Ultimate Guide to the Small Golden Doodle Breed

Comprehensive Handbook on the Small Golden Doodle Breed


Are you considering a small golden doodle breed? These dogs, a mix of the gentle Golden Retriever and the intelligent Miniature Poodle, are known for their friendly and affectionate nature and hypoallergenic coats. In this guide, we'll explore their origins, size, temperament, health considerations, and care needs to help you decide if they're the right fit for your family. Goldendoodles are excellent family dogs due to their affectionate nature, ease of training, and adaptability to different living situations. When it comes to breeding dogs, it is crucial to choose reputable breeders who emphasize health, temperament, and genetic testing to ensure you get a healthy and well-adjusted pet.

Key Highlights


  • The Small Golden Doodle, or Mini Goldendoodle, is a hybrid breed created by crossing a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle, known for its friendly demeanor and hypoallergenic qualities
  • There are different generations of Small Golden Doodles (F1, F1B, F2, etc.), each affecting the dog's traits, health, and hypoallergenic qualities, emphasizing the importance of understanding a dog's lineage
  • Regular grooming, Exercise, and proper training (easy to train!) are essential for maintaining the well-being of Small Golden Doodles, making them suitable companions for families with active lifestyles

Ultimate Guide to the Small Golden Doodle Breed


The Goldendoodle breed is a hybrid breed created by crossing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle, combining the best traits from both breeds. Specifically, the Mini Goldendoodle, a crossbreed of a Golden Retriever and a miniature or toy poodle, emerged in the mid-1990s as a deliberate effort to develop a smaller, hypoallergenic companion with the friendly nature (golden retriever side) and the intelligence and low-shedding coat (mini poodle breeds). This breed was initially developed to create a larger Doodle with a low-dander, low-shedding coat and a friendly nature, a goal that has been successfully achieved with the Mini Goldendoodle.


Mini Goldendoodles are known for their variety of colors, coats, and personalities, making each one unique. Potential owners should research various Mini Doodles since their appearance, behavior, and general size can differ significantly. Breeding of the Goldendoodle began in the 1990s, and since then, these dogs have become beloved pets for many families. The Golden Retriever parent of the Mini Goldendoodle originated in Scotland in the 19th century and is known for its gentle and loyal temperament. Combining these traits with the intelligence and coat qualities of the miniature poodle parent results in a dog that is both adorable and highly adaptable, making it a great family pet.


Small Golden Doodles have captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world. Known for their friendly demeanor and loyalty, these dogs, often bred from a Miniature or Toy Poodle, make excellent companions due to their eagerness to please and affectionate nature. They are admired for their intelligence and suitability as family pets, making them a popular choice among many households. This guide offers a comprehensive look at Small Golden Doodles, covering their origins, physical attributes, temperament, health, grooming needs, training, and more. Whether you're looking to adopt or simply curious about the breed, this resource will provide the knowledge needed to care for and appreciate these delightful dogs.

What is a Miniature Goldendoodle? Understanding the Miniature Poodle Parent


The Small Golden Doodle, often referred to as the Mini Goldendoodle or miniature goldendoodle, is a hybrid breed created by crossing a Golden Retriever with a Miniature Poodle. This deliberate crossbreed first emerged in the mid-1990s, aiming to combine the best traits of both parent breeds: the gentle, loyal temperament of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Miniature Poodle.


Mini Goldendoodles are known for their intelligence and coat qualities inherited from the Poodle, as well as their gentle demeanor from the Golden Retriever. Unlike some breeds, Mini Goldendoodles are not bred for conformation shows but rather for their health and temperament, making them ideal companions. They come in a variety of colors, coats, and personalities, each as unique as a snowflake.


These small dogs are perfect for families looking for a hypoallergenic, friendly, and intelligent pet. Their mixed breed nature means they can exhibit a wide range of appearances and behaviors, making each Mini Goldendoodle a unique and delightful companion. This diversity is often influenced by the specific dog breed involved in their lineage.


A mini goldendoodle puppy can have various coat types and colors, influenced by genetics. The coat characteristics, such as type, length, and color variations, can be unpredictable in litters. Reputable mini goldendoodle breeders play a significant role in producing puppies with desirable and predictable coat features through selective breeding practices, considering the influence of the Poodle and Golden Retriever parent breeds on shedding traits.

Origin and History of the Mini Goldendoodle


The Mini Goldendoodle is a delightful hybrid breed that first emerged in the 1990s. This charming crossbreed combines the best traits of the Golden Retriever and the Miniature Poodle, resulting in a dog that is both intelligent and affectionate. The primary goal behind creating the Mini Goldendoodle was to develop a companion that boasts the friendly and loyal nature of the Golden Retriever, paired with the hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat of the Miniature Poodle.


