Mix With A Smaller Breed
One way to create a mini Golden Retriever is to cross one with a smaller breed which shares similar characteristics.
Most commonly, the Golden Retriever is crossed with the Cocker Spaniel or the Miniature Poodle.
Therefore, these miniature or teacup Golden Retrievers are in fact designer dogs not purebreds.
Some object to designer or crossbreed dogs as they are concerned that the traits of the dogs are more variable than in the case of a purebred.
Similarly, the origins of the dog may be harder to trace, especially if the breeder has not taken care to record such details.
They may also feel they are not getting a real Golden Retriever.
However, of all the ways to make a dog smaller, crossing with another, healthy dog of a different breed poses the least risk to the health of the resulting dog as long as it is done responsibly.
Regarding the size and health of the parent dogs, evidence suggests that crossing breeds can lead to more robust dogs with less risk of some inherited illnesses that run in some dog breeds.
Mini Golden Retriever Exercise Needs
Mini golden retrievers will need a lot of exercise, mostly thanks to their golden retriever heritage.
And in addition to exercising their bodies, theyll also need to exercise their minds.
Walking will contribute to these needs, but youll likely need a little more, especially when these dogs are in their puppy and adolescent stages.
Here are two good ways to stimulate your mini goldens mind:
- training
- puzzle toys, like frozen kongs
And here are two good ways to satisfy their exercise needs:
- playing games like fetch or tug
- doggy play dates
Small Golden Retriever Breeds Faqs
What small dog is most like a golden retriever?
The Golden retriever is unlike any other retriever but the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is quite similar to it though smaller than golden retrievers are.
What is the smallest retriever breed?
Often mistaken for golden retrievers, the is regarded as the smallest of the retrievers because of its size. Their males are 44 to 51 lbs while their females are 37 to 44 lbs.;;;
What is the toughest small dog?
There isnt any small dog breed that can be categorically referred to as the toughest because any size dog has the potential to become tough and aggressive.
Some of the commonly known tough small dogs include Beagle, Pekingese, Cocker Spaniel, Manchester Terrier, Bull Terrier, and several others.;
Wrapping Up
Small golden retrievers that stay small are more expected from mini golden retrievers because of the combination of breeds that they are made of and as a result, most times suffer from dwarfism.
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Are They Officially Recognized
Miniature Golden Retrievers are;not a member of the American Kennel Club but;a certain mix of them is;recognized by the Designer Dogs Kennel Club the Golden Retriever x Goldendoodle.
Responsible breeders are clearly committed to work towards the recognition of the breed and the enforcement of best breeding practices for Mini Goldens/ small golden retrievers. This usually translates to puppies sold already neutered, microchipped, with an ID tag and a health certificate.
As with any breed of dog, its imperative that you choose to buy from a reputable breeder in order to ensure the good health and longevity of;your new pup.
Mini Golden Retriever Dog Info
While their name may imply just a smaller version of a Golden Retriever, this Miniature is a hybrid breed that brings together a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle. Unlike full Goldendoodles, a crossbreed between Poodles and Golden Retrievers, these Minis are bred to be as close to the Golden Retriever as possible. This means they have a more similar coat, appearance, and temperament to the Golden Retriever than a Poodle. Their size is significantly smaller than Standard Golden Retrievers.
Often, these dogs reach a weight between 20 to 45 pounds and a height of 14 to 20 inches when measured at the shoulders. Its exact size is very dependent on their genetic make-up and the size of the parents. As they are a mixed breed, they may also come with fewer health concerns, especially when the breeders are committed to preserving the breeds health. The temperament of the Miniature Golden Retriever is often very similar to that of the Standard. They are very friendly, loyal, and caring toward their families, other dogs, and strangers.
Find Golden Retriever breeders in more specific areas:Best Golden Retriever Breeders on the East CoastandBest Golden Retrievers in the Midwest.
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About The Miniature Golden Retriever
These dogs first appeared in the early 2000s.
It believed that they were first bred by a breeder known as Kathy Burgess in an attempt to create a more manageable Goldie size.
The breeder also aimed at creating a healthier Golden Retriever version;
The mini golden retriever Is also known as;
- Little Golden Retriever
- Petite Golden Retriever
- Comfort Retriever
Not just any Poodle is used but a Miniature or Toy Poodle with Cocker Spaniels being less preferred due to behavioral issues.
