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Golden Retriever That Stays Small

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Can A Golden Retriever Be White

Mini golden retriever

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One of the defining features of a Golden Retriever is that they have some beautiful gold fur.

The fur can be done in a lot of different shades of gold and some are even slightly red.

But all of them tend to have a lot of gold in them, especially if they are purebred.

Some pet owners may see some variations to this coloring and wonder if a purebred golden retriever can have white in them?

What Are The Differences Between A Mini Golden Retriever And A Mini Goldendoodle

Mini Goldendoodles have MUCH more Poodle in them, but as breeding is a mix of Toy Poodles, their estimated size is about the same as the Mini Golden. As mentioned above they range from 20 lbs to 45 lbs and 14 inches to 20 inches tall .

Though they come in similar-sized packaging, you can certainly see the difference between them.

Mini Goldens tend to have fur that is sleeker, with waves rather than curls.

The Mini Golden Retrievers Grooming Needs

Although the Mini Golden Retriever can be hypoallergenic, you can expect heavy grooming with this hybrid as all its parent breeds have high-maintenance coats.

Daily brushing of the coat should be a part of your routine should you decide to get a Small Golden Retriever.

Frequent brushing is important to make sure that their hair stays neat and tangle-free. It ensures that their hair does not knot, which could be painful for your dog.

Regular grooming prevents excessive shedding all over your house, too. You may also need to find a professional groomer in your area to occasionally trim your dogs coat and keep it at a manageable length.

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Are There Different Types Of Golden Retrievers

To start this conversation off, its important to note that the Golden Retriever Club of America makes it clear that there is just one breed of golden retriever.

Yes, there are different styles , but theyre all one breed.

On the other hand, what some people call golden retrievers arent actually golden retrievers, like black golden retrievers and mini golden retrievers.

This post is going to look at what some people think are different types of golden retrievers and get down to the truth about each type.

These types are:

  • Black golden retrievers
  • Mini golden retrievers
  • But before we get into the different types and styles today, it will help to get a good understanding of where golden retrievers came from in the first place.

    Mini Golden Retriever Socialization And Training Requirements

    Golden Retriever Puppies That Stay Small

    Like all dogs, Mini Golden Retrievers do best with positive reinforcement training techniques.

    Speaking of crate training, youll want to ensure you take time to train and socialize your Mini Golden Retriever. While these dogs are famously family-friendly, without proper training and socialization they can grow up to be anxious and can even develop potential behavioral issues like fear-based aggression.

    Proper socialization of a Mini Golden Retriever will include making sure you introduce your dog to as many new experiences as possible at an early age. Try and ensure these first impressions are positive for your dog and refrain from forcing your Mini Golden Retriever into a situation that he is obviously nervous about.

    If you plan on raising your Mini Golden Retriever with children, its important to get your dog used to being handled and played with by youngsters. Of course, its equally important to help young children understand how to gently and respectfully interact with the family dog.

    We also suggest you work with age appropriate children and other family members to learn some basic canine body language. Understanding how your dog communicates can not only help reduce potential behavioral issues, but it can also help build a stronger bond between you and your four-legged friend.

    He will respond most favorably to treats and praise, and will enjoy training sessions that are kept short, repetitive and gamelike.

    Read Also: How Much To Feed A Golden Retriever Dog

    Golden Retriever Poodle Mix

    This mix has been around since the 1990s when it was created to be a service dog. It is called a Goldendoodle, too.

    This mix has a great personality, intelligence, and intuition.

    Due to the different sizes of Poodle, this mix is likely to produce the closest thing to a teacup Golden Retriever by some standards. If they have been crossed with a Toy Poodle, some Goldendoodles can be as small as 13 inches when fully grown, however, there is huge scope for variation here.

    Goldendoodles are less likely to shed than other dogs, thanks to the Poodle parent.

    However, being a mixed breed, there is always the chance that they will take after their Golden Retriever parent and shed more than you may have expected, so keep this in mind.

    If you would like to know more about this cross breed, you can find plenty of information here.

    A Big Breed Like A Golden Retriever But Dont Want To Spend So Much Time Exercising

    Youll need to be a realistic here ALL dogs need daily exercise, and big breeds will, generally, need more exercise time than smaller dogs. On average, a Golden Retriever needs about an hour a day of exercise some need more. Thats rain or shine, or whether your social anxiety is getting to you or not. You should also expect your Golden Retriever to want more exercise than just an hour especially if there are friends around to play with, or people and other dogs to sniff and meet on walks.

    If you would love to have a big breed like a Golden Retriever, but would prefer to have a snuggle buddy than a walking buddy

    Consider: a Great Dane

    If youre a couch potato with your heart set on a big breed, this might be the best choice but hell still need daily exercise. Still, youre getting much more dog for the amount of activity you need to put in. Dogtime recommends 30 to 60 minutes a day for an adult Great Dane, and 90 minutes for a puppy. Exercise can also help keep your Great Dane from developing bloat which is a common ailment in large, deep-chested breeds.

