Mini Goldendoodle
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Connect with certified breeders who have Mini Goldendoodle puppies available.
Find Mini Goldendoodle BreedersGet to Know Mini Goldendoodles
- Therapy Stars: Their gentle temperament and social nature make them popular choices for therapy and emotional support work.
- They Love People: Mini Goldendoodles are famously people-oriented and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
- Coat Variety: They can have wavy, curly, or straight coats — each with different grooming needs. And, a common question is if they are hypoallergenic or not. While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, Mini Goldendoodles are often favored by allergy sufferers because they shed very little. Again, this depends on their coat type and because they are a cross mix, that can vary significantly.
- Multiple Generations: You’ll hear terms like F1, F1b, and F2 — these refer to how many generations away the dog is from the original Golden Retriever and Poodle mix.
- A "furnishing gene": Mini Goldendoodles can inherit what's called the furnishing gene, which determines whether they have the signature fluffy face and non-shedding coat. Without this gene, some may have a flat, retriever-like face and shed more — even if they look like a typical doodle. Ethical breeders often genetically test for this trait (known as the RSPO2 gene) to ensure predictable coats, especially in multi-generational crosses.
Breed History
The Mini Goldendoodle is a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature or Toy Poodle. This designer breed emerged in the 1990s and 2000s, building on the popularity of the standard Goldendoodle, which was first bred to combine the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the friendly nature of the Golden Retriever. The miniature version was developed to create a more apartment- and travel-friendly dog with the same family-oriented personality. They are not yet recognized by major kennel clubs as a distinct breed, but they’ve quickly become one of the most beloved hybrid dogs due to their size, smarts, and charm.
Personality and Behaviour
- Extremely Affectionate: Mini Goldendoodles thrive on companionship and love being part of the family. They're known for following their owners from room to room and may experience separation anxiety if left alone too long.
- Highly Intelligent & Eager to Please: Thanks to their Poodle and Golden Retriever roots, Mini Goldendoodles pick up on commands quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement. Their intelligence also means they enjoy mental stimulation and puzzle toys. They are generally very easy to train.
- True Family Dogs: They typically get along great with kids and other animals, making them ideal for multi-pet households. Their gentle and playful demeanor makes them a favorite in social environments like dog parks and playdates.
Care
- Exercise: They need daily moderate activity (30–60 minutes). While not as high-energy as some working breeds, Mini Goldendoodles still require regular daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Walks, backyard play, or interactive games like fetch help burn off energy and prevent boredom.
- Grooming: High-maintenance coat care is essential. Their wavy or curly coat can mat easily if not brushed several times a week, and they typically need professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Skipping grooming can lead to painful mats and skin issues, so regular upkeep is a must.
- Training: Mini Goldendoodles are very trainable, especially with consistency and early socialization. These dogs are quick learners but can be sensitive, so gentle, positive training methods work best. Early exposure to new people, places, and situations helps prevent shyness or anxiety in adulthood.
Mini Goldendoodle Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Golden Retriever Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation (At least 4 months of age) |
| Elbow Dysplasia | OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation |
| ACVO Eye Exam | Annual Eye Examinations. Results registered with OFA |
| Cardiac Evaluation | One of the following: Congenital Cardiac Exam at 12 months or older, with exam by cardiologist Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam at 12 months or older, with exam by cardiologist |
Mini or Toy Poodle Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | DNA-based prcd-PRA (Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration) test from an approved laboratory; results registered with OFA |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. Minimum age 1 year. |
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Mini Goldendoodle Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Mini Goldendoodle is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Mini Goldendoodle
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Mini Goldendoodle puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Mini Goldendoodle, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Mini Goldendoodle is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
