Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
Deciding between a Mini Poodle, a Mini Goldendoodle, and a Mini Golden Retriever can be tricky. In this post, we compare Mini Poodles, Mini Goldendoodles, and Mini Golden Retrievers to help you find the right one for your family. We cover their history, characteristics, size, temperament, care needs, and more.
Quick Facts
Mini Poodles are hunting dogs originally known for their intelligence and hypoallergenic coats; Mini Goldendoodles are friendly Golden Retrievers with Poodle traits for family pets; and Mini Golden Retrievers are the best of both a friendly and trainable companion.
Size and appearance vary among the breeds; Mini Poodles are more compact, Mini Goldendoodles grow bigger and heavier, and Mini Golden Retrievers are in between, so they fit most families.
Both Mini Poodles and Mini Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic, which is excellent for allergy sufferers, but training, socialization, and understanding of care needs are essential for all three breeds.
History and Characteristics
Knowing a breed’s history and characteristics gives insight into their behavior, needs, and purpose for being bred for your family. Mini Poodles are an established breed with predictable traits.
Mini Poodles, Mini Goldendoodles, and Mini Golden Retrievers each have a history that shapes their personality and traits.
Mini Poodle History
Toy Poodles originated in Germany, where they were bred as hunting dogs, excelling in water retrieval due to their intelligence and agility. The name ‘poodle’ comes from the German word ‘pudelin’, meaning they love water.
Since 1887, Mini Poodles have been recognized by the AKC for their curly, hypoallergenic coats and friendly nature.
Mini Goldendoodle History
Mini Goldendoodles are intelligent, loyal, social, and playful hybrids of Golden Retrievers and miniature poodles. Originally bred to combine the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat with the Golden Retriever’s friendly nature, they have become popular as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and family pets.
Mini Golden Retriever History
Mini Golden Retrievers (also known as Toy Golden Retrievers or Petite Golden Retrievers) emerged as a hybrid breed in the early 2000s. They are a mix of Golden Retrievers with Mini Godlendoodles and/or Cocker Spaniels, designed to create a smaller dog with retrievers’ friendly, trainable characteristics.
Because of their poodle heritage, they are considered hypoallergenic guide dogs.
Size and Appearance
Size and appearance are important to consider when choosing a breed.
Pocket Poodles, Tiny Goldendoodles and Mini Golden Retrievers each have their own physical characteristics that will impact your decision.
Mini Poodle Size
Mini Poodles are compact and petite, with longer legs than the generally heavier Mini Goldendoodles. Their curly coats are black, white, and red.
Mini Goldendoodle Size
Mini Goldendoodles are about 16 inches at the shoulder and 25 pounds, but their size can vary depending on genetics. Full-grown adults are 20 to 22 inches tall and under 40 pounds.
Mini Golden Retriever Size
Full Size Adult Mini Golden Retrievers are 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder and 20 to 45 pounds, a perfect size for most families.
Temperament
The temperament and personality of an energetic dog are key to how well they will fit into your family.
Mini Poodles, Toy Goldendoodles, and Mini Golden Retrievers each have their own temperament that suits different needs.
Mini Poodle Temperament
Mini Poodles are intelligent, sensitive, social, and highly trainable. They do well in quieter households with older children, as they can be delicate and may snap if anxious or scared.
Mini Goldendoodle Temperament
Mini Goldendoodles are affectionate, playful, and social. They thrive on social interaction and adapt well to multi-pet households when socialized.
Mini Golden Retriever Temperament
Mini Golden Retrievers inherit the affectionate and playful nature of Golden Retrievers. They are great family dogs. Their intelligence and trainability, often boosted by Poodle genes, make them good in obedience training.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance will keep your pet happy and healthy.
Here we will look at the grooming, exercise and health care needs of Toy Poodles, Small Goldendoodles and Mini Golden Retrievers.
Grooming Needs
Mini Poodles need more grooming than Mini Goldendoodles and Tiny Golden Retrievers because of their curly coats. Regular brushing prevents matting and keeps the coat healthy.
Goldendoodles’ grooming needs vary depending on their coat type and require different levels of maintenance. Mini Golden Retrievers have a more manageable grooming routine, need regular brushing to keep their coats healthy, and generally require less professional grooming than Mini Poodles and Goldendoodles.
Exercise Needs
Mini Poodles, Mini Goldendoodles, and Mini Golden Retrievers need regular exercise to stay healthy and active.
