Mini Goldendoodle: Size, Puppies, Price & Facts (2024)

Mini Goldendoodles are adorable dogs bred from the loving Golden Retriever and smart Miniature Poodle.

They are half the size of a normal Goldendoodle, but have just as big of a personality.

Having a Miniature Goldendoodle at home is like owning a living teddy bear. This dog loves to play, snuggle and be by your side 24/7!

In this article we will discuss their personality, full grown size and whether they make good family pets. We also share everything else you need to know about mini goldendoodle puppies.

If you are planning on bringing one of these snuggle bugs home, keep on reading…

Miniature Goldendoodles

The Mini Goldendoodle is a mixed breed dog that is a cross between the Golden Retriever and Miniature or Toy Poodle. As a result, this dog is as loving as a Golden while also being intelligent and driven like the Poodle.

Goldendoodles were first bred in the 1990s.

The breed was designed to be a companion and never a working dog. They are bred purely for the enjoyment of those who adopt a mini doodle.

Many families choose to buy a Miniature Goldendoodle due to their adorable bear-like appearance, as well as their very snuggly and loving personalities. They have the gentle personality of the Retriever and the trainability of the Poodle.

These traits make mini golden doodles extremely popular amongst families, especially those with children.

The miniature Goldendoodle continues to be bred for this exact reason.

Breeders continue to focus on breeding a smart, loving, and family-friendly dog that is sure to put a smile on the face of everyone they meet, from toddlers to senior citizens.

There are now even multiple generations of mini golden doodle.

First generations called F1 are a true 50/50 mix of Golden Retriever and Miniature Poodle. They will have much longer fur and shed more. However, it is not common for Minis to be a perfect 50/50 mix of both parent breeds.

The most popular variation is the F1b generation.

In this generation there is about 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle. These percentages are created by breeding a first generation Goldendoodle with another type of Miniature Poodle.

F1b Goldendoodles are the most popular.

This is because the coat of this generation has more Poodle-like characteristics and most people want a dog that does not shed much. The decreased shedding of this generation has resulted in many breeders calling their Goldendoodle dogs hypoallergenic.

It is important to keep in mind that no dog is completely hypoallergenic. If you are allergic to dogs, this breed may still aggravate your allergies, regardless of the generation.

What Were Mini Goldendoodles Bred For?

Mini Goldendoodles were bred to be the same loving and hypoallergenic companion as a Goldendoodle, but in miniature form.

These small dogs have all the cuteness and charms of the super popular Goldendoodle compacted into a smaller body.

They were bred for people or families that live in smaller homes or apartments. They also make good companions for elders because of their smaller size, which makes them easier to handle.

While these tiny dogs are mostly bred to be companion animals, they can also actually work as service animals.

They can help disabled people with tasks such as alerting blind people to incoming cars or notifying those around if their owner is having a seizure.

Minis also make a great therapy dog and emotional support animal because of their intelligence and ability to pick up on emotions.

Appearance

If you are walking down your neighborhood with a Miniature Goldendoodle expect to be stopped by admirers who want to pet your dog!

The Miniature Goldendoodle looks like a teddy bear with its small body, curly-haired coat, and light brown to golden colored fur. Their fur is normally very dense and will be medium in length.

F2, and later generations, can have very different coats. Some puppies will take after the Poodle so blue, red, sable, or white coats are also possible.

The most popular coat for this mix is the bright golden red color of the Golden Retriever with the tight curls of the Miniature Poodle. Many F1b Minis have the standard light brown to golden fur.

How Big Does A Mini Goldendoodle Get?

From paw to shoulder the Miniature Goldendoodle typically stands between 13 and 20 inches tall. They will weigh anywhere between 15 and 35 pounds and are considered a small dog breed.

For size and weight comparison a miniature Goldendoodle is larger than a Chihuahua, but smaller than a Pitbull.

Mini Goldendoodle vs Goldendoodle Size

Minis are very similar to the Standard Goldendoodle in most ways, except size.

The miniature version of this breed is bred to the Toy Poodle, as opposed to the tall and lanky Standard Poodle.

This means there is quite a difference in size.

Mini Goldendoodles are normally six inches smaller and weigh 50 pounds less.

