You’ve probably heard of a Goldendoodle but are you familiar with the Mini Goldendoodle?
As the name suggests, the Mini Goldendoodle is just a Goldendoodle in a smaller and some might say more manageable package.
The result of breeding between a Golden Retriever and a miniature Poodle, the Mini Goldendoodle is a small dog that can make perfect companion pets.
While Golden Retrievers and Poodles are recognised by the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club, Mini Goldendoodles haven’t been granted status by the two prestigious organizations.
However, they are one of the most popular examples of a designer dog.
Mini Goldendoodles have enjoyed a surge in popularity thanks to their portable size, non-shedding coat, affectionate and loving personalities and intelligence.
In this article, we’ll speak to Insta-famous Mini Goldendoodles called Willow (@willows_world15) and Nugget (@nugget_my_minigoldendoodle) and Bruno (@thedoodbrunello).
With the introduction over, let’s take a closer look at all things Mini Goldendoodle.
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What Is A Mini Goldendoodle?
Mini Goldendoodle Nugget (Photo: @nugget_my_minigoldendoodle / Instagram)
The Mini Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle.
A member of the larger Doodle family, the smaller version of the Goldendoodle has enjoyed a surge in popularity over the past couple of decades.
While they’re not recognised by the AKC or UKC, Mini Goldendoodles have been granted status by Dog Registry of America, Goldendoodle Association of North America and Goldendoodle Registry.
What Are The Origins Of The Mini Goldendoodle?
The Goldendoodle was developed in the early 1990s with the intention of creating a socially intelligent and quick learning dog that could serve as a service or therapy dog to those requiring assistance but struggling with allergies to dogs.
While the standard-sized Goldendoodle was the flag-bearer for this hybrid variety, the Mini Goldendoodle has become increasingly popular in the 2000s as dog lovers look for a hypoallergenic dog capable of thriving in city life.
At the time of writing, the Goldendoodle isn’t recognised by AKC or UKC and there isn’t a breed club that has outlined the desired breed standard for these designer dogs.
What Is The Difference Between Mini Goldendoodles And Goldendoodles?
Goldendoodles and Mini Goldendoodles are both the result of breeding between a Golden Retriver and a Poodle. However, Goldendoodles are created using Standard Poodles and Mini Goldendoodles have a Miniature Poodle parent.
How Big Do Mini Goldendoodles Get?
Black Mini Goldendoodle Willow (Photo: @willows_world15 / Instagram)
The Mini Goldendoodle will usually grow to a height ranging from 13 to 17 inches (The Standard Goldendoodle have a size range of 17 and 20 inches). Mini Goldendoodles tend to weigh between 15 and 35 pounds (Standard Goldendoodles will usually weigh between 15 and 35 pounds).
Willow (@willows_world15) is an average-sized Mini Goldendoodle.
Willow is about 25lbs and is a pretty average size. We know a few Mini Goldendoodles that are in the low 30s and I believe they can go up to 35lbs.
Mini Goldendoodles Appearance
Mini Goldendoodle Nugget (Photo: @nugget_my_minigoldendoodle / Instagram)
By now you should know that a Mini Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle. As a mix of two different breeds, the Mini Goldendoodle can embody physical traits from both parents. However, there’s no guarantee a Mini Goldendoodle will inherit certain characteristics. Mini Goldendoodles tend to have a teddy-bear like appearance. They can have a wavy coat or a curly coat that will require regular grooming. Mini Goldendoodles coat colors range from red, brown, chocolate, white, cream, apricot and more.
Willow (@willows_world15) has a darker-coloured coat.
The appearance of Mini Goldendoodles can vary. Willow is black with more of a straight/flowy coat but many are varying shades of brown/golden and can have a very curly coat. Willow got her black coloring from her dad who’s a black Miniature Poodle. Typically their coats are all very soft. Some Mini Goldendoodles have a parent that’s a Goldendoodle which makes their coat curlier.
Nugget (@nugget_my_minigoldendoodle) has a lighter coat.
The most commun color is beige. But it can vary from white, black, brown, caramel apricot and with more than one color. The coat can be flat, wavy or curly depending of the predominant gene.
Mini Goldendoodle Temperament
Black Mini Goldendoodle Willow (Photo: @willows_world15 / Instagram)
Mini Goldendoodles are affectionate, friendly, loyal and smart. The initial Goldendoodles were bred to create a dog with a low-shedding coat but with the intelligent and friendly personality of the Golden Retriever.
We must emphasise that every Mini Goldendoodle will be a little different – no two Mini Goldendoodles will be the same.
They’ll usually be kind and patient so they’re suited to young families, they’ll require a lot of mental and physical stimulation and they’ll thrive when it comes to training thanks to their high IQ.
Willow (@willows_world15) is described as an energetic but sweet dog by her owners.