Mini goldendoodles need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day and thrive on at least 30 minutes of physical activity. Tiny golden retrievers, a mix of golden retrievers and Poodles, need regular exercise, generally 30 to 60 minutes a day, to keep them physically and mentally well. Mini Poodles are slightly more reserved and need similar daily exercise to keep them fit and mentally stimulated.
General Health
Regular vet visits and vaccinations are important to keep Miniature Poodles, Mini Goldendoodles, and Mini Golden Retrievers healthy. Mini Goldendoodles get ear infections and skin allergies, and Mini Poodles get progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Mini golden retrievers get hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and certain types of cancer. Regular checkups help in the early detection and management of these health issues.
Training
Training and socialization is key to a well behaved and well adjusted dog.
Mini Poodles, Mini Goldendoodles, and Mini Golden Retrievers benefit significantly from early socialization. Training should start early to instill good habits and prevent bad behavior. Training classes are especially important for Mini Poodles and Mini Goldendoodles; they provide resources and support for dog owners. Positive reinforcement works best for these breeds as they respond to praise and rewards. Socialization exposes your dog to different environments, people, and other animals to make them confident and friendly. This can be park trips, playdates with other dogs, or meeting new people. Early and ongoing socialization prevents anxiety and aggression and makes them better companions in the long run.
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement is best for training Mini Poodles, Mini Goldendoodles, and Mini Golden Retrievers to build better bonds and encourage good behavior. Establishing respect helps Mini Poodles and mini golden retrievers learn commands and boundaries. Mini Goldendoodles, being social animals, respond well to praise and rewards, making training sessions fun and productive.
Socialization Tips
Early interaction with many people, environments, and situations is key to raising a well-adjusted Mini Goldendoodle. Expose them to different sights, sounds, and experiences to make them more adaptable and less fearful of new things.
A gradual introduction to new people, pets, and environments is also important for Mini Poodles. This helps them develop good social skills and reduces anxiety or aggression.
Mini Golden Retrievers also benefit from early and consistent socialization. Introducing them to different experiences, including meeting new people and other animals, will make them confident and friendly companions.
For Allergy Sufferers
The hypoallergenic qualities of a breed are important for allergy sufferers. Both Mini Poodles and Mini Goldendoodles are suitable for allergy sufferers as they are low shedders. Mini Golden Retrievers, depending on their genetic makeup, may also be hypoallergenic, but this can vary more.
Hypoallergenic
Miniature Poodles are known for their curly coats, which make them low shedders. They are especially loved for these traits.
Mini Goldendoodles are also known to shed minimal dander and hair, making them suitable for allergy sufferers.
Toy Golden Retrievers, being a mix of Golden Retrievers, Poodles, and/or Cocker Spaniels, can sometimes inherit the hypoallergenic coat of their Poodle ancestry. However, this is not always guaranteed, so individual dogs may vary.
Test Compatibility
Allergy sufferers should spend time with Miniature Poodles, miniature goldendoodles, and miniature golden Retrievers to test their personal reactions and see how they will coexist. This hands-on approach will help them determine which breed is best for their allergy needs.
Spending time with these breeds can include petting, grooming, and playing with them. Note how your body reacts during and after these interactions. Pay attention to any allergic reactions, such as sneezing, itching, or respiratory issues. Also, consider spending time in the homes of current owners of these breeds, as this will give you a better idea of how you will react to the dog in a living environment.
You can also consult an allergist. They can perform tests to identify the specific allergen and give you personalized advice on managing pet allergies. In some cases, allergy shots or medication can help manage the symptoms so that you can live comfortably with a hypoallergenic breed.
In the end, taking the time to test your reactions and consult with medical professionals will help you coexist harmoniously with your chosen fur baby.
Family and Lifestyle
Toy Goldendoodles are social and adaptable, making them great family pets. They thrive in active households and are good with children, other pets, and even strangers. They are playful and affectionate, a joy to have around, and will form strong bonds with their family members. Mini Goldendoodles are also highly trainable, a bonus for families looking for a well-behaved pet.
Mini Poodles are highly intelligent and sensitive, so they are suitable for families with older children or quieter households. They are loyal and can be very affectionate with their family members. Miniature Poodles need mental stimulation and enjoy activities that challenge their intelligence, such as puzzle toys or advanced training exercises. Their hypoallergenic coat makes them an excellent choice for families with allergy sufferers.