The ancestry of the Mini Goldendoodle is quite fascinating. Golden Retrievers, which originated in Scotland in the 19th century, were initially bred as hunting and retrieving dogs. They quickly gained popularity due to their intelligence, loyalty, and gentle temperament. On the other hand, Miniature Poodles were developed in Germany as water dogs, prized for their intelligence, athleticism, and hypoallergenic coats.


Breeders combined these two cherished breeds with the goal of creating a dog that would embody the finest attributes of both. This led to the creation of the Mini Goldendoodle, a breed that has since won the affection of dog enthusiasts globally. Known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and low-shedding coats, Mini Goldendoodles make excellent family pets, companions, and even therapy dogs.

Generations of Small Golden Doodles


Prospective owners should understand the various generations of Small Golden Doodles. The 'F' in Goldendoodle generations stands for 'Filial Hybrid,' indicating a crossbreed from two purebred dogs. The first generation, or F1, results from crossing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle and may inherit varying traits from both breeds. This genetic diversity often results in improved health due to hybrid vigor.


The F1B or F1BB Goldendoodle for Sale generation is produced by backcrossing an F1 Goldendoodle with a purebred Poodle to enhance traits like low shedding. This generation is favored for its hypoallergenic coat, making it a popular choice for allergy sufferers.


Multigen Goldendoodles, bred from multiple generations, allow breeders to have more control over desired traits through genetic testing. F2 Goldendoodles, bred from two F1s, can have varying genetic outcomes, including a higher risk of shedding.


The generation of a Goldendoodle (F1, F2, etc.) provides some trait indications, but the actual genetics and selective breeding practices are more significant. Therefore, understanding the breeder's methods and the health and genetic clearances of the parent dogs is vital for potential owners.

Size and Weight of Small Golden Doodles


Small Golden Doodles typically stand between 15 to 20 inches tall and weigh between 18 and 35 pounds. This places them in the smaller category compared to standard Goldendoodles, which are taller and heavier. The size of a Small Golden Doodle can be influenced by the size of their parents, with Miniature Poodles and smaller Golden Retrievers contributing to their compact stature.


Their manageable size makes them well-suited for various living environments, including apartments and smaller homes. Despite their smaller size, these other dogs retain the playful and energetic nature of their larger counterparts, making them a delightful addition to any household.

Coat Types and Colors: Do Mini Goldendoodles Shed?


The coat of a Small Golden Doodle can vary greatly, ranging from curly to wavy to straight. These variations are inherited from their parent breeds, with Poodle genes often contributing to a curly or wavy texture while the Golden Retriever parent may result in a straighter coat. They are also known for their floppy ears, which add to their teddy-bear-like appearance and require regular grooming to keep clean and healthy. For a mini goldendoodle puppy, genetics play a crucial role in determining the coat characteristics, such as type, length, and color variations, highlighting the unpredictability of these traits in litters. This diversity in coat types means that each Small Golden Doodle is unique in appearance.


Common coat colors include blonde, cream, red, black, chocolate, and even shades like silver and gray. In addition to solid colors, patterns such as abstract, phantom, and parti can also be observed. For instance, the abstract pattern features a solid base color with less than 50% white markings, while the phantom pattern includes specific lighter markings on a darker coat. This variety in coat types and colors adds to the charm and appeal of the Small Golden Doodle.

Temperament and Personality Traits


Small Golden Doodles are celebrated for their spunky and affectionate personalities, often described as almost humanlike in their expressiveness. They are known for their friendly and loving nature, making them excellent family dogs and ideal companions for families. Their high intelligence requires mental stimulation, as they can become bored if not adequately engaged.


Their sociable nature means they are patient, kind, and eager to please, traits that make them excellent with children and other pets. These active dogs thrive in homes where they can be part of family activities, as they dislike long periods of solitude. A well-socialized Small Golden Doodle is likely to be happier and healthier, exhibiting fewer behavioral problems.


They enjoy both energetic playtime and quiet moments, being content to relax with their owners. This balance makes them adaptable to various family dynamics and lifestyles, further enhancing their appeal as family pets. Include the fact that mini goldendoodles shed less dander than other dogs due to hypoallergenic traits from the poodle parent makes the mini goldendoodle breed highly sought after among the smallest dog breed types available.

