Mini Goldendoodle Vs. Goldendoodle- What is the Difference?

Goldendoodles are adorable and a sight to behold for dog lovers. But choosing the right size can be pretty daunting, considering the wide range of sizes this charming dog comes in. In this article, we compare the two popular sizes; the miniature Goldendoodle and the standard Goldendoodle. 

The major difference is in size, with the Mini weighing between 20 to 30 pounds and standing as tall as 16-18 inches. The Standard Goldendoodle weighs between 40-85 pounds and has an average height of 19 to 25 inches. 

If you are looking to bring a Goldendoodle home but are stuck on choosing between the Mini and the standard, below is a detailed comparison of the two. We highlight how these two present, both in similarities and differences. 

Mini Goldendoodle vs. Goldendoodle Overview

Goldendoodles, both minis and standard ones, are a mix of a Golden Retriever and the Poodle. The Mini Goldendoodle is a mix between a Golden retriever and a mini Poodle, while the standard one is a mix of the Golden Retriever and the Standard Poodle. 

The Golden Retriever is the most popular dog breed, thanks to its loyalty and people-pleasing tendency. The dog is considered a large dog, weighing about 70 pounds and about 2 feet tall at the shoulder. 

The Poodle is an equally popular dog that comes in different sizes Teacup, Miniature, Moyen, Standard, and Toy Poodle. To breed miniature Goldendoodles, Mini Poodles are used with Golden Retrievers. While both the miniature Poodle and the Standard Poodle are similar, they are also different. 

Here is how these two compare. 

Standard Poodle vs. Miniature Poodle

The Mini and the Standard Poodle were bred for different reasons. The Standard one was produced to work as a retrieving dog; therefore, quite active and athletic. 

On the other hand, the Mini was bred as a prized pet of the 18th-century European aristocracy. Its small size is perfect for a companion dog, which demands much more affection and interaction than the standard one bred as a working dog. 

Mini Goldendoodle vs. Goldendoodle History

Since these two share the same parent breeds, we will look at the history of Goldendoodles generally. Goldendoodles were bred in 1969 as guide dogs, but their popularity among breeders grew in the 1990s. 

This designer breed was bred o combine the best qualities of both parents. On this note, they took the lustrous, hypoallergenic coats of the Poodle and the calming, gentle temperament of the Golden Retriever. 

The inspiration behind the breeding of Goldendoodles followed the successful breeding of the Labradoodle, a mix between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. 

And since the Golden Retriever was already a popular breed in the United States, it was an excellent choice for breeders to create more desirable crossbreeds. 

Golden Retrievers and Poodles were some of the US’s most sought-after breeds. The first three dogs to earn the American Kennel Club Obedience Champion title in 1977 were Golden Retrievers. 

This title proves that they were indeed loyal dogs, and with the trainability of Poodles, the mixed breed made a highly desirable dog. The two breeds today are among the top 5 smartest dog breeds. 

These same genes trickle down to the Goldendoodles, making some of the most athletic, intelligent, and obedient dogs in the world. Goldendoodles are recognized by the AKC but are not considered purebred dogs. 

Mini Goldendoodle vs. Goldendoodle Appearance

Both mini Goldendoodles and Standard Goldendoodles have a similar appearance and only differ when it comes to size. Goldendoodles have round and broad skulls, long muzzles, and dark, oval-shaped eyes. 

Their eyes are usually brown, but you may find some Goldendoodles with blue or green eyes. They present curious faces and have an adorable, fur-filled look. This, together with their floppy ears, adds to the furball they are, making them the most adorable dogs of this age.

The nose can be black or brown, which entirely depends on the color of the parent breeds and which of the two the mix takes after the most.  

Goldendoodles have a range of coats, depending on the parent breed they take after the most. The medium to long coat can be messy-looking and full or curled like the Poodles. The coat may also be slightly smoothed over and almost straight. 

These coat variances make them look like shaggy teddy bears and can change from the puppy stage all through adulthood. 

When it comes to their stature, Goldendoodles have a relatively long body that is well-built and muscular. If the dog takes more of the Retriever genes, it will likely have a deep chest, wide stance, and a muscular tail. 

Size Differences

The main difference between Mini Goldendoodles and Standard Goldendoodles is the size. Mini Goldendoodles weigh less than 30 pounds and grow as tall as 16 to 18 inches at shoulder length. 

Standard Goldendoodles weigh between 40 to 85 pounds and grow as tall as 19 to 25 inches at shoulder length. From these size variations, it is clear that mini and toy Goldendoodles do not have a wide range of sizes like their standard counterparts.  

In simpler terms, it is easy to find different sizes of Goldendoodles, but most Mini Goldendoodles will be around the same weight and height. 