Miniature Golden Retrievers are friendly, trainable, and adaptable, making them great family pets. They are good with children and other pets, and their smaller size makes them more suitable for families living in smaller homes or apartments. Mini Golden Retrievers inherit the affectionate and playful nature of Golden Retrievers, so they are a joy to have around.
When choosing a breed, consider your family’s activity level, how much time you can dedicate to training and socialization, and any specific needs, such as hypoallergenic traits. Each breed has unique qualities that will make it a perfect fit for your family dynamics and lifestyle.
Living Environments
Mini Goldendoodles are versatile and thrive in urban apartments and suburban homes with yards.
Activity Level
Mini Poodles, Mini Goldendoodles and Mini Golden Retrievers need regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. Mini Goldendoodles being playful and affectionate have high energy levels so are suitable for active families.
Mini Golden Retrievers, a mix of Golden Retrievers and Poodles, also need regular exercise, generally around 30 to 60 minutes a day, to maintain their physical and mental well-being. They are adaptable and enjoy variety, so they are great for active households.
Mini Poodles are more reserved, so they are better suited for quieter and more laid-back environments.
Cost of Ownership
The cost of owning a dog is the initial purchase price and ongoing expenses. Knowing these costs will help you make a better decision.
Purchase Price
A Mini Goldendoodle puppy costs between $1500 to $4000, and a purebred Mini Poodle puppy costs $600 to $2000. Mini Golden Retrievers puppies for sale, a designer hybrid breed, costs between $3500 to $7500. Miniature Goldendoodles and Mini Golden Retrievers are generally more expensive because they are hybrid.
Ongoing Expenses
Owning a Mini Goldendoodle costs more than a Mini Poodle because of grooming needs and dietary requirements, which vary between breeds. These are grooming, food, and veterinary care. Mini golden retrievers also have similar ongoing expenses; grooming, food, and healthcare are big factors to consider. Regular grooming is necessary for all three breeds to maintain their coat health and overall well-being.
Popularity and Breed Recognition
Popularity and breed recognition are considerations when choosing a dog. Mini Poodles are established, and Mini Goldendoodles are rising fast.
Breed Popularity
Mini Poodles have long been popular as hypoallergenic pets. However, Mini Goldendoodles are now surpassing them in demand and appealing to many families and individuals. Toy Golden Retrievers are gaining popularity because they retain the Golden Retriever look at a smaller size and friendly nature, making them a popular choice for many households.
Breed Recognition
The American Kennel Club recognizes Mini Poodles as a purebred breed. Mini Goldendoodles and Mini Golden Retrievers, being hybrid breeds, are not recognized by the AKC. However, both hybrids are gaining popularity and acceptance among dog enthusiasts and families.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between a Mini Poodle, Mini Goldendoodle, and Mini Golden Retriever is about size, temperament, care needs, and cost. Each breed has unique qualities that may suit different families and lifestyles.
Ultimately, it will depend on your needs and preferences. Knowing the differences will help you decide if you want hypoallergenic, sociable, or active.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, Miniature Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic because of their Poodle ancestry. However, individual reactions to allergens can vary, so it’s best to spend time with the breed before making a decision.
Mini Goldendoodles need about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily to be healthy and happy. Regular playtime, walks, or agility training can meet their exercise needs.
Mini Goldendoodles are great for families with young children because of their playful and loving nature. Mini golden retrievers are also good with kids; they have the friendly traits of golden retrievers in a smaller package.
Mini Poodles can be prone to health issues such as progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Regular vet checkups are necessary to monitor and maintain their health.
Grooming a mini goldendoodle costs about $40 to $100 a month. Regular grooming keeps the coat healthy and mat-free.
Mini Golden Retrievers may inherit hypoallergenic traits from their Poodle ancestry, but this is not guaranteed. Spend time with the breed to see how your allergies react.
Mini Golden Retrievers need about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. Walking, fetch, and obedience training can stimulate them physically and mentally.
Mini Golden Retrievers can be prone to hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and certain types of cancer. Regular vet visits are necessary for early detection and management.
Mini Poodles are intelligent, sensitive, and social. They thrive in quieter households. Mini Goldendoodles are affectionate, playful, and sociable. They are great for active families and multi-pet households.
The price of a Mini Golden Retriever puppy ranges from $3500 to $7500. Then there’s grooming, food, and vet care.
Click to see our full list of Mini Golden Retriever FAQs.
Full Grown Adult Senior Golden Retrievers: Everything You Need to Know