Pros and Cons of Mini Goldendoodles – Everything You Need To Know
A Mini Goldendoodle will be an exceptional addition to your family.
This breed is excellent for people with children or someone who wants a smaller dog. If you live in an apartment, these dogs are small and less active than the Standard Goldendoodle.
What is a Mini Goldendoodle?
Your Mini Goldendoodle is a miniature version of the much larger standard Goldendoodle.
These dogs are known as a hybrid, a mixed breed, a designer dog, a mixed breed dog, or a crossbreed. The Mini Goldendoodle is the puppy of two purebred parents of different breeds.
There are three types of Mini Doodles you can choose from.
The American Goldendoodle
is a cross between a purebred poodle and a purebred Golden Retriever.
Bred in the United States, this dog breed is a family favorite and comes in several color combinations.
The Australian Goldendoodle
is a mix between the Australian Labradoodle and the English Goldendoodle.
The dog can also be a mix between the Australian Labradoodle and the English Cream Golden Retriever.
The English Goldendoodle
Is a mixture between the Mini Poodle and the English Cream Golden Retriever.
With this combination, the color is white or cream-colored.
Whatever version of Mini Goldendoodles you choose from, the health and temperament are the same across the board.
Mini Goldendoodle Vs. Mid-Size Vs. Standard
The Goldendoodles come in various sizes, Mini, Mid-size, and Standard. For comparison, we’ll start with the Standard Goldendoodle.
The Standard Goldendoodle weighs about 50-80 pounds, depending on the parents. These dogs are laidback and gentle, and tolerant of children.
You can take them with you for any type of exercise, but after going at it for a while, then they like to take a snooze. A Standard Goldendoodle doesn’t need as much stimulation through the day as a Mini Doodle would.
These dogs also take up a lot of space and need to stretch their legs. An apartment setting isn’t the best type of place for them to live. If you have a large backyard for a lively game of fetch would be the best.
You can reside in an apartment with a Standard Goldendoodle, but you have to make sure he gets enough exercise.
The Medium Goldendoodle:
weighs about 30-50 pounds and is the perfect blend of both the Mini and Standard Doodles.
The parentage of the Medium Goldendoodle is a blend of standard and miniature poodles and Golden Retriever. This gives your Medium Goldendoodle a mixture of both the mini and standard personalities.
This dog is a good fit for a family who wants a manageable dog while taking him for a walk. A Medium Goldendoodle can be picked up quickly. If he wears out on a walk or hike or becomes injured, he can be carried if needed.
The only downside to a Medium Goldendoodle is that it can often come in a blend of the Miniature Poodle, Golden Retriever, and Standard Poodle. This means there can be quite a variety in their personality and size.
The Mini Goldendoodle:
weighs in at about 30 pounds and under. With one parent being a Miniature Poodle, it makes these dogs fun, smart, and spunky.
These dogs are very devoted to their owners and don’t know the meaning of personal space.
The significant difference between a Golden Retriever and a Toy Poodle makes this breed have a lot of variety in size and structure.
There is usually a higher percentage of Miniature Poodle than Golden Retriever in these dogs to keep the smaller size.
Because of the smaller size of the Mini Goldendoodle, they are very portable. But these dogs do tend to get carsick very quickly and often.
Because these dogs are so much littler than a regular Goldendoodle, your dog is less likely to knock over a child if they are jumped on. They are easy to walk on a leash, and because they’re smaller, the pup’s overall cost is less.
On the downside, these dogs do tire quickly on a hike or long walk. They are more accessible for a young child to walk, but the dogs are also fragile and get hurt easily.
With its high-strung nature, a Mini Goldendoodle can become impatient with smaller children. As a result, they have a higher possibility of snapping at children who are rambunctious around them.
What Makes Up a Mini Goldendoodle?
Size and coat:
The average height of your Mini Goldendoodle can be between 13-20 inches and weigh between 15-35 pounds.
His coat is usually wavy and could be any one of these colors: Blue, silver, black, brown, sable, white, cream, red, apricot, parti, and tan. Your dog’s life span can be between 10-15 years.
Your dog won’t shed much and is a good dog for people who suffer from allergies. Your dog produces less dander than most dogs.
Plus, if you keep him brushed, groomed, and bathed, it will keep that little bit of dander under control.
Personality and temperament:
Mini Goldendoodle’s are generally affectionate, playful, and friendly.
They are wonderful additions to homes with other pets and children. Or for owners who are looking for a dog as a loving companion.
Because these dogs are so highly intelligent and affectionate, they can be temperamental sometimes. These dogs can become destructive, have bathroom accidents, bark, and develop separation anxiety if left alone too long.
Intelligence:
Mini Goldendoodles are savvy and will learn anything you want to teach them.
Affectionate:
Your dog will form a strong bond with you and your family.
They are loyal and will be protective of family members that are of their pack.
They aren’t good guard dogs and don’t pose much of a threat. However, your dog will put himself in harm’s way to protect you.
Mini Gooldendoodle Training
It’s essential to train your Doodle and socialize him properly.
Try to introduce home to different places, people, and other animals as soon as he has had his shots.