Most Mini Goldendoodles have a well-proportioned body.

Occasionally some will have a sleek, delicate frame similar to the Miniature Poodle, and others will have the stockier build of a Golden Retriever, but this is not common.

Their nose, eyes, and paw pads are black, or very dark brown, more often than not. These dark features contrast the bright golden-brown fur beautifully. It gives them the striking and adorable appearance of a toy bear with buttons for the eyes and nose.

Temperament

Like many popular mixed breeds, the temperament of the mini golden doodle can vary.

A good breeder will know which dogs in their breeding stock will produce puppies with loving and calm personalities.

Many Mini Goldendoodles are the perfect blend of the calm and loving Golden Retriever while also being energetic and witty like the Poodle.

They are very people-oriented and will want to be by your side for most of the day. These mixes are also very good at picking up on social cues and will readily relax and snuggle whenever their owners are doing the same.

Goldendoodles are very accepting of strangers and even welcome their attention.

This quality makes them great companions. However, it also makes mini golden doodles less than ideal guard dogs. Strangers and intruders are more likely to be greeted with love than a bark.

If you are looking for a similar-sized guard dog the Mini Australian Shepherd makes a better choice.

Are They Good for Families?

The Miniature Goldendoodle is a perfect match for most families.

They are extremely loving and affectionate and will be happy to receive all the attention you can give them. These qualities make the Goldendoodle mini exceptional family dogs, even for families with very young children.

Children love how happy and playful the breed is, while parents can feel comfortable knowing that their children will be safe playing with the dog.

Goldendoodles are extremely patient and gentle with everyone, including toddlers who may pull on their tail or yank on their face. Even when the Miniature Goldendoodle is unhappy with how they are being handled, they will not bite.

For those who have a family member with a disability, the miniature Goldendoodle may also be a good fit. This breed has been used as therapy dogs for those with limited mobility, autism, and even anxiety or depression. They can be calm, supportive and loyal.

Mini Goldendoodles are also great pets to have in a multi-pet household. The breed is very accepting of new animals and will quickly adapt. They get along well with both canine and feline companions. Minis do not have a “top dog” personality.

Some doodles are so devoted to their families that they can develop separation anxiety if not trained properly at a young age. These dogs can be wonderful pets too, they will just need to be trained much more.

F1, F1b and F2b Generations Explained

Like many mixed dog breeds, the Mini Goldendoodle has different breeding generations. Puppies of different generations can look quite different from one another and have different traits.

Knowing your Goldendoodle’s generation can be helpful for determining what qualities of each parent breed they may have.

F1

The first generation between a Golden Retriever and Miniature Poodle is the F1 line.

This mix is a true 50/50 split of both parent breeds. Typically, the F1 line will weigh between 30 to 50 pounds as adults. Miniature Goldendoodles also have lots of variation in coat texture and shed frequency.

Most of the puppies will either have very low curl and high shed coats like Goldens, or they will have tight curls and low shed coats.

However, it is not uncommon for a puppy to fall somewhere in between the two. As a mixed breed some puppies will not exactly fit the descriptions.

F1b

The next generation is the F1B line which is the result of breeding a first generation Mini Goldendoodle to a Miniature Poodle.

This mix is a 75/25 split of Poodle and Golden. These hybrids will typically have a weight range of 15 to 35 pounds as adults and will have curly low-shed coats.

This is the most popular variation.

Buyers want F1bs due to their small size and low shed coat. If you want a F1B Mini do not be surprised if you are placed on a waiting list.

F2

The F2 generation is a cross between two F1, or occasionally F1B, Mini Goldendoodles.

This hybrid can vary greatly in size, coat, and shedding. They will require more regular grooming and will be less allergy friendly.

As this line is unpredictable, many breeders choose not to breed F2 or F2b generations. It is always important to speak with your breeder about the specific traits you are looking for (e.g. shed amount, temperament and size).

Price

Miniature Goldendoodles will cost between $1,600 and $2,600.

Their price can change based on breeder and generation. F1b is the most desirable and expensive generation.

The pedigree of the parents and how well-known the breeder is also influences price.

It is important to keep in mind that more expensive does not always equal better quality puppies. Make sure to ask about the health of the parents, previous litters and read testimonials from buyers.

