Is A Mini Goldendoodle Right For Me
With his gentle nature, sweet face, and quick intelligence, the mini Goldendoodle has a lot going for him. If hes well-bred and properly socialized, hell make a wonderful pet for almost any family.
According to the Goldendoodle Association of North America an adult mini Goldendoodle stands from 14 to 17 inches and weighs between 26 to 35 pounds.
They will be a fairly active dog who requires a daily walk. This is a good time for them to get out and meet other people and dogs.
The mini Goldendoodle doesnt make much of a watchdog. Theyre simply too eager to be friends with everyone.
These dogs love to be around people and will want to follow you wherever you go.
Golden Retriever German Shepherd Mix
This cross is a Golden Shepherd. This is likely to be a large breed.
The Golden Shepherds coat will depend on what it inherits. The German Shepherd has a medium length, thick, double coat. Golden Shepherds will require weekly brushing and occasional baths. Although shedding will also depend on the individual dog.
This is an energetic mix that needs daily exercise to avoid undesirable behavior. So, the Golden Shepherd is also a great candidate for canine sports like agility, herding, and tracking! Both parent breeds are regularly used as service dogs, which demonstrates how intelligent they are. However, training and socialization should be started as early as possible for a confident, well-behaved adult!
German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix = German Golden Retriever
Learn more about the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix.
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German Shepherd Golden Retriever
A.K.A. Golden Shepherd
German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are the 2nd and 3rd most popular purebred dogs in America, respectively.
So its not surprising that GSD Golden mix dogs have a lot of interest.
Goldens are famous for being friends with everyone. But German Shepherds have a long history as herding and guarding dogs. So, theyre more wary and reserved around unfamiliar people.
Golden Shepherds can take after either parent in this regard. Or sit somewhere in between.
What you can be sure of is that their own unique personality will come inside a large 60-80lb dog, with a fabulous coat that sheds like nothing else.
But What About Poodle Fur
Allergies can be less of a problem for some pet allergy sufferers because these dogs have a tendency to shed less thanks to their Poodle parentage.
However, not all Goldendoodles will take after their Poodle parent. Therefore, its important to study the parent dogs closely so you can know what to expect when your puppy grows up.
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Is A Golden Retriever Mix Right For You
Golden Retrievers are enduringly popular dogs.
Theyve held a top three place in the AKCs most popular breeds list for several years because theyre good all-rounders, and fit well into lots of different kinds of homes.
If youre interested in a Golden Retriever mix puppy, think about what qualities youre hoping they will take from each parent. And how youll feel about them if it doesnt turn out that way.
The more different from a Golden the other parent breed is, the more potential there is for variety in their puppies.
Whilst puppies from a Golden and a very similar breed, like a Lab, are more likely to turn out how youd expect.
Which Is Your Favorite Golden Retriever Mix?
Let us know in the comments box down below!
Goldendoodle Health And Care
Both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle have certain known health issues that occur more frequently within each dog breed.
As mentioned earlier here, this is thought to be a result of focused breeding to match an ideal appearance standard.
For this reason, any good breeder will take care to test all parent dogs to rule out passing on any known genetic health issues to puppies.
However, not all health issues currently have reliable tests. This means it is wise to learn all you can about potential breed health issues before you commit to a particular puppy.
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The Appeal Of The Mini Goldendoodle
If youre already familiar with the adorable Goldendoodle, you can understand why a smaller version would be so tempting.
Goldendoodles are like furry teddy bears.
The standard Goldendoodle is a fairly large dog who can stand over 21 inches and weigh over 50 pounds. So, theyre ill-suited for apartment living.
A mini Goldendoodle is more adaptable to smaller spaces. They even take up less space on the sofa or in bed.
Smaller dogs eat less and are easy to take anywhere. They also tend to need less exercise than larger dogs. This can be very appealing for busy people.
Perhaps the most desirable quality smaller dogs have is their cuteness.