Work to make all of these experiences positive so your pup doesn’t develop fear-based behavioral issues. Get him used to be handled, gently, by other people.
Your Mini will do best with positive training like treats and praise. Don’t punish or scold him, or it can lead to your pup shutting down.
If you train with patience, your puppy will respond more positively by feeling your calm. Every dog is different, so don’t expect yours to fit into some preconceived length of time to learn.
Your pet will need routine exercise even at its small size. Because he has two athletic parents, your pet will do best with a regular exercise routine every day.
This will keep your Doodle happy and healthy. Your pup will need between 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. This could be anything from jogging, running, swimming, walking, or dog park activities.
Pros Of Mini Goldendoodles
Appearance
Your Mini Goldendoodle will look like a little fluffy teddy bear.
He’s compact and at an easy to manage size.
Shedding Level
The Mini Goldendoodle sheds very little. But that doesn’t mean he won’t need to be groomed.
Your pup needs to be brushed and groomed a couple of times a week. You will need to use a de-matting comb for tangles and mats.
In addition, your dog will need to be bathed once every three weeks with a dog-safe shampoo and conditioner or sent to a groomer.
He will also need to have his ears cleaned and checked often to keep them clear of buildup. Regular cleaning will also reduce the chances of ear infections.
Finally, your pup’s nails will need to be trimmed to keep them from splitting and cracking.
Exercise Needs:
Your pup will need daily walks to keep him healthy and happy.
Plus, it aids in heart health and mental stimulation. So, your pup will need to be walked or exercised between 30-60 minutes a day.
Potty Training:
Potty training your Mini Goldendoodle is easy because this is such an intelligent breed.
It can take you up to four months to properly train your pup.
Cons Of Mini Goldendoodles
Barking:
Barking can become a problem if your pup develops separation issues.
Your dog may whine, cry, and bark if left alone for too long. Plus, some dogs tend to be jealous when not given enough attention.
Gets Bored Easily:
Your dog needs something to keep him entertained mentally when you’re not home.
If he doesn’t have something to keep him entertained, he could end up keeping himself occupied at the expense of your couch or shoes.
Providing your dog with a puzzle game or other interactive toys should solve this problem.
Cost:
The cost of a Mini Goldendoodle can be a little pricey. The price can range from $1,600 to $2,600.
The cost factor can depend on the pedigree, quality of the parents, where the breeder is located, and if your pup has any training.
Puppy Mills:
It’s essential to keep in mind not to buy a puppy from a puppy mill.
You should not purchase from a backyard breeder or a seller online who isn’t qualified. If you see a Mini Goldendoodle for a bargain price, it won’t be a bargain.
You will most likely end up with a puppy who is sick, and the vet bills will cost you more than a breeder’s price.
Always go through a reputable breeder who is certified. The breeder should be able to show you the parents and provide health certification.
Another option is to go through a rescue that specializes in Mini Goldendoodles or doodle mixes.
A rescue will charge a lot less and will be vetted beforehand. The rescue will also have any information about the dog you’re looking to adopt.
What Are Some Health issues?
You will need to be aware of some specific health concerns before bringing your puppy home.
Many health issues are manageable with the proper vet care, but it could result in a shorter life span.
- Patellar Luxation: This is also known as a dislocated knee injury which is common in Mini Goldendoodles.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease: This is a blood clotting disorder that results in your dog not having enough plasma protein to ensure blood clotting. For the tiniest cuts, it means excessive bleeding and can pose a life-threatening danger.
- Hypothyroidism: This disease is very similar to the disease people have. Inadequate production of thyroid hormone causes an underactive thyroid. An underactive thyroid can cause joint problems and obesity because of laziness.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Parents pass this down to their offspring, and it results in degeneration of the retina. The end result is blindness in your dog. Blindness won’t end your dog’s life, but there are difficulties in adjusting to a dog who is blind.
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus or Bloat: When your dog fills with food, fluid, or gas and expands, bloat occurs. The result is pressure on your dog’s organs, making them look bloated. This is a dangerous disease, and your pet can die within an hour. If you think your dog has bloat, contact your vet immediately.
- Bone and joint problems: Young pups resulting from inbreeding are prone to bone and joint problems.
Tips on Raising a Mini Goldendoodle
Feeding your pup the best diet you can keep him living longer and healthier.
Don’t give him high calorie treats, and give him a carrot instead.
If you have other kinds of pets in your home, your pup will enjoy getting to know them. So, he should get along with other dogs and cats without issue.
But keep in mind that these dogs were bred for water retrieving and have a high prey drive. Therefore, it’s advisable to keep birds and small pet rodents out of reach.
Conclusion
So, whether a Mini Goldendoodle is right for you is something you will figure out.
However, if you want a loving, loyal, intelligent, and playful dog, then this dog is a perfect choice.
To get more information about Mini Goldendoodles, check out the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E5rc-FBMZE
references:
https://www.dooleproud.com/mini-goldendoodle-pros-and-cons/
https://www.doodleproud.com/mini-goldendoodle-training-tips/
https://welovedoodles.com/mini-goldendoodle-lifespan/
https://yourdogadvisor.com/mini-goldendoodle/