Mini Goldendoodle Facts – Cost, Lifespan, Size, and Care

The Mini Goldendoodle is an extremely popular choice of pet for many families who are looking for a friendly, lively dog that gets on well with kids. If you’re considering buying one of these fabulous dogs, you’ll want to know more about the breed and what to expect.

For example, what size are Mini Goldendoodle puppies when full-grown? What do breeders mean when they talk about F1 and F1b puppies? How long does Goldendoodle live, and how much does a Mini Goldendoodle puppy cost?

Read this guide to find out everything you need to know about the beautiful Mini Goldendoodle.

Mini Goldendoodle – Overview

Characteristics:

History

The Mini Goldendoodle is one of many popular varieties of what are commonly referred to as “designer dogs.”

Designer dog breeds are basically hybrids that occur as the result of controlled cross-breeding between two purebred dogs. In the case of the Miniature Goldendoodle, the parent dogs are a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle.

Although hybrid dogs have been around for hundreds of years, the first modern designer dogs we bred in Australia back in the late 1980s but didn’t gain popularity until more recently.

However, even though designer dogs have purebred parents, as yet you won’t find these breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Why Create a Designer Dog?

The idea behind creating a designer dog is to develop a breed that takes positive attributes from both parents.

Poodles are commonly used in designer dog breeding because the puppies have a single, tightly curled coat that doesn’t shed and needs minimal grooming.

However, did you know that if you have allergies, you will still be affected by the presence of a dog in your home? That’s because pet allergies are triggered by your body’s response to chemicals in the pet dander (shed skin flakes), not by the dog’s hair.

Potential Problems with Designer Dogs

Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that the offspring of purebred parents will come out the same each time. As with any form of cross-breed, the genetic makeup of every puppy will be slightly different. That means the dog’s temperament, size, color, coat type, etc., will favor one parent more strongly than the other.

So, when you buy your Mini Goldendoodle puppy, you won’t know exactly what you’re getting until your cute little furbaby begins to mature. That can add to the fun of buying a designer dog, but it can also bring problems.

All dog breeds have various genetic health problems that can be passed onto their offspring. Now, usually, mixed breed dogs are healthier and more robust than purebreds. However, in some cases, when the parent dogs are prone to the same health conditions, the resulting offspring can inherit big problems.

What is an F1 Hybrid?

First-generation hybrid dogs whose parents are both purebred are referred to at First Generation (F1) hybrids.

Some breeders cross an F1 dog with another purebred that represents just one of the animal’s breeds. That results in an F1b dog. The primary reason for doing that is to maximize one breed’s best traits.

For example, crossing an F1 Goldendoodle with a purebred Poodle might produce a dog with a very curly coat that definitely won’t shed.

Training

Goldendoodles are typically easy to train and are also very eager to please, making this breed a great choice for first-time owners.

Positive reinforcement training and puppy socialization classes are an excellent starting point. If you’re keen to educate your puppy and get him off to the very best start in life, check out the A.K.C.’s S.T.A.R. Puppy program. All dogs are welcome to join the program, including Mini Goldendoodles!

Licensing

In most U.S. states, you must have your dog licensed; it’s the law! If you don’t have a license, you will be hit with a large fine. You must renew your dog’s license every year.

However, there are a few exemptions, namely:

• Guide dogs
• Seeing-eye dogs
• Former service dogs

To get a dog license, you must usually provide copies of your dog’s current rabies vaccination and proof that your pet has been neutered or spayed, unless you are a licensed breeder.

Identification

Your Mini Goldendoodle must wear a collar with identification tags, county or city licenses (if applicable), and rabies vaccination tags. The ID tag should carry your name, address, contact telephone numbers, and your dog’s name..

Also, although it’s not currently a legal requirement in the U.S., we strongly recommend that you have your pet microchipped. Details of all microchipped animals and their owners are kept on a computer database, forming a permanent I.D. system that is always with your pet, even if he loses his collar.

Pretty much every shelter and veterinary clinic right across the country scan every animal upon arrival to see if it is microchipped. If your dog is stolen or gets lost, the microchip can ensure that you are quickly reunited with your pet.

Feeding

When choosing food for your Mini Goldendoodle, look for a product that contains high-quality sources of protein and fat. Feed your pet the manufacturer’s recommended daily amount, usually according to the dog’s weight.

