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Miniature Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever & Mini Poodle Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Miniature Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever & Mini Poodle Mix)

Height: 16-17 inches
Weight: 18-30 pounds
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Colors: Cream, black, and brown
Suitable for: Families with kids, companion, first-time dog owners
Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, curious, social

The Miniature Goldendoodle is a designer dog that is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle. They were first bred in 1969 and have gained in popularity since, especially in recent years. This hybrid breed was designed to be hypoallergenic guide dogs, and there are three different generations available because they have been around for many years.

The Golden Retriever is a well-loved breed around the world, and they are known for their gentle, intelligent nature, while Miniature Poodles are hypoallergenic, proud, and smart. Combining the two made sense to get a dog who is hypoallergenic and intelligent. This guide gives you plenty of information about the Miniature Goldendoodle, so you can decide for yourself if one is right for you, or if you already have one, you can learn more about how to care for your dog.

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Miniature Goldendoodle Puppies

Miniature Goldendoodle puppy

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Miniature Golden Doodle puppies are adorable, but they can be high energy for the first few years of life. This means that they will need plenty of playtime for physical and mental stimulation. Since they are so smart, they train easily, but you should begin early and start socializing your pup. They love other people and animals and can learn to be well-behaved in any situation.

This breed can suffer from a variety of health issues, so it’s good to have regular check-ups with your veterinarian. The lifespan is longer than Golden Retrievers because of the Mini Poodle genes, so you can have your Mini Goldendoodle in your life for many years.

Three Little-Known Facts About the Miniature Goldendoodle

1. They do not make good watchdogs.

Being gentle and friendly is in their nature, and they would rather be friends with someone than bark at them. So, if you are looking for a guard dog, the Mini Goldendoodle is not the ideal choice. That said, they rarely bark, which is a positive attribute for many people.


2. There are three different generations of Mini Goldendoodles.

The first generation is the purebred female Golden Retriever and a purebred male Miniature poodle. The second generation is a Mini Goldendoodle bred with a Miniature Poodle, and then the third generation is two Mini Goldendoodle parents.


3. Some people have to pay over $3,500 for their Mini Goldendoodle.

The price can be high because breeders have to pay more for their female dog to be artificially inseminated and/or for a cesarean birth. As mentioned, the high demand for these dogs keeps the price tag high.

Parent Breeds of the Miniature Goldendoodle
Image Credit: Jumpstory

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Miniature Goldendoodle 🧠

Not only are these dogs cute, but they have endearing personalities that attract many people. They are gentle, calm, intelligent. Being a people pleaser makes them easy to train, but you will also have a constant companion at your side because they don’t want to be left alone. Some suffer from separation anxiety because of this.

They are happiest when spending time with their family, and they want to be included in everything, which makes them a devoted family pet. They are ideal for first-time pet owners because they are so easy-going and get along with everyone once they have been socialized.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Miniature Goldendoodle is the perfect family dog because they are loyal and devoted. They are extremely patient with children and can be around small children because they aren’t too small in stature to get accidentally injured when playing. Make sure you treat them as part of the family, and know that to keep this breed happy, they need to be included and provided plenty of attention. However, it isn’t one-sided because they will shower you and your family with love.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

There’s no need to worry about this breed getting along with other animals, especially those in your home. If you begin socializing your dog when young, they will naturally come to accept other animals and be friendly toward others.

Miniature Goldendoodle Dog

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Things to Know When Owning a Miniature Goldendoodle

There are not many disadvantages to owning a Miniature Goldendoodle, but there are a few things you should know so you can care for your dog and provide them with a good life. Even if you don’t have previous experience caring for a dog, the Mini Goldendoodle is an ideal choice.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

As a puppy, they are high energy, and this can continue until they are adolescents. As an adult, they have a moderate energy level, so you will need to feed your dog accordingly. Puppies will benefit from a puppy formula so they receive the needed nutrients to grow into a healthy adult. Provide access to fresh water so your dog stays dehydrated, and limit treats to special occasions or training sessions to prevent weight gain.

Mini Goldendoodles can suffer from allergies, so you will want to watch for signs of food sensitivities. There are many options available, so you can customize your dog’s diet to fit their needs. These dogs require plenty of protein and fat for energy and growth. As your dog ages, the number of calories required will decrease as their activity level dwindles.

Exercise 🐕

An adult will have a moderate amount of energy, so they are happy with a daily walk or playing fetch in the backyard. They don’t mind being a running companion because they love being with their owners, and they also love to swim. Don’t forget about mental stimulation— they are smart, so they enjoy learning new things and playing games.

They enjoy going to the park to socialize with other people and pets. Then you can show others how well-mannered your dog is.

miniature goldendoodle
Image: Pxhere

Training 🦮

Learning comes naturally to the Miniature Goldendoodle, and since they are people-pleasers, they want to follow commands to keep you happy. This means you have to teach them how to behave in a firm yet gentle manner. Positive reinforcement is the best way to develop a bond and build trust with your dog. Once you have done this, they will do anything for you.

Separation anxiety can be an issue, so it is good to work on teaching your dog how to deal with the times you are apart. Plan to spend plenty of your time with your dog; otherwise, they will become bored and unhappy, which can result in destructive behavior. The Mini Goldendoodle does well with agility competitions because they are quick to learn and enjoy trying new things. Also, don’t forget they make great therapy dogs if you want to incorporate more socialization and meaning into your dog’s life.

Grooming ✂️

One big advantage of this breed is that there is minimal to no shedding because they are hypoallergenic. They can have long hair like that of a Golden Retriever or shorter, curlier hair — it depends on what they inherit from their parents.

Twice-weekly brushes are needed to keep mats and tangles from forming, and a grooming visit every six to eight weeks to trim their hair and nails should suffice. Remember to regularly clean their ears and brush their teeth, and a bath can be given every couple of weeks to keep them smelling fresh.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Some health conditions could affect your Mini Goldendoodle, so it’s a good idea to know what those are and to take your dog for regular check-ups to the veterinarian. Knowing what some diseases are and the symptoms can help you identify when something could be a concern.

Minor Conditions
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Skin conditions
  • Eye concerns
Serious Conditions
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Cancer
  • Von Willebrand’s disease
  • Bloat

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Male vs. Female Miniature Goldendoodles

There are advantages to either having a male or a female Miniature Goldendoodles, but it can also depend on the dog’s natural temperament and disposition. Dogs who haven’t been neutered or spayed act differently than ones who have had the procedures.

Males tend to be more confident and dominant, while females can be clingier and more territorial. Males are more muscular, and females will be built smaller and weigh less. There is no right or wrong answer regarding which sex is better to have; it comes down to a matter of preference. Much has to do with how well you train and socialize your dog to how well they behave. If you don’t intend to breed your dog, it is best to have them spayed or neutered.

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Final Thoughts

Miniature Goldendoodles are an amazing choice for those who don’t have much experience with dogs and who want a family pet who is loving and loyal. They are smaller in size than the Golden Retriever but are larger than a miniature poodle, which ends up being an ideal size for many people who live in the city or smaller homes.

Plan to pay a high amount for your dog, so make sure that you understand what it takes to keep your dog healthy and happy and that it is a long-term commitment. If you speak with people who own Mini Goldendoodles, you will find they don’t regret getting this breed because they are a great addition to the family and they can’t imagine not having them in their lives. So, if you are considering getting one yourself, we hope this guide has helped you become familiar with this popular breed.

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Featured Image: Pxhere

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