    When you get your exercise out of the way for the day, though, your Great Dane will be happy to marathon anything you want on Netflix, fit as much of himself as he can into your lap, and love you from the comfort of your couch!If youre 100% opposed to daily exercise and cant bear the thought of breaking a sweat have you considered a cat?

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    Introduce Gene For Dwarfism

    Another way dogs are miniaturized is by deliberately breeding them to have dwarfism.

    There are a couple of different types of dwarfism. While both result in a smaller dog, the reasons behind their stunted growth and the other side effects they experience will differ.

    In order to produce a dog with dwarfism, two dogs which carry the dwarfism gene must be mated.

    It can be hard to tell if a dog carries the gene or not. A dog which carries it may not be smaller than usual.

    The only way to find out is to carry out a DNA test.

    The Golden Retriever has been identified as a breed that can potentially carry the gene for one type of dwarfism.

    While introducing this gene will ensure the dog stays small, it also leaves the dog vulnerable to a variety of associated health conditions such as spinal problems, hearing and breathing issues, and joint issues.

    Clearly, a dog which happens to be born with dwarfism needs love and care. However, breeding a dog deliberately in the knowledge they will likely experience ill health is not kind.

    Mini Golden Retriever Pros And Cons To This Unique Dog

    11 Healthy Beautiful Little Golden Retriever Puppies!

    While the Mini Golden Retriever can make an excellent companion, there are pros and cons to investing in one.

    Like all dogs, the Mini Golden Retriever is not everyones cup of tea. There are certain owners and families he will do better in than others, and if youre on the fence, were here to help.

    Are you considering investing in a Mini Golden Retriever? If so, we are going to summarize the pros and cons of this adorable yet controversial canine to hopefully make your decision a little bit easier.

    Take a look.

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    Should You Get A Miniature Golden Retriever

    Its hard to go wrong with choosing these small dogs, as their parent breeds the Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and Poodle all have even temperaments and great looks.

    Whats not to love about a smaller version of the Golden Retriever?

    These adorable canines are friendly and smart and they make for good family dogs that are perfect for owners who love to spend time being physically active.

    However, these dogs also need plenty of grooming because of their thick coats.

    Do you own a Mini Golden Retriever? We want to know about it! Tell us about your dog in the comments section.

    Miniature Golden Retriever Rescue Organizations In All States

    If you are considering getting a Golden Retriever, you’ll want to check out the incredible book “The Complete Guide to Golden Retrievers”. It’s written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their Golden Retriever from puppy to old-age. It’s widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, or A new breed that is not recognized by any official group, Miniature Golden Retrievers are a mix of the golden retriever, poodle, and cocker spaniel. The dogs are not always small, and many breeders are still working to create the better the breed. Thus, there are not a lot of these dogs available to the public. These dogs can be anywhere from 14 to 20 inches tall and can weigh up to 50 pounds. Because they are mixed with retriever, they are a very high energy dog, and will require lots of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and release their energy.

    If you can’t find the right Miniature Golden Retriever Rescue that youre searching for in your state, check below the listings for links to other Rescues in nearby states who may have exactly what you are looking for.

    We are so grateful that we are able to help you rescue the dog of your dreams. In addition to coming back here, you can also check us out on , , and for additional info on rescue groups near you, current posts, and pictures!

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    Do Miniature Golden Retrievers Like To Swim

    Yes, the small size goldens love to swim and it is great exercise for them. The designer breed has a thick, water-repellent coat on the outer side and a thick undercoat, which keeps their body warm and prevents them from the cold, while the upper layer is long and lies flat, repelling the water. They enjoy swimming even when they are young or just puppies.

    Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals including rottweiler lab mix, or flat-coated retriever.

    You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one of our Miniature golden retriever coloring pages.

    Genetic Defect And Illnesses

    Golden Retriever Puppy

    In rare cases, Golden Retrievers can have dwarfism. This is a genetic defect brought by irresponsible breeding, mutation, a poor diet during the mothers pregnancy, and more.

    The most common condition associated with this is Skeletal Dysplasia 2. Affected dogs will suffer from disproportionate dwarfism, characterized by short legs with normal body size and length. It will make your Golden Retrievers bones thicker and slightly curved, with the front legs being more affected than the rear.

    The biggest problem here is that the height of Golden Retrievers with Skeletal Dysplasia 2 is variable. This means that it varies widely and challenging to detect.

    Legitimate breeders can identify a Golden Retriever with Skeletal Dysplasia 2 through rigorous genetic testing. Its a requirement for most professional breeders, which guarantees that youre going to get a healthy dog.