Due to their adorable appearance and affectionate personality the Mini Goldendoodle has become an extremely popular dog breed. Unfortunately, with their popularity, comes many cases of backyard breeding and puppy mills.

It is always best to avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills.

The parameters for finding a good breeder stay the same no matter the breed of dog.

One important question to ask a breeder is whether or not they will provide information on genetic and health tests performed on your puppy’s parents.

The only way to assure that a breeding pair is not passing on genetic defects is to test both parents before they mate. A good breeder will gladly be able to share this information with you.

Tests for progressive retinal atrophy, Von Willebrand’s disease, and hip dysplasia are common tests. If a puppy’s parent has one of these conditions, it can potentially result in poor health for your puppy and very expensive medical care.

Many reputable breeders will also provide a health warranty for any puppies they sell. This warranty helps the buyer feel assured that the breeder feels confident in the health of their puppies.

It is quite difficult to produce happy and healthy mixed breeds the first time around.

A good breeder would have been breeding Goldendoodles for many generations. Because of this, they should be able to provide references and testimonials from satisfied buyers.

Litter Size

The size of a mini golden doodle litter greatly depends on the size of the mom.

The larger the dog, the more puppies they typically give birth to.

Golden Retrievers on average give birth to litters of 8 puppies. Miniature Poodles on the other hand give birth to 5 puppies on average.

So the average litter size of miniature Goldendoodles will be somewhere in between 5 and 8 puppies.

Fun Facts

• Goldendoodles are very easy to train. The Poodle genetics make sure this mix is very fast at picking up on training cues. The Golden Retriever genetics also give them a strong desire to please.
• They are great dogs for families, especially those with young children. This breed is very sweet and gentle, even with the youngest of toddlers. Kids also love how energetic, fun, and playful this breed is.
• Goldendoodles are great in multi-pet households. This breed is friendly with other dogs as well as cats. They are highly adaptable, gentle, and do not have a strong desire to be “top dog”.
• Miniatures adapt well to many social interactions. This breed is extremely loving and is kind and gentle to both family members and strangers. Many make excellent therapy dogs for children due to their gentle, loving nature.
• Many breeders claim the Goldendoodle is hypoallergenic. However, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. If you are allergic to dog fur, be careful with any breeder that claims their puppy is hypoallergenic.
• They are not purebred dogs. This breed is a hybrid between the Golden and the Miniature Poodle. Most are also not a true 50/50 mix, instead they are 75% Poodle in order to produce a fur coat that sheds less.
• F1bs are the most popular. This is because of their adorable teddy-bear like appearance and because they will probably shed much less than the other generations.
• The Miniature is very good at matching the energy of its owners. They are typically very high energy and easily excitable. However, when you are at home and relaxed, your pet will likely follow suit and want to cuddle!
• They are in high demand. There are many people who love the adorable look of this dog and their incredible personalities. It is for this reason you will need to spend $1,600 to $2,600 and expect to be placed on a wait list.
• Despite their popularity, because they are a mixed breed they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Do not expect to show a Miniature Goldendoodle at any competitions anytime soon. However, this breed is recognized by other organizations such as the Goldendoodle Association of North America.

Training

The Miniature Goldendoodle is truly a joy to train because they are very smart, take commands happily, and look forward to pleasing their owners. This breed is also very affectionate and witty.

Do not be surprised when they try to con you into giving them some extra treats with their sweet teddy-bear face!

They are smart enough to pick up on tricks quickly, but calm and relaxed enough to not take learning too seriously.

Goldendoodles do very well in traditional puppy training classes as they love to socialize with new people and other dogs. Make sure to discuss training methods to avoid separation anxiety when your puppy is young.

Most puppy training beyond basic obedience should focus on separation anxiety first.

Mini Goldendoodles are shadow dogs that love to be around their family 24/7. Because they have such a strong connection with their family, development of separation anxiety is extremely common.

Some training methods that may help with separation anxiety include:

• Provide puzzles and indestructible toys to keep a mini doodle preoccupied.
• Leave the television or music on while you are not home.
• Crate training is also very effective, and it keeps your dog and your home safe!

