11 Things You MUST Know Before Adopting a Mini Goldendoodle [+ Photos]

Goldendoodle puppies are the “IT” dogs these days. They are beautiful, kind, and caring. They have adorable tiny noses and fluffy hair so soft that you can’t help but love them. But, as cute as they are, buying a Goldendoodle puppy is a big deal.

Their cuteness is merely a bonus! Before you fall in love and rush out to get one, consider whether this breed is the right one for you.

The Tiny Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. These dogs stand between 13 and 20 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 50 pounds. The lifespan of the Miniature Goldendoodle is between 10 and 15 years.

You will enjoy years of love and companionship with a Miniature Goldendoodle. Nevertheless, they are prone to diseases and serious medical concerns.

You’ve come to the right place if you’re thinking about getting a Goldendoodle. This article will cover everything you must know before adopting a Mini Goldendoodle.

Breed History

The Miniature Goldendoodle first debuted in the mid-1990s and was meant to be a dog that combined the tenderness of the Golden Retriever with the intellect and coat of the Miniature Poodle. 

Let’s look at the parent dogs’ backgrounds, as the puppies will acquire some of their characteristics. 

Poodle

The Poodle is an old breed that dates back many thousand years. They were working dogs from Germany, recovering waterfowl for hunters. 

The French people adored the Poodle and bred it in three sizes: Standard (for recovering waterfowl), Miniature (for truffle hunting), and the Toy Poodle.

Poodles were famous for the extravagant Poodle hairstyle, which circus workers initially fashioned. They taught these dogs to amuse. 

While the Poodle is typically considered elegant, it is a dog with a good sense of humor, is easy to train, and has a friendly, easy-going personality. 

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a devoted and kind dog who responds well to training. Lord Tweedmouth developed the breed in the nineteenth century in Scotland. He desired an attentive, loyal, yet playful dog.

It can collect ducks without causing harm to the bird. Goldens function well as both working dogs and companion dogs.

Their success has been attributed to their loyal nature. The American Kennel Club recognized the Golden Retriever in 1932, and it became one of the most popular breeds in the world.

The most well-known purebreds are well-known for being wonderful family pets, dedicated and loyal to their owners. They love youngsters and enjoy clowning around with them.

Personality

The Mini Goldendoodle is extremely amiable due to its Retriever bloodlines and early upbringing. They adore everyone and everything, especially their loved ones. They are kind to seniors and tolerate children of all ages.

If they grow up alongside other pets, they will get along with them too.

They have an outgoing demeanor, which has one drawback. They suffer when left alone and may experience bouts of separation anxiety. They may weep, whine, pine, dig, chew, and damage your favorite things during your absence.

Contact a doggie daycare or a local dog walker to assist you if you must leave them alone for long hours.

Costs

The price of Miniature Goldendoodles ranges from $1,600 to $2,600. The price might vary depending on the breeder and generation of the Goldendoodle. The F1b generation is the most sought and expensive.

The price of a Goldendoodle is critical! You may have a poorly bred dog if you cut corners on the cost. They might even be born in the “backyard.”

This is extremely hazardous to you and the dog. Purchasing from a poor breeder to save expenses also helps puppy mills stay in business. Puppy mills breed their canines excessively. 

You risk receiving an unhealthy dog with a bad temperament when you purchase a Goldendoodle for a low cost from an unethical breeder. Such breeders do not run genetic tests and follow improper breeding practices. This may lead to many vet bills, increased training expenses, and even medical and legal fees. 

Genetic testing aids in the prevention of the breeding of dogs with harmful genes or health and mental disorders. As a result, they do not pass on any “poor” genes to their offspring. 

Those unfortunate overbred dogs stuck with uncaring breeders spend their whole lives in kennels, usually in a small environment, in unhygienic conditions, sitting in their pee or excrement. These breeders confine their puppies to kennels without allowing them to interact with humans or other dogs. This, in turn, leads to an uneven disposition.

Finally, if you don’t want to pay a fair amount for your Goldendoodle, you’re likely to buy from someone who will not put as much money and energy into breeding the dog. 

Breeders have scammed many Goldendoodle owners. The adage goes, “You get what you pay for.” This also applies to Goldendoodles and dog breeders.

Make sure you select a trustworthy breeder.  

Adaptability

The Mini Goldendoodle can easily adjust to most surroundings, whether it’s to do with living in dry or humid weather, accompanying you on the field, or relaxing in the city. 

However, note that they do not tolerate cold as well as their larger relative, the Regular Goldendoodle. So if you live in a region with harsh winters, the Mini Goldendoodle may not be a good fit.  

They enjoy being around humans and other animals, so a Mini Goldendoodle is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a second pet or if you have a large family.  

Shedding

All dogs shed, so they may all be allergenic. However, Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic, meaning they are less likely to cause allergies. 

These dogs shed significantly less than many other breeds and create less allergen-inducing dander. This is fantastic news if you or someone in your household is allergic to dogs. 