Mini Goldendoodle Puppy Food

As well as the nutrients described above, your puppy should be given food that contains the correct phosphorus to calcium ratio of around 1:2.

Calcium deficiency can cause severe orthopedic problems, including bone spurs.

Wet or dry food?

I recommend that you feed your pet a dry food diet.

Dry food or “kibble” diets are generally well-balanced, and crunching on the hard biscuits can remove bacteria from the dog’s teeth, preventing tartar formation and oral health conditions, such as gingivitis and canine periodontal disease.

However, if you have a senior dog with missing teeth or a pup who is fussy, wet food is probably a good alternative for part or all of the diet.

What Not to Feed

Although dogs do enjoy treats, I recommend that you only feed your pet a limited amount of high-quality dog treats to avoid upsetting his tummy.

Most vets advise against giving your dog bones from your Sunday roast. Bones, especially chicken bones, can splinter, causing injury and even proving fatal to the dog if bone fragments pierce the dog’s intestines, causing peritonitis.

Also, Goldendoodles can be prone to digestive sensitivity, so it makes sense to stick to your dog’s regular food to avoid causing tummy upsets. For that reason, don’t feed your pet human food, especially chocolate, raisins, or grapes, all of which are highly toxic to dogs.

Grooming

Thanks to their typically short, curly coats, Mini Goldendoodles don’t need much grooming.

A monthly trip to the groomer to have the coat trimmed is a good idea to prevent overgrowth and tangles. Also, although the teddy bear look is super-cute, all that hair around the dog’s face and mouth can become caked with gunk that doesn’t look good and is unhygienic too.

You can get away with brushing your dog once or twice a week. Bathing is only really necessary if your dog rolls in something especially disgusting or comes home from walkies plastered in mud.

Dental Care

One of the main problems affecting senior dogs is dental issues. By taking good care of your dog’s teeth from day one, you can prevent your pet from suffering the misery of gingivitis and canine periodontal disease in later life.

Have your dog’s teeth and gums checked by your veterinarian as part of your pet’s annual health check? Between checkups, clean your dog’s teeth every day, using a dog toothbrush and pet toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste on your dog! The harsh chemicals human toothpaste contains can be harmful to your pet.

If your dog develops stinky “dog breath,” get your vet to check your pet’s teeth right away. Dog breath is usually an early sign of impending dental problems.

Ear Care

Dogs with floppy ears, like Goldendoodles, can accumulate wax and dirt in their ears. Gently clean the visible part of your dog’s inner ears using a soft cloth and a veterinary ear cleanser.

Don’t push cotton or cotton buds into your dog’s ear canal! If the ears are extremely smelly or you discover a discharge, consult your vet.

Nail Trimming

Dog’s nails grow continually, just like your fingernails and toenails. If the nails grow too long, they make walking uncomfortable for your pet and can also damage your floor coverings.

Unfortunately, many dogs hate having their nails clipped! You can clip your dog’s nails yourself with a set of veterinary nail trimmers, but it’s a tricky job, especially if your dog wriggles!

To avoid trauma and stress for both parties, and based on personal experience, I recommend that you ask your dog groomer or vet tech to do the job for you.

Shelter

The ideal environment for your Mini Goldendoodle is a comfortable family home with some outside space where he can play.

These dogs are not suited to permanently living outside in a kennel, largely because they can suffer from separation anxiety if kept away from their human family for too long.

That said, a training crate in a specific room inside the house is a good idea for puppies and can also form a comfortable refuge for an adult dog.

You’ll need to provide your dog with:

• A comfortable, washable bed
• A training crate
• Soft blankets and a cushion

If your dog is a champion chewer, you might prefer to provide a sturdy, plastic bed with a tough, comfy liner.

Physical Needs

Mini Goldendoodles are lively, fun-filled dogs that need plenty of exercises to keep them mentally and physically happy.

You’ll need to give your dog two walks every day, ideally with some off-leash playtime too. A trip to the dog park is a great way to exercise your dog and allows him to socialize, too.

These are intelligent dogs that thrive on lots of mental stimulation and interaction with their owners. So, be sure to buy or make some interactive D.I.Y. dog toys for your pet, and set aside some time each day to play with him.