The ratio between the Golden Retriever and the other breed should be at least 70:30 respectively.
This is a loving, calm, and affectionate dog that is a great family addition.
You may also be interested in the Miniature German Shepherd.
Some Mini Goldies can be created by the introduction of the dwarfism gene. Let us take a look at how that is done.
Proper Diet For A Golden Retriever
Protein is the number one nutrient that will ensure that your Golden Retriever not only grows to its maximum potential but will also guarantee your dog a healthy life. All dogs descend from wolves which regularly hunted for meat as their primary food source; Golden Retrievers still have this instinct to consume mainly protein leftover from their ancestors.;
Proteins such as beef, poultry, lamb, and fish in pure form give Golden Retrievers the nutrition they need to build muscle, strengthen and lengthen bones, and to grow and maintain vital organs including the brain.
If you dont want to feed your dog whole proteins, be sure to opt for brands that are complete and balanced to ensure that adequate amounts of preferably fresh proteins are included.;
You can certainly feed your Golden Retriever a dry food diet, granted the dried food meets the recommended guidelines set out by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Always check the labels to be sure the feed contains at least 0.03 ounces of protein per the body weight of your Golden Retriever.;
Grains and vegetables are also important to a dogs growth, so be sure that your chosen feed contains an adequate amount of non-processed grains and veggies.;
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Are There Any Other Ways Of Achieving Miniature Golden Retrievers
The most common form of mini Golden is the Poodle/Goldie mix.
However, there is no guarantee that this is the approach used by all breeders. There are some that prefer to use a Retriever with a Cocker Spaniel, perhaps because it is easier or they see some other benefits in the build and characteristics. Once again, we get a smaller dog with a good look that is immediately appealing to dog owners on face value.
Unfortunately, there are some warnings against choosing this approach for the best Mini Golden Retriever.
Secondly, there are some breeders that have noted some behavioral problems with this type of cross. Cocker Spaniels have a tendency to be a little more aggressive, with some prone to nipping and biting. As this miniaturized Golden is designed to be a family-friendly animal, this could limit the appeal significantly.
Golden Retriever Cocker Spaniel Mix Image Source
How Do They Reproduce
The mini golden retriever is created by crossing a poodle and a golden retriever. The golden retriever can also be crossed with a cocker spaniel. The poodle parent is mated with an adult golden retriever multiple times, over a set period of time, until it is pregnant. The gestation period in these dog breeds, like most dogs, is a couple of months. This period can last a few days more or less based on the dog species. The breeding is generally done by the breeder and the puppies that are obtained from poodle parents and golden retrievers are sold to people who want to keep them as pets when they are a few weeks old. The mini golden retriever often does not live with its biological parents.
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Mini Golden Retriever Shedding
Poodles shed a lot less than golden retrievers and cocker spaniels, so if your mini golden has a good amount of poodle in them, then theyll likely shed less than one who is mostly golden retriever and cocker spaniel.
Having a lot of poodle in them will also change the texture of the coat, given that poodles have curlier and more coarse coats than golden retrievers or cocker spaniels.
Another good thing about mini golden retrievers in regard to shedding is that they just have less volume of hair to shed no matter what their lineage is.
A 75 lb golden retriever with long flowing locks has a lot more fur to shed than a 30-pound dog.
P.S. Click here to learn more about golden retriever shedding.
The Appeal Of The Teacup Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a much-loved breed. One thing that might limit peoples ability to own one is their size.
Male Golden Retrievers can reach 75lbs!
This being the case, the prospect of finding a dog with everything a Golden Retriever has to offer in a smaller package is very appealing to some.
A smaller dog can live in a smaller space such as an apartment with ease, their bed and other items take up less room, and they eat less.
For some, the idea of a dog that looks a little bit more like a puppy its whole life is also appealing.
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Training And Exercise For A Mini Golden Retriever
Canines are a long term commitment. You have to keep them sheltered, watered and fed all year round. Moreover,;you must ensure that they get enough mental stimulation and exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Training and exercise are particularly important for mini Golden Retrievers. If they dont get enough exercise, you will start noticing behavior problems and increasing weight which eventually leads to bad health.
