Can Mini Goldendoodles Swim? Breed Facts & FAQ
By Grant Piper
Updated on
Mini Goldendoodles are very popular dogs. They are small, adorable, friendly, and fun for the whole family. But some people love swimming and spending time on the water, and they are looking for a dog that will mesh with their wet lifestyle. Not every dog can swim well, and not every dog enjoys being around water.
The good news for people looking for a water dog is that Mini Goldendoodles can swim very well and have the potential to make a great seaside companion. But not all Goldendoodles take to the water. Here is everything you need to know about Mini Goldendoodles and swimming, including their ability, size, and tips to know before going out on the water.
All Goldendoodles Can Swim
They might not look like it at first glance, but Goldendoodles are excellent swimmers. Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers are water dogs which makes the Goldendoodle a water dog by extension. Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers were bred as hunting dogs to bring back waterfowl from wet or marshy areas. That means that all Goldendoodles that are half Golden Retriever and half Poodle will inherit this swimming pedigree.
Despite its small size, a Mini Goldendoodle can swim just fine. The addition of a miniature or toy Poodle into the mix does not affect a Goldendoodle’s ability to swim. Small Poodles can swim just fine, and so can small Goldendoodles.
Mini Goldendoodle vs. Standard Goldendoodle Swimming
There is no functional difference between a Mini Goldendoodle and Standard Goldendoodle. The only thing that a Standard Goldendoodle has over a Miniature Goldendoodle is the size which can translate to stamina. That means that the larger Goldendoodle might be able to swim for longer or farther distances, but the base swimming ability will not be different between the two. In fact, sometimes Mini Goldendoodles are better for being on the water because their small size makes it easier to put them into kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
| Mini Goldendoodle | Standard Goldendoodle |
| Small and easy to travel with | Larger and harder to put on the water |
| Lower stamina and strength | Higher stamina and strength |
| Excellent swimming skills | Excellent swimming skills |
Do Goldendoodles Like Swimming?
Some Goldendoodles like swimming but not all of them do. Just like people, dogs have unique and individual personalities. These personalities translate into unique and individual tastes. Just because Goldendoodles have a swimming pedigree does not necessarily mean they will enjoy swimming. Some dogs will take to the water just fine, while other dogs might hate the water and never feel comfortable in or around the water.
If you have a Mini Goldendoodle that seems to hate swimming and hates being in the water, there might not be much you can do. Some dogs have different tastes and preferences that preclude them from certain activities.
One way to try and get your Goldendoodle to take to the water better is to introduce them to water when they are young. Many water dogs that are bred actually to swim and be in the water are trained and introduced to water from a young age. If your Goldendoodle was bred and trained to lay on the couch and play with your kids, they might not be too happy if you try and get them to swim in a river or pool. That is understandable. Don’t be disappointed if your Mini Goldendoodle doesn’t like swimming; that is not uncommon.
Things to Consider Before Taking Your Mini Goldendoodle Swimming
Before attempting to take your Mini Goldendoodle swimming, there are some things you should consider. There are items you will want to bring and tips you should be aware of to keep your dog safe and engaged when you are out and about. Whether you are putting your dog in your home pool or taking them out for a day at the beach, these are the things you should know before setting out.
- Make sure your dog is comfortable around the water.
- Do small test runs in pools, boats, or at the beach before trying to spend long periods on the water.
- Make sure your dog knows how to get in and out of a boat or board and can return to shore when called.
- Consider bringing a doggy life jacket.
- Dress your dog in a bright-colored color or vest, preferably with reflective materials, so you can easily spot them in the water.
- Make sure you have plenty of fresh water to offer your dog, especially if it is hot out.
- Bring a towel to dry them off after they are done swimming.
- Monitor their behavior around the water to make sure they are enjoying themselves and are not overly stressed or anxious.
Conclusion
Since Goldendoodles are a mixture of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, they are great swimmers. Both Goldens and Poodles are water dogs and are perfectly fine with being in and around water. Small Goldendoodles and Mini Goldendoodles can swim just as well as Standard Goldendoodles. However, not all Goldendoodles will enjoy swimming, even if they are perfectly capable of swimming, which is something to keep in mind.
Featured Image Credit: Kathy images, Shutterstock