Another great way to help decrease anxiety is to make sure your Mini gets plenty of exercise!

Over-excited dogs will be less likely to listen during training sessions, so regular exercise is good for both mental and physical well-being.

Ideally, this energetic mix does best in a home with a fenced in backyard. They may adapt to apartment living if you take them outside to play for at least 45 minutes a day.

Without adequate exercise, Minis become easily bored and destructive.

Mini Goldendoodle Cons

Mini Goldendoodles are expensive.

Since this breed is so popular, they are in very high demand.

Sometimes you even have to get onto waiting lists to try to get a puppy, especially for F1b puppies.

Compared to other miniature crossbreeds like a Shorkie which costs on average $500-$1,500, the Mini Goldendoodle is expensive. On average a puppy can cost $1,600-$2,600.

RELATED: How Much Is A Golden Retriever?

Another con is that they can inherit genetic health problems if not bred properly.

The most common health issues are patellar luxation, hip and elbow dysplasia, and eye problems like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.

A Goldendoodle is a healthy breed and with good breeding and genetic testing of the parents these diseases should not be a problem.

Finally, this mix needs lots of attention. They are probably one of the largest lovebugs in the world, even if they are small in size. They are incredibly attached to their family and there is no questioning the strength of the bond that forms.

With all that love to give there is also a need to receive.

This dog will always be seeking your attention to cuddle and play. It can never be alone.

For some people all this attention seeking might be a bit overwhelming, and not everyone can spend all of their time at home with their dog. Training can help with separation anxiety, but this dog requires someone who can spend lots of time with it.

FAQs

Are Mini Goldendoodles Good Apartment Dogs?

Yes they can comfortably live in an apartment because they are small.

While a mini Goldendoodle can adapt well to living in an apartment, it is important that they are taken out daily to exercise for at least 45 minutes. They have a lot of energy that they need to get rid of.

If they don’t burn off their energy, they can start acting up and making a ruckus in the apartment. Fun ways that you can exercise your dog include taking walks around the park, playing fetch, or going out to the beach.

Are They Smart?

They are incredibly smart dogs.

As a Poodle mix, they are guaranteed to be a quick thinker and learn commands easily. Poodles are very intelligent and Golden Retrievers are pretty smart too, so their smart brains will be passed on to their puppies.

You won’t have any trouble training this dog.

Their smart brains are one reason why they are also recommended for first time owners.

Do They Like To Cuddle?

There is no Goldendoodle that doesn’t like to cuddle!

Golden Retrievers are one of the biggest cuddlers and no puppy of theirs won’t be cuddly. They just want to spend all their time with you and show you as much love as possible. They are not just your companion, they are your best friend.

Don’t be worried about just curling up with your dog on the sofa and sitting there together watching your favorite shows after a long day.

Mini golden doodles in fact are incredible emotional support dogs that will show you support and tenderness whenever you need it.

What Are Goldendoodle vs Mini Goldendoodle Differences?

The difference between a Goldendoodle and mini Goldendoodle is based purely on their size and how they are bred.

There is no difference in personality or how miniature Goldendoodles look.

A Goldendoodle is bred from a Standard Poodle and Golden Retriever. This type of Goldendoodle will be 20-26 inches tall and weigh 50-90 pounds. A dog that big is not as well suited for apartment living.

The Mini in comparison is only 13-20 inches tall and 15-35 pounds as it is bred from the Miniature Poodle. A Mini can adapt more easily to apartment living and is easier to take care of.

Summary

The Mini Goldendoodle is the perfect combination of two beloved breeds, the Golden Retriever and the Miniature Poodle. Their personalities are affectionate, witty, and gentle. This makes them perfect for families with young children as well as senior citizens.

There are many different generations of Miniature Goldendoodle. However, the F1b line is the most popular due to having the most predictable personality and low shed coat.

Goldendoodles are extremely people oriented, so they do not like to stay home alone. If you have a very busy lifestyle, and are not home much, this breed may not be for you.

If you are looking for a constant companion who will unconditionally love you, look into adopting a goldendoodle. With their dark soulful eyes and adorable teddy-bear looks, not many people can resist them.

Have their adorable looks captivated you?

Let us know if this is the breed for you and leave a comment.

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