Make sure that your mini Golden Retriever;is getting at least 30 minutes;of exercise;every day. Training should be a daily occurrence too if you are to ensure that their command responses and behavior are well-honed for them to stay with your children inside your home. So, before buying a mini Golden Retriever;make sure;to determine if you can dedicate enough time and energy to their training and exercise.
Will My Home Be Covered With Hair
Like their larger counterparts, Mini Golden Retrievers;shed an undercoat seasonally to adapt to changing climates.
They are frequently called hypoallergenic, however, because they shed less dander than some other, more nasally-irritating breeds.
Their grooming is simple, and only moderate maintenance is needed as long as you stay on top of it.
Daily brushing is essential to ensure that their long locks dont knot themselves into mats. When petting your dog, you should be able to feel down to their skin all-over, with no hard masses of fur.
When dog hair knots, it can get to a point where its so tight against the skin that it causes INTENSE pain and sensitivity for your dog.;Sometimes, mats cant even be detangled manually and have to be shaved off.
Hopefully, you wont encounter this, but youll still do well to find a groomer in your area for monthly or biweekly trims.
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An Overview Of The Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel was developed in the 14th century as a hunting dog.
Both the American and English Cocker Spaniels are known for their happy and playful nature and also their beautiful appearance.;
They rose to fame after the Disney movie Lady and Tramp come out in the 1950s.
A fully grown Cocker Spaniel could weigh up to 30 pounds and measure about 13 inches. This is about half the size of the Golden Retriever.;
Their manageable size and temperament make them an ideal breed for the creation of the mini golden retriever.;
A Golden Cocker Retriever is a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Golden Retriever. Learn more by clicking the link.
Prices Of Miniature Golden Retriever Puppies With Registration Papers
The average price of a Miniature Golden Retriever puppy that comes with registration papers is $2520, while the average price of a Miniature Golden Retriever puppy without registration papers is $2030.
We obtained this price information from our price breakdown of 19 Miniature Golden Retriever puppies with registration papers that were listed for sale and 101 Miniature Golden Retriever puppies without registration papers that were listed for sale.
If you want to buy a Miniature Golden Retriever puppy with registration papers, expect to pay an extra $490 more compared to a puppy without papers.
The price of a registered/registerable Miniature Golden Retriever puppy ranges from $1900 to $3500.
The price of a Miniature Golden Retriever puppy without registration papers ranges from $1500 to $2500.
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How Much Miniature Golden Retrievers Cost In The Different Us States
The price of Miniature Golden Retrievers can vary from one US state to another.
Note that if Miniature Golden Retriever puppies are too expensive in your state, you may consider buying your puppy from breeders in other US states. A lot of breeders know how to safely ship puppies from one US State to another US State.
However, when you buy a puppy for a breeder in a different US State, the breeder might charge you extra money for sending the puppy to you.
However, you need to be very diligent when buying a puppy for a breeder that does not live in the same US State as you do. A lot of people get scammed this way.
Below is a summary of how much Miniature Golden Retrievers cost in different US states.
The average price of a Miniature Golden Retriever puppy in Michigan is $2190. The price of a Miniature Golden Retriever ranges from $1500 to $3000 in Michigan. We obtained this average price and price range by reviewing the prices of 21 Miniature Golden Retriever puppies listed for sale by Miniature Golden Retriever breeders in Michigan.
The average price of a Miniature Golden Retriever puppy in Ohio is $1710. The price of a Miniature Golden Retriever ranges from $1350 to $2100 in Ohio. We obtained this average price and price range by reviewing the prices of 27 Miniature Golden Retriever puppies listed for sale by Miniature Golden Retriever breeders in Ohio.
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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
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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.
You Mightve Heard Adopt Dont Shop Before
You also have the option to rescue a Mini Golden Retriever instead. Shelter dogs are 100% as lovely as those from breeders.
In fact, if you arent concerned with knowing specific lineages and breed composition, going to shelters and rescues is a great way to make sure you arent supporting the wrong people.
Backyard breeders are typically pretty obvious, but if youre worried youll miss the signs, dogs up for adoption are cheaper AND have the added bonus of giving a pup a much-needed home.
Most rescue centers do require an adoption fee which is generally between $75 to $200 to cover basic puppy healthcare, plus youll have to pay for a dog license fee which is around $10.
These fees are for spaying or neutering, heartworm and other parasite tests, and their first round of shots, but youll want to contact your rescue or shelter directly for specifics.
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