Some people even want them as therapy dogs. But despite all of this, they aren’t the perfect fit for everyone. Here’s why Mini Goldendoodles aren’t for everybody.
Mini Goldendoodles are adorable miniatures you cannot help but fall in love with. They are famous for their gentle temperaments, trainability, and hypoallergenic coats.
Why Goldendoodles Are The Worst
We want to start by saying we don’t think Mini Goldendoodles are terrible dogs. They require much more attention and care than other dogs might not.
Just like every breed, they aren’t a good fit for everyone. And that’s ok! Let’s find out if the Mini Goldendoodle is suitable for you.
Are Goldendoodles High Maintenance?
Here’s why Mini Goldendoodles aren’t for everybody; they require a lot of grooming. Many people are under the impression that hypoallergenic curly coats are low maintenance.
Some false rumors exist that you only have to groom your Goldendoodle twice a year. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Your Mini Goldendoodle will need regular brushing to keep them healthy. Most Doodle owners find that if they want a dog with longer hair, they must brush it daily to prevent knots.
But shorter hair can get by with brushing every few days. The good news is that this task doesn’t take long since your Goldendoodle is a smaller dog.
But there is another side of grooming that most people don’t consider. Since the Goldendoodle doesn’t shed its hair as often as other dog breeds, it grows continuously.
So your Mini Goldendoodle will need a haircut by a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks. Without these trims, your Doodle’s hair will quickly become unmanageable and tangle easily.
What Problems Fo Goldendoodles Have?
People love the Mini Goldendoodle because of their social butterfly personalities. But what most people don’t take into consideration is that they need a lot of attention.
So if you have a busy lifestyle and can’t spend much time with your dog, they could develop separation anxiety.
A Mini Goldendoodle with separation anxiety might start chewing furniture, digging in the yard, marking in the house, and trying to run away.
So before getting a Goldendoodle, it’s best to ask yourself if you have the time and resources to combat this.
We aren’t saying you can’t have a career and a Mini Goldendoodle. It just means you must take a few extra precautions to ensure your dog doesn’t feel bored and abandoned.
One favorite way to prevent separation anxiety is to have a great toy rotation. With puzzles, games, chew toys, and small favorites, your dog might be happy to see you leave.
Another way to help a dog with separation anxiety is to hire a dog walker or take your dog to daycare.
With these options, you will spend a small amount of weekly money to ensure your dog has a friend throughout the day. But nothing beats when you come home after a long day.
Do Mini Goldendoodles Like To Cuddle?
You wouldn’t think it, but a Miniature Goldendoodle isn’t just a lap dog. They love to run and play for most of the day.
Most vets recommend giving your Minis 30 minutes to an hour of exercise daily to keep them healthy. But the great thing is that your Mini Doodle gets tired quickly.
So instead of going on one long walk, you can break it up into two shorter daily walks.
However, it won’t stop there. Your Goldendoodle will also expect lots of playtime and training sessions in between.
Because mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, they could get bored if they don’t get these.
But if your Mini Goldendoodle exercises enough, they will love to cuddle at the end of the day.
What Age Do Goldendoodles Calm Down?
If you wonder if Goldendoodles are always like this, we have some news for you.
While your Mini Goldendoodle should calm down within the first 12 months of life, they don’t slow down too much.
They will still need lots of attention and playtime throughout most of their lives. So if you were hoping for a calm lap dog, you might want to look for another breed.
Do Mini Goldendoodles Bark A lot?
Small dogs are notorious for being vocal. And it should be no surprise that a Mini Goldendoodle can also be talkative.
Your Goldendoodle will bark if trying to communicate to you, they hear something, or is left alone. So it’s safe to say that your Mini Goldendoodle will be loud.
So if you live in an apartment, they might not fit you well.
Are Boy Or Girl Goldendoodles Better?
Some people might tell you that you won’t have a problem with some of these issues, depending on gender.
Some people will swear that boys are cuddlier or that girl don’t bark as much. But this is a big myth in the dog world.
They are the same breed whether you have a boy or girl dog. So you can expect the same temperaments and characteristics no matter what the gender is.