Mini Goldendoodle vs. Goldendoodle Temperament

Like other hybrids, it is hard to pinpoint a standard temperament in these dogs. These dogs are relatively new and haven’t been studied for a long time to determine the kind of temperament they present. But, it is clear that it matches that of the mix’s parent breeds. 

One of the most outstanding qualities of Goldendoodles, regardless of their size, is their people-pleasing tendency. This quality makes them relatively easy to train as they seek to please their owners. 

Goldendoodles are lovely companion dogs and do well with other dogs, pets, and kids. They relate well to everyone; however, they need early socialization to manage unfamiliar situations and people. 

Even so, they are not bred to be guard dogs, so they will likely be friendly to strangers. But it is important to note that all dogs are different, and some Goldendoodles may have difficulties relating to strangers and adapting to new environments. 

One of the reasons people go after Goldendoodles is their highly-affectionate personality. They are friendly and enjoy the company of their human family, always seeking a hug or a cuddle and ready to play as soon as you are. 

Goldendoodles are high-energy dogs and would instead explore the outdoors than lounge all day. Therefore, they appreciate quality time playing in the backyard, walking around the neighborhood, and playing with other dogs at the doggy park. 

Remember, Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and present a curious personality. That said, you need to pay attention to what they are up to as they can often get mischievous, especially outdoors. 

The good thing is that they are obedient and will listen to your commands and follow your cues. This, together with their people-pleasing tendencies and high intelligence, makes them ideal for various family dynamics with multiple personalities. 

Goldendoodles might fool you with their cuddly, teddy-bear looks, but they are pretty athletic. They share DNA with many popular hunting dogs, a genetic makeup that contributes to the dog’s playful temperament. 

Therefore, you can be sure to enjoy playtime with your dog as much as have cuddles with them. Your Goldendoodle will bring so much love and cheer to your family with its friendly, charming, gentle, energetic, and loyal personality. 

Mini Goldendoodle vs. Goldendoodle Care and Maintenance 

Mini Goldendoodles and Standard Goldendoodles are easy to care for; however, they need consistent care and maintenance to give you back as much love as you accord them. Your dog will need a proper diet, regular exercise, consistent training, and grooming. 

Let’s look at each of these care and maintenance requirements below. 

Feeding

When feeding your Goldendoodle, the most important thing to remember is the size. Mini Goldendoodles certainly do not need as much food as a Medium Goldendoodle or Standard Goldendoodle. On this note, you need to craft a diet that suits your dog’s size and energy requirements. 

A Goldendoodle is a high-energy dog that needs a diet that meets its energy needs. But this does not mean all food for high-energy dogs will work for them. Remember, your dog has other nutritional requirements that the food must meet. 

Mini Goldendoodles can do well with food specially formulated for small, high-energy dogs, while standard Goldendoodles can do well with food formulated for large breeds. But, the food needs to have the right balance of nutrients to benefit your dog’s health. 

Since this can be challenging to figure out, especially as a first-time Goldendoodle owner, the best approach would be to engage your vet. They are better positioned to advise on the kind of food that suits your Goldendoodle right.  

Generally, a dry kibble high in fat and protein does the trick for this Poodle mix. And dry kibble helps eliminate plaque and promote your dog’s dental hygiene. 

When choosing the right dog food for your Goldendoodle, consider the ingredients. Unfortunately, Goldendoodles are susceptible to food allergies, and ingredients such as wheat, corn, soy, and dairy are common culprits. 

Go for grain-free dog food with whole vegetables and natural fat sources. When figuring out a place to start with dog food, a good pointer is to look for the first ingredient, which in our case of Goldendoodles’ food should be meat. 

Exercise

Goldendoodles have between average to high energy levels. Therefore, they require daily exercise to stay fit, active, and healthy, regardless of the size of the Goldendoodle. Goldendoodles thrive in stimulating environments that feed their curiosity and exercise their minds. 

That said, ensure you engage your dog in interactive play, whether that is with kids, other pets, or toys. Play games such as flyball and fetch to get high-intensity exercise while stimulating them mentally. 

Your dog may enjoy swimming, too, especially if it has a strong gene pool of the Golden Retriever. If you notice yours enjoys time in the water, make sure you take them swimming as often as you can. 

For Goldendoodles that take after the Poodle parent more than the Golden Retriever, you may notice an interest in agility courses and challenging sports. If yours enjoys this, ensure you plan several activities to stimulate them mentally while they meet their exercise needs. 

For Mini Goldendoodles, aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise. This is enough exercise to keep them at a healthy weight while helping them expend any built-up energy. Short walks, backyard playtime, and interactive play at the park would do. 

For Standard Goldendoodles, at least an hour of exercise is recommended to maintain a healthy life. Hikes, outdoor games, swims, and long walks are adequate to physically keep your Goldendoodle in good condition. 

Training 

Mini and Standard Goldendoodles are obedient, athletic, and intelligent, making them easy to train. They are eager to learn and are always curious about what you are up to, which makes integrating training into playtime easy. 