Mini Goldendoodles have a lot of energy and are incredibly sweet, loving and social dogs. Because one of their parents is a Golden Retriever, they have that happy-go-lucky demeanor. Typically they love both humans and dogs are get along very well with both. They’re a very social and happy breed that loves to play as much as they love to cuddle.
Nugget’s owners (@nugget_my_minigoldendoodle) referenced this high energy trait.
They can be very energetic to very calm (the Poodle is more energic and the Golden Retriever is more calm)
Alexandra gave a glimpse into Bruno’s (@thedoodbrunello) personality.
Funny and goofy but also too smart for their own good.
Are Mini Goldendoodles Hard To Train?
Merle Mini Goldendoodle Bruno (Photo: @thedoodbrunello / Instagram)
Mini Goldendoodles are a combination of two smart dog breeds – the Poodle and the Golden Retriever. The Poodle is ranked as the second-most intelligent dog in the world, while Golden Retrievers are fourth. So Mini Goldendoodles tend to be quick learners and obedient dogs provided you start basic training from puppyhood.
Willow (@willows_world15) was quick to learn commands.
Willow was incredibly easy to train. Poodles are a very smart breed so Mini Goldendoodles contain that trait. Willow is in the process of being trained as a therapy dog and has been told by many trainers she has the perfect temperament for it.
Alexandra revealed that Bruno (@thedoodbrunello) was easy to train!
He learned all basic tricks within a month of having him – it’s just whether he wants to listen haha!
Mini Goldendoodle Exercise
It’s not a surprise that Mini Goldendoodles are an active cross breed that require significant exercise, whether it’s multiple daily walks, training sessions, playtime in the garden, brain games or scent work.
Willow (@willows_world15) needs tonnes of exercise.
Mini Goldendoodles definitely require a lot of activity. They are not house dogs so they require time to run, sniff and explore. Willow has many friends she plays with after work most days and we have a wonderful dog walker that takes a group of dogs to play for about 2 hours 3-4 days a week.
Nugget (@nugget_my_minigoldendoodle) likes some mental stimulation too!
A nice walk a day is enough for my dog and I give him a lot of mental stimulation too.
Alexandra revealed that Bruno (@thedoodbrunello) needs a nightly walk or else he’s a “terror”.
We walk him and get him to the park as much as possible or he is a complete terror at night.
Are Mini Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?
Mini Goldendoodles are considered a hypoallergenic dog seeing as one of their parents – the Poodle – is perhaps the best-known example of a non-shedding dog. However, Golden Retrievers are moderate shedders. So there’s no guarantee that a Mini Goldendoodle will be 100% hypoallergenic.
Do Mini Goldendoodles Shed? Do Mini Goldendoodles Require Grooming?
Mini Goldendoodle Nugget (Photo: @nugget_my_minigoldendoodle / Instagram)
Most Mini Goldendoodles will produce minimal dander and won’t shed much if at all. However, as a cross breed, there’s a chance a Mini Goldendoodle could shed a little. So it’s something to be aware of. They’ll require regular grooming to remove dead hair, dirt and debris from their coat.
Willow (@willows_world15) doesn’t shed any more than her human family members.
Willow doesn’t shed (anymore than I do lol) and we brush her consistently to minimize any loose hairs. Mini Goldendoodles are a hypoallergenic breed. I am allergic to dogs as are my parents and none of us have any reaction to Willow. We have Willow groomed every 5 weeks.
Nugget (@nugget_my_minigoldendoodle) is an example of a F1 Mini Goldendoodle.
F1 (Golden Retriever + Poodle) have a tendency to shed more than F.1B (Goldendoodle + Poodle). But it really depend on the dog. My dog is a F1 and he doesn’t shed at all and have a wavy coat. The one’s with the flat coat will shed more (the have more of the Golden Retriever gene than the Poodle). They require a lot of grooming to avoid mats. I brush my dog regularly and send him to the groomer every 6 weeks max to avoid him to be shaved.
Would You Say Mini Goldendoodles Are Family-Friendly Dogs?
Black Mini Goldendoodle Willow (Photo: @willows_world15 / Instagram)
Mini Goldendoodles are considered a family-friendly breed seeing as the Golden Retriever is world renowned for its ability to thrive in a family home. Mini Goldendoodles are good-natured, inquisitive and outgoing so they can settle well into a house with young children. However, parents should never leave a dog unsupervised with children.
Willow (@willows_world15) is a very social pup.
They are extremely family-friendly dogs. They’re incredibly loving, goofy and social. They love humans and pets alike. It’s important to socialize them as they grow with other pets/kids.
Do Mini Goldendoodles Suffer With Separation Anxiety?