You can do a few things to keep your Mini Goldendoodle’s coat in good condition and decrease shedding. For starters, feed them a high-quality diet, groom them regularly, and bathe them as needed.

Intelligence

Since both Poodles and Golden Retrievers are intelligent breeds, there is little doubt that this cross will produce smart puppies. This means the puppy will learn faster than the average dog and may be able to perform more complicated tasks or even work as a service dog. 

In addition, training and socializing will ensure that your pup’s time and energy are used for good rather than evil! A Mini Goldendoodle is highly trainable due to its Poodle parent’s intellect and the Retriever’s drive to please. Positive thinking and reward-based training work best for them, as they do for all dogs.

Dogs learn by operant conditioning, which means they are more likely to repeat an action if it has positive consequences. So, when your dog is acting properly, encourage and praise them with toys, cuddles, and treats. If they are not displaying the desired behavior, ignore and redirect to encourage the desired behavior.

Give your dog a chance to learn and build them up for success through repetition.

Guarding Abilities

Mini Goldendoodles do not make good watchdogs. Sure, the Mini Goldendoodle is kind and gentle, but it may not be able to protect the house while you are away. This crossbreed is not loud, and they only bark occasionally.

Your Mini Goldendoodle may not even bark when someone knocks on the door!

Because of its calm nature and receptivity to everyone, even strangers, the Miniature Goldendoodle isn’t your ideal watchdog or protection dog.

Grooming Needs

To keep their skin and hair clean, healthy, and well maintained, Goldendoodles require professional grooming. A skilled groomer possesses all the tools and equipment necessary to clean, brush, blow out, clip nails, and clean your dog’s ears. 

You can also groom your dog at home. However, the average pet parent is not interested in extensively grooming their dog at home. Furthermore, it might be hazardous, especially if you attempt to remove matting.

Just learn how to do the basic grooming, brushing, and bathing. 

Improper grooming techniques may lead to wounds and uneven hair lengths. Using clippers incorrectly may badly hurt your dog, and they may require medical assistance. It’s sometimes better to leave detailed grooming to the professionals—a professional groomer you can rely on.

Activity Level

Mini Goldendoodles have an abundance of energy, but because they are tiny, it doesn’t take much activity to meet their daily exercise needs. So 10 to 20 minutes of moderate exercise per day is generally sufficient. Tossing the ball around your house and playing fetch are easy ways to keep your dog physically fit and active.

They will require more vigorous exercise as they grow. If you’re looking for a dog that can handle more activity, try a Standard Goldendoodle as its larger size makes it ideal for running, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Health

Are you familiar with the term “hybrid vigor?” This is a word invented by proponents of crossbreeding, who believe that crossbred dogs may be healthier than purebred dogs owing to a larger gene pool.

While there is some truth to this theory, and while most tiny Goldendoodle dogs live long and healthy lives, it is still vital to address the health risks that this crossbreed is prone to.

Regardless of its hybrid vigor, your Mini Goldendoodle may be susceptible to the same health difficulties as its purebred parent breeds.

These health conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Von Willebrand’s Syndrome
• Progression of Retinal Atrophy
• Patellofemoral Luxation
• Bloat
• Hypothyroidism
• Hip dysplasia
• Dysplastic Elbow
• Ear Illnesses
• Allergies 

Bloat

Bloat can result from eating or drinking too quickly, overeating, eating or drinking shortly after activity or play, or eating something the dog shouldn’t be eating.

The symptoms of bloat include panting, profuse drooling, an expanded belly, unproductive vomiting, evident discomfort, lethargy, and collapse.

If you find your Mini Goldendoodle exhibiting these symptoms, it’s important to be aware of the dangers and symptoms and have a strategy in place.

In fact, if your dog shows clear indications of bloat, get immediate medical attention from a veterinary specialist.

Lifespan

Because of the Miniature Poodle’s longer life span, the Mini Goldendoodle often lives between 10 and 15 years.

This is crucial for owners who have children since, assuming their pets are in good health, they will be around through most of the child’s growing years.

To ensure you get a healthy dog, find a reliable breeder and examine the condition of both pure parent dogs and the breeding facility.

Hips, elbows, eyes, and the heart are the recommended health checks for parent Golden Retrievers.

Patellofemoral luxation, gradual retinal atrophy, hip scoring, and, most recently, dwarfism testing are all suggested tests for parent Poodles.

Wrapping Up

It may come as a surprise, but it is possible to adopt a Goldendoodle puppy. Most breed rescues report that owners abandoned most of their rescued dogs due to a change in lifestyle or incompatibility with the breed. As a result, many dogs and pups might seek a new permanent home.

Breeders are generally more likely to have puppies available for adoption than rescues. Most of these dogs have already been chipped and spayed or neutered.

As a result, you may end up with a puppy who is already housebroken and does not require initial vaccines and other medical care. You could also find a Goldendoodle variant with all the features you want from the breed, plus a few extras.