Mini Goldendoodle Breed Information
Mini Goldendoodle puppies are a doodle mixed breed of a Golden Retriever crossed with a Mini Poodle. Like all doodle puppies, Mini Goldendoodles display the best qualities of two distinct breeds. They are as intelligent and easygoing as Poodles and as friendly as Golden Retrievers. With a Mini Goldendoodle puppy around, joy is guaranteed. These puppies exude happiness with every paw step and are quick to form lifelong bonds with their owners.
Characteristics
- A mix between a purebred Golden Retriever crossed with a Mini Poodle, the Mini Goldendoodle breed is one of the most popular crossbreeds in the country
- Also known as a doodle breed, Groodle dog, and Golden Retriever Poodle mix, the Goldendoodle is recognized by several designer dog kennel clubs worldwide
- Mini Goldendoodle hypoallergenic and semi-hypoallergenic qualities with minimal to no shedding coat
- Mini Goldendoodle puppies are very responsive to training
- Available variety of Goldendoodles – Mini, Standard, Teacup, Toy, F1, F1b, F2
- Stunning Mini Goldendoodle colors and color combinations
- Adult Mini Goldendoodles may weigh as little as 10 pounds and a maximum of 40 pounds when fully grown
- Adventurous and outgoing Mini Goldendoodle personality
Appearance
Mini Goldendoodles are a gorgeous crossbreed of a Miniature Poodle and a Golden Retriever. They come with the most charming features their parents are known for and often resemble a Golden Retriever puppy even in their adult years.
These dogs have a medium-length, luxurious coat that can have the same texture as either of their parents or a combination of textures from both. Most often, they come in a wavy, light-colored coat. Mini Goldendoodle colors that are common include brown, apricot, red, cream, and chocolate. Rare colors include black, white, merle, and combinations of more than 2 or 3 colors.
The size of these dogs is usually medium to small, and in some cases, very petite – toy or teacup. Full-grown Mini Goldendoodle weight is between 20 and 40 pounds for an F1, 15 to 30 pounds for an F1b, and less than 15 for teacup and toy varieties. The height of an adult Mini Goldendoodle is between 12 and 22 inches or less for second-generation dogs.
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Temperament
Given that Mini Goldendoodles are a Golden Retriever and Poodle mix, you can expect them to impress with a very well-balanced temperament. Like their renowned parents, these dogs can be trained to work as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and an abundance of other jobs that rely on a dog’s good temperament. Mini
Goldendoodles are very patient in nature, lacking territorial instincts that often come with aggression. They are open to any type of interaction and are not known to possess dangerous behaviors.
Mini Goldendoodles also have a very loving and playful nature that makes them one of the most popular family dogs. They are energetic and always looking for a fun game to play or an exciting adventure to go on. Their owners are often their most cherished friends to whom they are loyal and devoted to. Children are also among their favorite humans, especially older kids who can match their energy levels and disposition towards fun.
Care
Mini Goldendoodle Grooming Requirements
As a mixed breed, the Mini Goldendoodle can have varying grooming needs depending on which of the parent breeds it takes after. Some dogs may take after their Golden Retriever parent more than their Poodle parent and will require daily or bi-daily brushing of the coat. These dogs may shed a little bit, so brushing is essential in keeping their coats away from matting or becoming tangled. Mini Goldendoodles that have a coat more like that of the Poodle, can go up to a week between brushings.
Bathing your Mini Goldendoodle depends on a few aspects as well, such as how active your dog is and how much it enjoys getting dirty. Ideally, you should bathe your dog once every 4 to 6 weeks, or sooner if necessary. Bathing your dog too often is not recommended as this can cause dry skin and a stringy coat. Your dog will also need to have its teeth brushed as regularly as possible to help avoid dental decay or other periodontal issues.
Mini Goldendoodle Exercise Needs
Although not as energetic as their standard counterparts, Mini Goldendoodles still have a lot of energy to spend and plenty of ideas on how to spend it. These dogs enjoy swimming, hiking, and almost every outdoor activity one can think of. They are fond of running and jogging and they also find it hard to resist any body of water that is calling them for a splash.
Providing them with some of these activities will not only help keep them in shape but also ensure they are as happy as can be. Ideally, you should exercise your Mini Goldendoodle dog for up to an hour each day. Their walks should consist of at least 20 minutes of walking at a normal pace and a few minutes of running around freely in a fenced yard. Two daily walks and a game or two of fetch indoors will suffice to keep them exercised and healthy.
Mini Goldendoodle Health
Because they are a mixed breed, Mini Goldendoodles are rarely prone to the same health problems that are common in the breeds of their parents. First-generation puppies, in particular, benefit from hybrid vigor, which enables their genes to cancel out some of the diseases that Poodles or Golden Retrievers might face. Although not completely immune to health problems, the issues that might arise are few and far between. These include dental issues, ear infections, obesity, and allergies.
Mini Goldendoodle Lifespan
Mini Goldendoodles are a healthy breed of dog that can live up to 20 years with proper care. Their life expectancy is between 12 and 16 years, but this can be extended in certain cases. It’s important to have periodical vet checks and provide your dog/puppy with a healthy diet and daily exercise routines tailored for their specific needs.
Mini Goldendoodle Training
Mini Goldendoodles are renowned for their intelligence, just like their larger counterparts that are often used as guide dogs. As Golden Retrievers and Poodles can both be trained for several jobs given their disposition to learning, this is a dominant trait that is inherited by the Mini Goldendoodle offspring as well. Positive reinforcement methods and rewards that rely on delicious treats work best when training a Mini Goldendoodle puppy.
These puppies are very outgoing and friendly, but they still need early socialization to help them grow into well-rounded adult dogs. Indoor socialization should begin as soon as your puppy arrives home. It should be done in a calm environment without rushing or forcing any interactions. Outdoor socialization can only begin once your puppy has completed its mandatory vaccinations.
When introducing your puppy to others outdoors, it is recommended to keep the leash on and provide just enough space for your puppy to sniff and interact with another dog on its own terms. If your puppy shows signs of being uncomfortable or frightened, it is recommended to end the interaction and try again on your next walk.
History
The Golden Retriever Poodle mix was first intentionally bred in 1969 in the United States. The crossbreeding of Poodles with Golden Retrievers had the purpose of combining specific traits from both breeds. Golden Retrievers were selected for their reputation as guide dogs, while Poodles were chosen for their hypoallergenic qualities. Both breeds are renowned for their keen intelligence and responsiveness to their owners. Goldendoodles were the first hypoallergenic guide dogs to be created by crossing two purebred dogs. Labradoodles and other similar doodle breeds soon followed.
As their popularity reached its peak during the 70s, Goldendoodles became widespread through three generations and various sizes. There are currently three breed generations and four Mini Goldendoodle sizes. These include:
- Standard Goldendoodles
- Miniature Goldendoodles
- Toy Goldendoodles – Petite Goldendoodles
- Teacup Goldendoodles
Each of these size varieties is bred through three generations. For example, the Mini Goldendoodle is bred as F1, F1b, and F2 generation.
- An F1 Mini Goldendoodle is the standard cross between a purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred Miniature Poodle. This is called a first-generation Miniature Goldendoodle
- An F1B Mini Goldendoodle has an F1 parent that is backcrossed with a Miniature Poodle. This is called a second-generation Miniature Goldendoodle
- An F2 Mini Goldendoodle is the result of crossing two Mini Goldendoodles. This is a third-generation mini Goldendoodle