Mini Goldendoodle Nugget (Photo: @nugget_my_minigoldendoodle / Instagram)
Separation anxiety can affect any dog irrespective of breed or mix. Dog owners could witness their dog’s separation anxiety when they’re preparing to leave the home or they’ve left the home. Some of symptoms include incessant barking, howling or whining, destructive digging or chewing as well as urinating and defecting.
Willow (@willows_world15) has experienced a little separation anxiety.
I do not believe separation anxiety is a trait specifically of this breed. However, many dogs of all kinds are struggling with separation anxiety due to being home with their humans for two years because of Covid. Willow is a covid puppy so she has some separation anxiety but has been managed very easily.
Nugget (@nugget_my_minigoldendoodle)
I would say it depend on the dog. My dog is always with us so yes he get’s a little anxious when left alone but it doesn’t last long.
Advice For Someone Looking For Mini Goldendoodle Breeder Or Puppy?
Here’s the advice our current Mini Goldendoodle owners had for prospective owners of the designer breed.
Willow (@willows_world15)
The way we ended up getting Willow was pretty unconventional and impulsive so I’m likely not the best person to answer that question. I’d recommend talking to other owners with Mini Goldendoodles, asking them about their experience and if they like their breeder. You can even go on Instagram and find Mini Goldendoodles and message their owners. Instagram is a great resource.
Nugget (@nugget_my_minigoldendoodle)
Take the time to do your research. Get some references from other clients make a question list to ask the breeder and go visit him if possible. Join Goldendoodles groups on the socials medias it is a good place to ask your questions and maybe find a breeder.
Mini Goldendoodle Price
Merle Mini Goldendoodle Bruno (Photo: @thedoodbrunello / Instagram)
As a designer dog breed, you won’t be surprised to learn that Mini Goldendoodles don’t come cheap. The price can change depending on coat color, eye color and lineage. As there’s no breed standard nor breed club, the onus is on the potential owner to do a lot of research to ensure they work with an ethical and legitimate breeder. You should ask your breeder lots of questions, request to see your pup with its parents and proof of veterinarian checks.
Mini Goldendoodles can cost between $1,000 and $5,000, although in some circumstances, extremely rare Mini Goldendoodles could cost in excess of $5,000. If you prepare to rescue, you may be able to find a Mini Goldendoodle at your local shelter or a dedicated-Doodle rescue organization.
Willow (@willows_world15)
We paid about $2900 for Willow.
Nugget (@nugget_my_minigoldendoodle)
It depends on the breeder and also on the color of the dog (multi colors are usually more expensive). But be prepared to pay over 3 000,00 $ CND.
Bruno, as a rare Merle Mini Goldendoodle, cost $3,000.
Cost Of Owning Mini Goldendoodle
You’ll need to factor the monthly cost of owning a Mini Goldendoodle into your budget, taking in account pet insurance, dog food, essentials such as toys, leashes, harnesses and beds. There’s the cost of your dog’s vaccines, potential neutering or spaying as well as an accidents that may occur.
Willow’s owners (@willows_world15) explained that the initial vet visits can be the most expensive.
Assuming most people aren’t super obsessed with buying bandanas and dog tags for their pup the monthly costs are minimal. The first year is defintely the most expensive as they get their vaccines/neutered/spayed. After the first year costs greatly decline. Our (somewhat) necessary expenses at the moment are her food, her dog walker, any health issues that would require the vet, treats and grooming.
What Size Crate Does Mini Goldendoodle Need?
Mini Goldendoodles will usually comfortably fit in a medium-sized dog crate.
Willow (@willows_world15)
Willow has a medium dog’s crate.
Are There Any Misconceptions You’d Like To Debunk About Mini Goldendoodles?
Merle Mini Goldendoodle Bruno (Photo: @thedoodbrunello / Instagram)
Nugget (@nugget_my_minigoldendoodle)
Saying that they are hypoallergenic is not true. Like all the dogs with a more woolly coat if you are allergic to the saliva you will still have allergies.
Willow (@willows_world15)
I believe Mini Goldendoodles largely have a very positive reputation. Any negatives surrounding their breed doesn’t seem to have to do with the dogs themselves but opinions about “designer breeds” or getting a dog from a breeder instead of adopting. They are amazing dogs that bring so much joy into their human’s lives.
Wrapping Up
Mini Goldendoodle Nugget (Photo: @nugget_my_minigoldendoodle / Instagram)
We’ve reached the end of our feature on the Mini Goldendoodle.
They’re a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle to create a low-shedding, family-friendly, intelligent and loving cross breed.
Mini Goldendoodles will usually be small but there are a lot of coat color possibilities for the designer breed.
The Golden Retriever Poodle mix require a lot of daily exercise to tire these energetic small dogs.
Perhaps their most appealing trait is their low-shedding coat that requires regular grooming but doesn’t release a lot of hair.