Size Variations
The American Kennel Association doesn’t recognize mini Goldendoodles because they are not purebred dogs.
And therefore, they don’t have a breed standard. But that doesn’t mean breeders don’t try to adhere to the same size standards.
Most breeders believe the ideal Mini Goldendoodle is between 15 and 35 pounds.
However, that doesn’t mean that all Mini Goldendoodles are guaranteed to be between these sizes. Since genetics is a finicky thing, getting a Mini that weighs over 35 pounds is possible.
Larger puppies are even more possible if the father is a Miniature Poodle instead of a toy size.
Do Mini Goldendoodles Have Health Issues?
If you aren’t convinced, here’s why Mini Goldendoodles aren’t for everybody. Without the right breeder, your Mini will have a lot of health complications as it ages. Some of the most common conditions are:
- Progressive eye atrophy
- Bloat
- Von Willebrands disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip, knee, and elbow dysplasia
- Skin allergies
- Chronic ear infections
- And cancer.
However, even with these precautions, there is still a chance of your Mini Goldendoodle developing problems as they age. So you might want to invest in pet insurance when you own a Goldendoodle.
How Much Should I Pay For A Mini Goldendoodle?
And the last reason a Goldendoodle might not be suitable for you is its price. The Mini Goldendoodle isn’t cheap by any means.
Depending on the color and location, you can expect to pay between $1,500-$2,500 for F1 Mini Goldendoodles. These crosses are of Golden Retrievers and Mini Poodles.
However, this price can increase for an F1B Goldendoodle. These Goldendoodles are 25% Golden retriever and 75% Toy Poodle to get the smallest Goldendoodles possible.
This small size can run the price up to $3k efficiently. And that doesn’t include the cost of all the supplies you will need.
Why Are Mini Goldendoodles So Expensive?
There are multiple reasons the Mini Goldendoodle are a top-dollar dog. The first is that they are designer dog in high demand.
It’s not unusual to be on a waiting list for over a year before a litter is ready to choose from. Unlike the supply and demand model, dogs are the opposite.
The more popular a breed is, the more expensive they are.
Another reason the Mini Goldendoodle has a higher price is because of the breeding it takes to make them.
Breeding a Standard Goldendoodle requires little effort to get the breed standards. But with Minis, it takes a little more calculation to ensure your pups stay small.
A Word Of Caution
Designer breeds are in high demand, and there are many breeders out there to take advantage of the profit.
Backyard breeders and puppy mills see these high prices and breed unhealthy puppies for a quick buck.
These high prices should assure you that your puppy will grow healthy and strong. So before buying any Mini Goldendoodle, tour the facility on-site.
The dogs should be clean, friendly, and well taken care of. The space should also be clean and odor-free.
You should also interview the breeder to make sure they have ethical breeding practices. All puppies should have a health guarantee, contract, deworming, and first shots.
All breeding pairs should also have DNA testing to ensure they are healthy. And finally, mothers shouldn’t have more than one litter of puppies a year. Anything more than that is unethical and cruel to the mothers.
Mini Goldendoodle Health Issues
Your Mini Goldendoodle can develop health issues common to both Poodles and Golden Retrievers. Here are the common Mini Goldendoodle health issues.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a common health condition in all dog breeds. Although it is very common in larger dogs, it can affect your Mini Goldendoodle too.
The condition occurs when the ball and socket of the dog’s hip joint do not fit correctly. It makes the joint rub and grind instead of gliding smoothly.
The condition can lead to pain, lameness, and arthritis. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Hip Dysplasia. However, several treatment options can help improve your pet’s quality of life.
Exercise, weight management, and joint supplements are recommended as initial treatments. Surgery is also an option for some dogs.
While there is no cure for Hip Dysplasia, you can do a few things to prevent it. You should avoid feeding your furry friend high-fat foods or table scraps.
Excess weight can put unnecessary strain on the hips and worsen the condition. Also, you should provide your Goldendoodle with plenty of exercises to keep the joints flexible and muscles strong.
Patella Luxation
Patella Luxation is a health condition that affects the kneecap of Goldendoodles. In normal conditions, the patella sits in a groove at the end of the thighbone (femur).