Health

Goldendoodles are generally hardy, healthy dogs with a long lifespan. However, there are a few health considerations that you’ll need to have in mind, including:

Neutering/Spaying

Unless you are a registered F1 Goldendoodle breeder, you must have your dog spayed or neutered.

There are several reasons for de-sexing your pet:

Licensing

In most states, your dog must be de-sexed to get licensed.

Unwanted puppies

There are hundreds of shelters full of unwanted, unplanned puppies and dogs, all desperately waiting for homes. Be a responsible owner, and get your female dog spayed, and you can prevent increasing those numbers even more.

Straying

Un-neutered male dogs are notorious for wandering in search of female company! Neutering prevents the production of excessive amounts of testosterone, helping to keep your dog from straying.

Temperament

De-sexing can often help to calm a dog that’s overexcitable.

Although Goldendoodles aren’t generally snappy, the Miniature Poodle element of the mix can cause that behavior in some individuals. De-sexing often has a very calming effect on hyperactive, temperamental pooches.

Vaccinations

All dogs should be vaccinated every year for a variety of conditions, including:

• Rabies (if present in your location)
• D.H.P.P. (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus)
• Leptospirosis
• Lyme disease (if appropriate for your lifestyle)
• Kennel Cough (Bordetella)

It’s worth noting that most boarding kennels, doggy daycare facilities, and training groups won’t take your dog if his vaccinations are not up to date.

Parasites

Ticks and fleas can also be a problem for dogs, especially if you exercise your pet with other dogs or in areas where the grass is long, and the vegetation gets overgrown.

Dogs tend to pick up and chew on pretty much anything that piques their interest, including dead animals, discarded food, other dogs’ poop, and even slugs! That’s not only disgusting (it’s a dog thing!), but your pet might also pick up and ingest worm eggs or larvae. Worms can be debilitating and potentially dangerous for your pet if not treated.

Your veterinarian will provide you with details of a suitable parasite control program for your dog to deal with worms, fleas, and ticks.

Common Health Problems

All designer dog breeds can develop genetic health problems, but there are steps you can take to make sure that the puppy you buy is healthy and free from potential issues.

Never Buy From A Puppy Farm!

Puppy farms are basically commercial enterprises that are set up purely to make a fast buck by producing high numbers of puppies as cheaply as possible. That usually means the dogs live in dreadful conditions without even the most basic of comforts. Puppies are often sold unvaccinated to unsuspecting buyers, sometimes with potentially fatal diseases.

So, always buy your puppy from a licensed breeder.

Breeders

A good breeder should be willing to show you the puppy’s parents and siblings, as well as providing proof that the puppy has been health checked by a veterinarian.

There are a few common health problems that can be inherited by Goldendoodles, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Sebaceous adenitis (a skin disease)
• Subaortic stenosis (a heart condition)
• Addison’s disease
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts

The breeder should show:

• that both the puppy’s parents have been hip certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
• that both the puppy’s parents have O.F.A. heart clearance
• certification of healthy eyes for both parents from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation
• that both parents have an O.F.A. knee clearance
• a D.N.A. test for both parents for progressive renal atrophy

You can find more information from the Goldendoodle Association of America at this link.

Availability and Cost

Mini Goldendoodles are extremely popular dogs, so there are plenty for sale. Prices vary quite widely, depending on the puppy’s parentage. You should expect to pay around $2,600.

A puppy that seems too cheap is most likely from a puppy farm.

Product Recommendations

Here’s a list of the products that you’ll need for your Mini Goldendoodle:

• Premium-quality dog food and treats
• Food dishes
• Water bowls
• Toys, including safe chew toys
• Grooming brushes
• Nail clippers
• Collar with license and I.D. tags
• Harness for walks
• Leash
• Carrier (for small pups)
• Crate for training and in-car transport
• Dog bed with comfortable, washable lining
• Soft blanket and cushion
• Dog toothbrush and pet toothpaste

In Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this guide and found it helpful.

Mini Goldendoodles are friendly, lively dogs that are fun to train, too. Always buy your puppy from a reputable breeder, and be sure to ask to see the pup’s parents, as well as evidence of health testing, before you part with your cash.

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