Health Considerations


Like all breeds, Small Golden Doodles are generally healthy dogs but can be susceptible to certain health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to maintain their well-being and to monitor for common concerns such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, and Von Willebrand's disease. They can also experience gastric torsion or bloat, which is a serious condition requiring immediate attention. Patellar luxation involves the kneecap displacing and can lead to significant pain and hindrance in mobility.


Accredited breeders test for health issues involving hips, elbows, heart, eyes, and patella to ensure the health of Small Golden Doodles. Early health screenings help identify potential issues, which is crucial for managing these dogs' health. Proper breeding practices and comprehensive health testing can often avoid many potential health problems.


Severe cases of patellar luxation may require surgery, while hypothyroidism can be managed with medication. Gastric dilation volvulus (GDV) is life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary intervention. Staying informed about these health considerations is crucial for maintaining the well-being of your Small Golden Doodle or miniature goldendoodle (mini goldendoodles bark).

Grooming Requirements


Regular grooming maintains the Mini Goldendoodle's curly fur and prevents matting. Brushing once or twice a week keeps their coat neat and tangle-free. Seasonal changes may necessitate more frequent grooming due to increased outdoor activities. Miniature Goldendoodles (mini goldendoodles) may visit a professional groomer every two to three months for a thorough grooming session.


Using a slick brush and metal comb are recommended tools for grooming the small Goldendoodle size. Routine ear cleaning is also important to prevent infections caused by moisture accumulation. Cleaning their ears regularly helps manage dirt and prevents infections, ensuring your dog's comfort and health.


Additionally, their nails should be trimmed once or twice a month, and their teeth brushed at least two or three times a week to ensure dental hygiene. As Small Doodles like the mini goldendoodles tend to enjoy this time it is important to introduce this when they are puppies and be sure to make it fun!

Training and Socialization


Mini Golden Doodles are known for their cleverness and high trainability. Positive reinforcement works best for training these intelligent dogs. Using high-value treats and calm, positive instructions combined with praise can effectively train Miniature Golden Doodles. Maintaining a consistent schedule is essential for their development and effective training.


Socialization should begin as early as three weeks of age and is most effective before 16 weeks. Routine exposure to different environments and experiences helps them develop confidence and adaptability. Effective socialization relies on quality interactions rather than overwhelming experiences. Regularly interacting with various people and animals helps prevent fear and aggression, making the mini goldendoodle breed well-suited for family life.


Activities like exercise and play are important for their development, helping to build confidence and reduce anxiety in new situations. Proper socialization and training are also essential for Mini Golden Doodles to perform well in service and therapy roles. Giving them enough time to adjust to independence can help prevent separation anxiety, which is common in this breed.

Exercise Needs


Small Golden Doodles require daily exercise and mental stimulation due to their medium-high energy levels. Typically, they need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day, which can be split into shorter sessions. Engaging in varied activities such as swimming and playtime helps keep them physically active while also alleviating boredom.


For puppies, exercise should be managed based on their age, with about five minutes of exercise for each month of age. Without sufficient exercise, Small Golden Doodles may become bored and engage in destructive behaviors. Adequate physical activity is essential for their overall well-being and happiness.

Feeding Guidelines for Mini Goldendoodle Puppies


A balanced diet that includes:


  • Proteins
  • Fats
  • Carbohydrates
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals


Is essential for Goldendoodles to support their active lifestyle. High-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, lamb, or fish should be prioritized in their diet. Adult Goldendoodles should be fed twice a day to help manage their weight and prevent obesity.


Puppies require a higher calorie intake compared to adults, needing three to four meals daily with puppy-specific food. Portion sizes for adult Goldendoodles typically range from 1 to 2.5 cups of dry food daily, depending on their weight and activity.


They should always have access to fresh water to stay hydrated. Using treats in moderation and choosing healthier options can help avoid excess calories and keep them in good shape.

Suitable Living Environments


Mini Golden Doodles adapt well to smaller living spaces, making them suitable for apartment life. Their compact size and low shedding make them ideal for urban living. However, it's important to ensure they get enough daily exercise to stay healthy and happy, even in smaller living spaces.


A home with a fenced yard is recommended for Mini Golden Doodles to provide enough space for exercise and play. Despite their adaptability, having access to outdoor space can enhance their quality of life, allowing them to engage in physical activities and enjoy fresh air.

Small Golden Doodles and Families


Mini Golden Doodles are known for their affectionate nature, making them excellent family dogs and great companions for families. They are highly social and typically enjoy interacting with both adults and children. However, while the breed tends to be friendly and sociable, they may not be ideal for families with very young children due to their playful yet sometimes delicate nature.