However, in dogs with this condition, it is dislocated from the groove. This results in pain and lameness.
Surgery can help to stabilize the patella in its proper position. However, in severe cases, your dog’s patella will need to be removed.
This condition is common in small-sized dogs like the mini Goldendoodle.
Various things, such as muscle imbalances, traumatic injuries, and congenital abnormalities, cause the condition.
You can manage the condition through exercise and weight management. If you suspect symptoms of the condition, you should see your vet as soon as possible.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a degenerative eye condition common in nearly all dog breeds.
The condition occurs when the photoreceptor cells in the dog’s retina break down, leading to blindness. It has many causes, although the common one is genetic.
Any dog breed, including mini Goldendoodles, can develop Progressive Retinal Atrophy as they grow older. Unfortunately, the condition does not have a known cure.
However, various treatments can help delay its progression. You should contact your vet immediately if your furry friend develops Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
If it is diagnosed earlier and interventions are made on time, you can help your mini Goldendoodle maintain its vision for several years.
Therefore, taking your dog to an ophthalmologist is important to have their eyes examined regularly. Low vision aids and nutritional supplements can help slow down its progression.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Von Willebrand’s Disease is a bleeding disorder that can be fatal. It is caused by a lack of protein that makes the dog’s blood clot. Affected dogs will often bleed excessively, even from minor injuries.
This fatal health condition is hereditary and does not have a known cure. However, you can manage it through treatment.
You can also prevent Von Willebrand’s Disease by having your breeding dogs tested before breeding them.
The chances of your mini Goldendoodle developing the disease will be high if both parents are carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mini Goldendoodles Good Dogs?
Mini Goldendoodles are playful, friendly, and obedient dogs. They make great family pets for people of all ages.
Their friendly and playful personalities make them perfect pets to be around kids. These intelligent dogs love to please their owners and are easy to train.
They are low-shedding dogs and are considered hypoallergenic. This makes them a perfect choice for people with allergies.
Because of their small sizes, they are ideal for people in smaller living spaces, such as apartments and condos.
Do Mini Goldendoodles Bark a Lot?
The Mini Goldendoodle is not known to be noisy. They are considered moderate barkers and will bark infrequently. They may not even bark when someone comes to your door.
Because of their openness and quietness toward people (including strangers), they are not recommended as watchdogs or dogs for protection.
While Mini Goldendoodles are known to be quiet dogs, that does not mean they will never get loud. If your mini Goldendoodle is barking excessively, something could be troubling them.
The causes of excessive barking include boredom, stress, pain, separation anxiety,
What is the Behavior of a Mini Goldendoodle?
Mini Goldendoodles tend to be playful and friendly dogs. They get along with other dogs, especially when paired with similar energy-level dogs.
Their compact size makes them more manageable for most families. These adorable dogs are also affectionate and love to be with their owners.
Do Mini Goldendoodles Love to Cuddle?
Mini Goldendoodles are friendly dogs who love human affection and companionship. They love to cuddle and form close bonds with their handlers.
This makes them perfect for individuals looking for a good family pet. They will be eager to show their love through some snuggling.
What Are the Negatives of Mini Goldendoodles?
Mini Goldendoodles are energetic and active dogs that need regular exercise. Inadequate or lack of exercise can lead to destructive behaviors, such as digging, chewing, and excessive barking.
They are also prone to separation anxiety if left alone at home for a long time.
What Problems do Mini Goldendoodles Have?
Since Mini Goldendoodles are hybrid dogs, they have fewer health issues than their purebred parents.
However, they are prone to common health issues with their Poodle and Golden Retriever parents.
The common Mini Goldendoodle health conditions include progressive retinal Atrophy, Von Willebrand’s disease, patella luxation, and hip dysplasia.
Is A Mini Goldendoodle Right For Me?
If you can read Here’s Why Mini Goldendoodles Aren’t For Everybody and not be phased, they might be perfect. Every dog has a downside, no matter what breed they are.
But if you can look at these downsides and turn them into something positive, you are in luck.
Below is a Pinterest-friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!