Their high intelligence and curious nature are good, but these qualities can come in the way of you getting them to learn tricks and commands. They can present stubbornness at the beginning and will want to show you how well they know things, delaying training. 

The good thing is that their people-pleasing attitude dissolves their stubborn nature. They will want to please you and often let go of their determined attitude during training, especially if you are firm with your commands and cues. 

Another tip when training Goldendoodles is to incorporate play in training sessions. They are likely to pick up tricks and commands while having fun outdoors or playing with toys. 

Additionally, keeping the training session short can help you in training them. They do not necessarily have a short attention span, but like other dogs, they can easily get distracted, especially if they cannot understand what you are trying to teach them. 

Ensure you use positive reinforcement methods for effective training. Praise your dog when it progresses and have treats on hand to reward its reception to tricks and commands. 

Like other dogs, Goldendoodles require early socialization to learn how to relate to people and other pets. Introduce your Goldendoodle to other dogs as soon as you bring it home. Plan play dates with other dog parents to help your dog learn how to handle other pets. 

Grooming

The cuddly teddy bear look of the Goldendoodle is probably the most tasking thing to maintain with this dog. But, with the right tool and grooming methods, you can keep your furry friend’s coat in good condition. 

Goldendoodles have a dense, loosely curled coat like that of the Poodle or a thick, tight coat like that of the Retriever. Whichever coat your Goldendoodle takes, it will be dense and full, which makes it prone to collecting dirt and matting. 

Therefore, the curly hair needs regular brushing with a slicker brush, preferably a few times a week. In addition to this, the coat needs professional trimming every 8 to 12 weeks. This is because the curly coat grows continuously and can easily cover the ears, eyes, footpads, and hind end. 

Remember, Goldendoodles have floppy ears, which can create a favorable ground for infections to develop. On this note, you should inspect the ears regularly and clean them as often as required to get rid of build-up wax. 

Like other dogs, Goldendoodles need regular teeth cleaning. Brushing their teeth a few times a week to get rid of plaque and prevent dental diseases is advisable. You can also clip their nails regularly to prevent them from scratching surfaces and possibly hurting young kids when playing. 

Goldendoodles Health Issues 

Goldendoodles tend to be healthy dogs if bred by a reputable breeder. Even so, they may inherit health problems associated with their parents, the Poodle and the Golden Retriever. 

The good thing is that hybrids have a higher chance of minimizing health conditions associated with their parents, but there is still a possibility of suffering from these conditions. As such, it is essential to understand these health issues to catch them as early as they surface. 

Here are some of the health concerns that Mini and Standard Goldendoodles are predisposed to: 

Hip Dysplasia: This condition affects the hips of the dog, leading to mobility problems if not treated on time. A hip exam is recommended to keep a potential issue in check. 

Eye disorders: Eye problems are common among all Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Therefore, have an annual eye checkup for your Goldenddodle to treat eye infections on time and prevent chronic eye disorders.

Ear Infections: Goldendoodles are prone to developing ear infections, specifically yeast infections. Since they have floppy ears, they do not allow water to drain easily, creating a favorable environment for yeast to grow. 

FAQs?

How Much Space Does a Goldendoodle Need? 

The amount of space your Goldendoodle needs depends on its size. Mini Goldendoodles can do well in apartments or homes with limited space since they do not need much space to play. 

On the other hand, Standard Goldendoodles are considered large dogs and require a large area to play comfortably. That said, they are not suitable for people that live in apartments or small houses unless they have access to large play parks and backyards. 

So, the Mini Goldendoodle might be your best bet if you have a small house or live in an apartment. 

How Long do Goldendoodles Live?

A mini Goldendoodle will live two years longer than the Standard size. Standard Goldendoodles have an estimated lifespan of 10 to 13 years, while the average lifespan of the Mini is 12 to 15 years. 

Mini Goldendoodle vs. Goldendoodle: Which One is Best for Families?

Both sizes of Goldendoodles are great family dogs since their temperament, care, and maintenance are typically similar. They are loyal, friendly, playful, and energetic and blend in well with active families looking for a cuddly dog that is equally as active outdoors. 

How Much do Goldendoodles Cost?

Mini and Standard Goldendoodles can be expensive, costing between $2,000 and $3,000. The total cost will depend on the breeder’s reputation, location, additional health tests, and insurance. 

Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?

Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic, thanks to the Poodle gene. They hardly shed, and when they do, the fur is trapped in the coat. This explains why you will hardly see hair on surfaces with a Goldendoodle in your house. 

The Bottom Line

The choice between a Mini Goldendoodle and a Standard Goldendoodle boils down to preference. If you love big dogs and have the space for one, then a Standard Goldendoodle is an excellent choice, but if you want smaller dogs, the Mini Goldendoodle will do.