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Welcome to the Complete Guide to the Mini Goldendoodle! This puppy is a smaller version of one of the most popular mixed breed breeds. We’re going to look into how to make a mini dog like the Mini Goldendoodle and what potential problems are with that.
We will also find answers to questions like:
- “How big is a full-size Mini Goldendoodle?”
- “What is the difference between a Mini Goldendoodle, a Toy Mini Goldendoodle and a Micro Mini Goldendoodle?”
- “Does the adult Mini Goldendoodle have any health problems?”
Plus, we’ll look at the history, temperament, and some useful pointers about the breed when looking for a breeder.
What is a Mini Goldendoodle?
The Mini Goldendoodle is a hybrid breed. In this case it is the result of crossing a Golden Retriever with a Miniature Poodle or a Miniature and Toy Poodles are not separate breeds, but two different sizes. Both are categories of the poodle breed. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes all three sizes. It requires the same breed standard in all physical traits except for size. The standard breed size for a miniature poodle is 10 to 15 inches tall. Toy poodles are smaller and stand less than four inches tall.
What is a Goldendoodle?
The Goldendoodle has been around since the years when many hybrid breeds emerged in the canine world.> Unsurprisingly, this cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle emerges. The Goldendoodle was instantly popular and established a reputation for being kind, smart, and having a sweet temperament. These lovely dogs are also popular because they are touted as being hypoallergenic. While it’s true that Goldendoodles shed less thanks to the Poodle parent, there really is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog breed. An adult Goldendoodle varies in size and weight depending on the parents. They are typically 17 to 24 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 90 pounds.
Mini Goldendoodle size
The Goldendoodle Association of North America describes the height range for an adult Mini Goldendoodle as 14 to 17 inches. Their weight is typically between 26 and 35 pounds.
Calling the miniature dog
If you believe that good things are in small packages, you can see the appeal of a compact dog breed. It’s almost like having a puppy that will never grow up. A smaller dog will take up less space on the sofa, eat less, and be easier to lift. If you are a dog lover and you live in an apartment where space is tight, a miniature version of your favorite dog is definitely a tie.
Mini Goldendoodle temperament
As with any mixed breed, you never know exactly which temperament of the parent breed predominates. Or will your pup be the perfect mix? Miniature poodles are very intelligent dogs that have a reputation for being strangers to strangers. Although this breed is loyal and loving to its owners, it is actually quite shy. This, in turn, makes them suspicious of people they don’t know. This tendency can develop from growling to biting. Therefore, socialization with a wide variety of people and animals from an early age is very important. Golden Retrievers are considered friendly, intelligent, and devoted companions. When it comes to strangers, they like to invite them over to their home. Their natural tendency to please makes them very trainable when positive reinforcement methods are used.
Mini Goldendoodle info
When looking for a Mini Goldendoodle, you will likely hear terms such as “Petite Mini Goldendoodle” and “Micro Mini Goldendoodle Puppy”. These are not official breed names, just a way to trick buyers into thinking they are getting the smallest version of the breed possible. The practice of categorizing puppies this way is a marketing ploy that makes inferior dogs appear attractive and unique. While there will always be a natural variation in size, with some dogs smaller than others, there are breeders who will purposely try to create the smallest dog possible.
How is miniaturization achieved?
There are essentially three ways to create a mini dog breed:
- Mix a standard breed with a smaller breed
- Introduce the gene for dwarfism, also known as achondroplasia ”>
- Breeds again and again from runts or the smallest litter
Disadvantages of miniaturization
Miniature dog breeds are a fairly new development. Dogs were once bred for specific purposes, such as hunting or herding and later as companions. Today, however, they are sometimes designed to cater to the whimsical desires of owners for something different and desirable. Unfortunately, the pursuit of extreme physical traits has put these dogs at increased risk for certain diseases. These include breathing problems, eye disorders, and dystocia (handicapped labor). The use of the gene for dwarfism to produce small dogs is associated with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This condition affects the nerves in the spinal cord, causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis in severe cases. An article in the Independent highlights the serious and even life threatening problems that are with miniature dog breeds. These can include congenital defects, organ failure, breathing problems, and fragile bones. It might be stylish to say that you can fit your Micro Mini Goldendoodle fully in your pocket. But is it worth the pain and suffering these dogs face?
Mini Goldendoodle Health
Even full-size Goldendoodles are at increased risk for certain health problems that the parent breeds are prone to. When small, unhealthy dogs are used for breeding, it can lead to numerous other health problems. This emphasizes the importance of choosing a reputable breeder and getting to know the puppy’s parents. Both the golden retriever and the poodle are generally healthy breeds. However, there are some health issues that the Mini Goldendoodle is at risk for.
Hip dysplasia
Both the golden retriever and the poodle are predisposed to hip dysplasia. This term refers to an abnormally shaped acetabulum. Over time, this can develop into arthritis of the joints in severe cases. Early signs include decreased activity, lameness in the back, and difficulty getting up, running, and climbing stairs.
Eye diseases
Both the golden retriever and the poodle are prone to certain eye conditions. For the golden, these include juvenile cataracts, pigmented uveitis, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). PRA is also “a problem for the miniature poodle”. This serious genetic eye disorder initially appears as night blindness, followed by deterioration in daytime vision and possible blindness.
Orthopedic health problems
Orthopedic problems such as Legg-Calve-Perthes and patellar luxation are more common with toy and miniature poodles than with standards. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a condition in which the ball and socket joint that forms the hip begins to spontaneously degenerate. Over time, the hip joint collapses, resulting in arthritis. Dogs suffering from Legg-Calve-Perthes usually have circulatory disorders in their hips. However, the actual cause of the disease is unknown. This disease most commonly affects miniature, toy, and small dogs. Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap (kneecap) is displaced from its normal position. It can make it difficult to carry weight. This is another condition that toy and miniature dog breeds are genetically predisposed to.
Avoiding an unscrupulous Goldendoodle breeder
Any search for this mix may bring up websites that are for sale featuring Micro Mini Goldendoodle or Toy Mini Goldendoodle puppies, often at unpredictable prices. These phrases are red flags that these breeders may not have the dog’s welfare as their first consideration. By purposeful breeding to create a miniature breed that falls well below the normal weight range, dogs are at risk of serious health problems. Are puppies available immediately without a waiting list? This is also a warning sign.
Find a responsible Mini Goldendoodle breeder
A responsible breeder will ensure a healthy environment for their dogs. They will be happy to show you where the dogs live and introduce the puppy’s parents and siblings. Ask questions about breeding practices and the puppy’s background. You should also ask questions about your family and why you would want this species of puppy. Reputable breeders want to make sure they are selling to responsible dog owners. After all, it is crucial that the breeder has tested their dogs for genetic problems and can provide these test results to you.
Some final thoughts on the Mini Goldendoodle
Deliberate breeding of smaller and smaller dogs is a worrying trend that doesn’t seem to be going away. The challenges faced by exceptionally small breeds, such as the teacup “chihuahua”, affect serious dog lovers. The Mini Goldendoodle may not have the serious problems that are with very small breeds. However, avoiding miniature dogs may be the only way to stop this unscrupulous practice. As buyers continue to pay the top dollar for miniature dogs, which are often doomed to health problems, demand from unprincipled breeders is met. Do you have experience with this mixture? Let us know your pet in the comments!