Supervising interactions and teaching children the proper way to interact with Small Golden Doodles is important. These dogs typically behave around children in a patient and gentle manner, making them good companions for kids. However, they can be less tolerant of rough play from young children, so careful monitoring is necessary.


Small Golden Doodles generally get along well with other pets and dogs, making them well-suited for family environments where they can socialize with other pets. Their high need for human companionship means they thrive in homes where they can be part of family activities. Proper training and socialization are crucial for Small Golden Doodles to thrive in family settings.

Finding a Reputable Breeder for Miniature Goldendoodles


Finding a reputable breeder is crucial when looking to add a Small Golden Doodle to your family. Reputable breeders prioritize the health and temperament of their dogs, conducting health tests for genetic diseases like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, heart conditions, and eye issues. Health clearances from recognized organizations like OFA and CERF reduce the likelihood of puppies inheriting genetic health issues.


Potential buyers should look for breeders who prioritize transparency and the long-term well-being of their puppies. Meeting the breeder in person or via video can help establish trust and gauge their commitment to ethical breeding.


Researching a breeder's online reputation and asking for references are key steps in finding a reputable Goldendoodle breeder. A good breeder ensures their puppies are well-socialized and provides a contract to protect the buyer.

Adoption and Rescue Options


Adopting a dog from a shelter offers a lower cost compared to purchasing from breeders, with fees typically under $500. Many shelter dogs are older and often come with established behaviors, such as being potty trained, which can be beneficial for new owners. Shelters usually have dogs available for immediate adoption, eliminating long wait times that can occur with breeders.


Adopting from a shelter frees up resources, enabling the shelter to care for more animals in need. Adoption provides an opportunity to give a dog a second chance at a loving home, as many dogs end up in shelters due to circumstances beyond their control. This compassionate choice can be incredibly rewarding for both the dog and the new owner.

Service and Therapy Potential


Small Golden Doodles are recognized for their suitability in service and therapy roles due to their stable temperament. Their friendly, sociable, and highly intelligent characteristics enhance their effectiveness as service and therapy dogs. Professional trainers typically provide the necessary training for Small Golden Doodles to become service dogs.


Mini Golden Doodles can achieve certifications for therapy work such as the Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dogs International, Inc. Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them excellent companions for individuals in need of emotional support and therapy, including Mini Goldendoodle Puppies.

Common Misconceptions


One common misconception about Small Golden Doodles is that they are completely hypoallergenic due to their Poodle lineage. While they tend to be more hypoallergenic than many breeds, they are not entirely allergy-free, and individual reactions can vary. Proper grooming, including regular brushing and maintenance, is essential to minimize shedding and manage allergies.


Another myth is that Small Golden Doodles are low maintenance. Understanding their grooming and care needs is crucial for potential owners to debunk this myth and ensure they are prepared for the responsibilities of ownership.

Key Takeaways


In summary, Small Golden Doodles are a delightful blend of the Golden Retriever and Miniature Poodle, offering the best traits of both breeds. They are intelligent, affectionate, and adaptable, making them excellent family pets. Understanding their health, grooming, training, and exercise needs will help ensure a happy and healthy life for your Small Golden Doodle. Whether you choose to adopt or purchase from a reputable breeder, these wonderful dogs can bring immense joy and companionship to your life.

Frequently Asked Questions


Is there a more compact version of a Goldendoodle?

Yes, the Mini Goldendoodle is a more compact version of the Goldendoodle. This hybrid breed is created by crossing a Golden Retriever with a Miniature or Toy Poodle, resulting in a smaller, hypoallergenic companion known for its friendly and intelligent nature.

What is the smallest goldendoodle breed?

The smallest Goldendoodle breed is the Micro Teacup Goldendoodle, a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Toy Poodle. These adorable companions typically weigh under 10 pounds and stand about 7 to 13 inches tall, making them ideal for those seeking a petite, hypoallergenic pet.

Are there Goldendoodles that remain small?

Yes, Mini Goldendoodles and Micro Teacup Goldendoodles are smaller versions of the Goldendoodle. The Mini Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature or Toy Poodle, while the Micro Teacup Goldendoodle is even tinier, often weighing under 10 pounds.

What are the drawbacks of owning a mini goldendoodle?

Owning a mini goldendoodle comes with some drawbacks: they require regular grooming due to their curly coats, can suffer from separation anxiety, and are prone to genetic health issues like hip dysplasia. Their high energy levels also demand daily exercise to prevent behavioral problems.