn’t it. These dogs are more likely to befriend an intruder than to attack one! Mini goldendoodles are also infrequent barkers, so they’re not the best at warding off other people who come to your door.

Are Mini Goldendoodles Good Service Dogs?

Mini goldendoodles make fantastic therapy dogs because they are soft, affectionate, and intelligent. MGs are also easy to train, so they’re ideal if you’re looking for a dog that can provide support to others.

However, they are only suited to work as therapy or emotional service animals because they are on the smaller side. Individuals looking for service dogs or therapy dogs who require stronger, sturdier animals for physical support or guidance, for instance, may want a bigger breed like a large standard goldendoodle.

How to Care for a Mini Goldendoodle?

Mini goldendoodles are fairly easy to care for. If you’re adopting a puppy, socialization is important for ensuring your dog grows into a well-behaved adult. When it comes to exercise, make sure they get at least 20 to 30 minutes each day. Keeping them active will also ensure that your MG doesn’t get bored.

It’s also important to remember that mini goldendoodles love to be with their pack. Therefore, long hours alone or stuck in a kennel are not good for this breed as they can develop separation anxiety. The best way to care for a mini goldendoodle is to keep them active and include them in family activities.

Do You Need to Groom a Mini Goldendoodle?

While mini goldendoodles only shed lightly (and sometimes not at all), there is some grooming required to keep their coat healthy. This is especially the case when they’re puppies, as their curly, fluffy hair will need brushing to prevent tangles. As an adult, mini goldendoodles should be brushed about once a week, but this also depends on how often you get their hair trimmed.

In terms of bathing, these dogs only need the occasional bath. Also, as part of their grooming routine, brush your dog’s teeth at least two or three times a week. You should also trim their nails once or twice per month unless your dog is active and wearing them down naturally. Lastly, because mini goldendoodles have floppy ears, check these regularly for redness, discharge, or odors, which could be a sign of infection.

Do Mini Goldendoodles Shed?

Mini goldendoodles are low shedders, and in some cases, they don’t shed at all. Poodle breeds hardly shed, but golden retrievers do, so the shed level of your mini goldendoodle will depend on which genetic traits they take on. Generally, though, your MG will be a low to non-shedder.

What Should a Mini Goldendoodle Eat?

Like all dogs, mini goldendoodles require a high-nutrient diet that has a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Aim for food that includes two to three meat proteins, a decent fat profile (at least 10%), and low carbohydrates (<30%). This could include a mix of high-quality kibble, dehydrated dog food, or fresh food.

Because MGs have medium-high energy, you’ll want to provide high-nutrient food that sustains them throughout the day. Aim for around 2 cups of food per day; this may need adjusting depending on the size and activity level of your dog. Consult with your veterinarian if you’re unsure about specifics for your dog.

What Health Problems Do Mini Goldendoodles Have?

Mini goldendoodles are prone to a number of genetic diseases (outlined below) which come from the poodle and the golden retriever side. Therefore, it’s worth getting regular check-ups at the vet and learning how to provide preventative care. However, not all MGs will develop these conditions, and some are treatable with medication, supplements, and diet.

Some of the most common illnesses that mini goldendoodles can develop include:

• Hip dysplasia: when the femur doesn’t align well with the pelvic socket of the hip joint, resulting in pain or lameness. Frequent visits to your vet and giving your dog joint supplements like glucosamine and omega-3 oils can prevent future pain.
• Patella luxation: abnormal formations of the joints, also resulting in pain when walking. Maintaining your dog’s ideal weight and feeding them high-quality food can prevent this.
• Progressive retinal atrophy: golden retrievers are prone to PRA, which involves a gradual deterioration of the retina in the eye, which can cause night blindness and loss of daytime vision. Since this is an inheritable condition, the best prevention is to visit your vet regularly.

Other diseases that MGs can develop include cataracts, hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, and ear infections. See your vet for more info.

How Long Do Mini Goldendoodles Live?

Mini goldendoodles live for around 10 to 15 years. However, factors such as your dog’s diet, levels of exercise, genetics, and physical and mental health play a big role in how your MG ages.

Are Mini Goldendoodles Expensive?

Mini goldendoodles are on the pricey side – ranging from $1,600 to $2,600. Price is affected by factors such as the pedigree or quality of the parent breeds, the breeder’s location, and whether the dog has been trained/vaccinated. It’s always a good idea to ask around and research breeders that are reputable but won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

How Can I Find a Mini Goldendoodle Breeder?

Like with any dog, it’s important to find a reputable breeder. What you want to avoid is potential scams or unethical breeders that promise one thing and deliver another. Looking online is one option, especially if they provide reviews or customer feedback. You could also ask for a referral or check with your local vet, as they may have the details of a recommended breeder.

When visiting a breeder, a quality one will tend to offer things like:

• Transparent documentation (e.g., vet records, genetic history)
• Proper socialization for puppies
• Reasonable prices
• Health guarantees

Can You Adopt a Mini Goldendoodle?

Aside from going through a breeder, you can also adopt a mini goldendoodle from a local shelter or rescue.

The benefit of adopting in this way is that you save a dog from potentially being put down if a suitable pet parent isn’t found. To find a local shelter, it’s worth looking for goldendoodle rescue organizations such as Doodle Rescue Collective or similar organizations for poodles and golden retrievers.

Failing that, check online and see if there are mini goldendoodles that are up for adoption. As always, do your diligence and find a previous owner that is willing to provide information on the dog’s history, health/vaccination records, socialization training, etc.

Are Mini Goldendoodles Purebred?

Mini goldendoodles are not purebred. As a cross between a golden retriever and a miniature poodle, they are considered hybrid dogs. However, that’s not to say that their parents (either the golden retriever or the poodle) weren’t purebred themselves.

Are Mini Goldendoodles Good for New Dog Owners?

Due to their easy going nature and trainability, mini goldendoodles are great pets for first-time owners. These dogs are playful and eager to please, making it easy for inexperienced pet parents to train and live with them. Just make sure you learn the basics of obedience training, socialization, and positive reinforcement techniques.

Is a Mini Goldendoodle the Right Dog for Me?

So, how do you know if a mini goldendoodle is right for you? Before you decide, evaluate whether your disposition and lifestyle can accommodate this breed. In general, a mini goldendoodle is a good fit if you’re:

• Comfortable with a medium-high energy dog
• Able to provide at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise per day
• An allergy sufferer and require a dog that’s hypoallergenic
• Looking for more of a family dog than a watchdog

On the other hand, a mini goldendoodle may not be for you if:

• You have a slower lifestyle and prefer an animal that is relatively inactive
• Cost is an issue: mini goldendoodles from breeders are expensive
• You travel often or have to leave your dog at home alone a lot

At the end of the day, adopting a dog is a very personal choice. But mini goldendoodles are a wonderful breed to live with, especially for families. These playful and affectionate dogs are a lot of fun and can bring an abundance of joy to your household. With the right exercise and loving care, a mini goldendoodle will be your loving companion for life.