    If youre getting a second Goldie, its important to meet the two-parent dogs. If one of them is stunted or has dwarfism, the trait will be passed on to the litter.

    On the other hand, Golden Retrievers can also have pituitary dwarfism. This condition isnt caused by genetic mutation as with Skeletal Dysplasia 2. Instead, the stunted growth is due to growth hormone deficiency. Nevertheless, its also an inherited disorder like Skeletal Dysplasia 2, but quite rare on Golden Retrievers.

    Also Check: Grooming Golden Retriever

    Health Issues And Lifespan Of A Mini Golden Retriever

    Depending on how he was bred, the mini Golden Retriever may have more or less health issues than a standard Golden Retriever.

    Sometimes, unofficial mini Dogs can be unhealthy. This is not the case with the Mini Golden Retriever. In fact, a responsibly bred Mini Golden Retriever has been found to have a longer lifespan than that of his standard counterpart, with a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years.

    Furthermore, if responsibly bred, a Mini Golden Retriever is less likely to suffer from many of the same genetic health issues as his standard sized counterpart, thanks to responsible breeding practices and the fact that your Mini Golden is a crossbreed.

    Still, like all dogs, the Mini Golden Retriever can be predisposed to a few genetic health issues that owners should be aware of.

    These health issues include:

    • Collapsed Trachea
    • And Bloat

    You can help combat certain health issues in your Mini Golden Retriever by ensuring you not only get him from a reputable breeder that understands the importance of responsible breeding practices, but by also following the below tips.

    Make And Keep Routine Vet Visits

    All pet parents know that vet visits can be expensive, but just like wellness exams are important for us, they are also important for our pets. Ensuring your dog is seen for basic check ups at least once a year may not only help catch any potential health issues early, but even save you money down the road in treatment.

    Invest In A Quality Dog Food For Your Mini Golden Retriever

    Adopting A Black Golden Retriever

    Your next option is to adopt a black golden retriever. You may be able to find one at your local animal rescue. Or check Golden Bond Rescue or the Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles Rescue. They may come across these dogs from time to time.

    You can also look for crossbreed Golden Retrievers that are mixed with another breed.

    Recommended Reading: Best Golden Retriever Breeders California

    Finding White On Your Golden Retriever

    Finding some white spots on your golden retriever is not something to cause concern.

    It likely means that somewhere in their lineage, they had someone that had the white as well.

    Since this is a genetic trait, you will likely be able to trace it back up the line for the dog.

    It will not cause them any health conditions or worries along the way and they will be perfectly happy and healthy, and even a purebred, just like the traditional golden retriever.

    Dogs are great, right? I’ve had 3 dogs in my lifetime, and I don’t plan on stopping there!

    Mini Golden Retriever Personality

    How to train your golden retriever to stay

    Your mini Golden Retrievers personality will depend upon their parents, and how well socialized they are when you bring them home.

    From working lines, this mix will regardless be likely to be clever, cooperative and rather active.

    Early, thorough socialization will help to ensure that they are a settled and friendly pet.

    The Happy Cat Handbook – A unique guide to understanding and enjoying your cat!

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    How Do They Compare With Standard Golden Retrievers

    While the aim of Miniature Goldens was simply to create a dog that was a companion sized version of the standard Golden, there are a number of differences and similarities between them. This should be expected if you account for the Mini also having some Poodle characteristics.

    Theres no breed standard for the Mini Golden, but there is enough breeding activity at this point to accurately gauge some sort of average across the dogs.

    Heres how they compare.

    Field Bred Golden Retrievers

    Field golden retrievers embody what golden retrievers were originally bred to do: hunt.

    Field bred goldens are on the smaller end of the spectrum as far as how big goldens get, theyre athletic, and theyre typically more driven than other styles of goldens.

    Their coats are usually shorter and range from gold to red, and they have tons of energy.

    They excel at hunting and agility, and make great family pets, as long as theyre trained properly and have a job to do.

    They also may be rather mouthy, considering theyre bred to retrieve things with their mouth.

    To be clear, field goldens are golden retrievers, theyre just a particular style of golden.

    The opposite of field bred golden retrievers are conformation, or show golden retrievers

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    Beware Of Abnormally Rapid Growth

    Rapid growth among Golden Retrievers isnt always good. If it happens too fast, your dog will suffer from life-threatening consequences. The extremely rapid growth can make your dogs bones long yet brittle.

    The dogs diet is the main factor involved here. This is why you should pay attention to the life stage and the quality of the food youre serving.

    Also, dont overdo supplements. While Golden Retrievers need ample calcium, too much will cause weakness, frequent urination, and listlessness. Prolonged consumption of excessive calcium will lead to kidney stones and hypercalcemia.

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