Adult miniature dogs keep their baby-like features. Theres something about a dog who stays puppy-sized that people adore.
Golden Retriever Mix Dogs
You can use these links to jump to the Golden mixes which most interest you, or prove your Golden fan status by reading about them all!
Of course, one of the best known things about designer dogs is their mashed-up names.
So can you guess what some of these Golden Retriever mix breeds are known as before you get to them?
Lets start with the Golden Retriever cross Labrador.
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History And Original Purpose
This hybrid dog breed first appeared in the United States in the 1990s.
Produced from mixing a Golden Retriever with a standard Poodle, the Goldendoodle rose to fame during a time when so-called designer or hybrid dogs were all the rage.
Hybrid breeds are actually not new in the canine world, although having an official name for them is quite new. In fact, every single purebred dog breed we know today began as some form of hybrid dog breed. This includes the Golden Retriever and Poodle.
This makes sense once you realize that hybrid means a dog bred from mixed parentage .
Every purebred dog today came from the same original ancestor: the gray wolf .
In fact, the scientific name for the domestic canine is Canis lupus familiaris .
So why are some people, and in particular certain dog breeders, upset about the introduction of hybrid dog breeds?
Golden Retriever Cocker Spaniel
A.K.A. Golden Cocker Retriever
Weve got one last Golden Retriever mix left on our list. And its a real cutie.
The Golden Cocker Retriever combines a Cocker Spaniel and a Golden Retriever.
This mix has a lovely flowing coat. It often weighs between 40 and 50lbs, and combines two clever, trainable breeds.
In the United States, Cocker Spaniels are companion dogs. But English Cocker Spaniels are still popular working dogs, and it shows in their intelligence and energy levels.
So make sure youre clear which Cocker has been used to create this Golden Retriever mix.
For more information, visit us here.
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Standard Poodle And Golden Retriever Mix
Are you looking for an affectionate and energetic designer dog that should be child-friendly and easily trainable? If yes then Standard poodle and golden retriever mix is the best option you can go for. It is a cross between a standard poodle Golden Retriever that results in Goldendoodle.
This breed is called a designer breed because their parents are pure breeds but they are different breeds from each other. This is an ultimate combination of good looks and smartness. They are available in a variety of colors and can be found in combination also.
These buddies are attention seekers, they love being cuddled. They can be your best mate on your long walks. So lets see what else we can know about this amazing mix breed.
Are They Hypoallergenic
One of the key reasons why this dog has become so popular is because of its reputation for being hypoallergenic.
You might be wondering exactly what that means. For example, can someone with a dog allergy own a Goldendoodle with no issues?
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as ahypoallergenic dog breed. This is because all dogs produce the protein fel D 1.
This is present in dogs saliva, skin and urine.
Many people dont realize that pet allergies are caused by coming into contact with this protein. It is not simply a case of being around pet hair.
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Coat Color And Grooming
The Goldendoodle should have a wavy to curly coat of about two to three inches in length. He has longer hair on the tail, body, ears, and legs the hair on the head and muzzle tends to be shorter.
The coat can be black, copper, white, cream, gray, golden, apricot, or red, although golden seems to be the common coat color. White can often be found on the feathering, and the Goldendoodle’s coat tends to lighten with age.
Although he’s considered a non- to light shedder, the Goldendoodle still requires some grooming to keep his coat in the best shape possible. Owners generally opt to clip the coat for easier maintenance but if you choose to leave it in its natural state, expect to brush it about once every week or two. If he’s clipped, he’ll still need a good brushing every few weeks.
The Goldendoodle requires a bath only when it’s absolutely necessary, or his coat and skin will lose necessary oils and moisture.
Brush your Goldendoodle’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath.
His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. When you check your dog’s ears, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Don’t insert anything into the ear canal just clean the outer ear.
Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix = Golden Great Pyrenees
Learn more about the Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever.
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Children And Other Pets
The Goldendoodle makes a wonderful family pet, especially if his nature takes after the Golden Retriever parent. He’s likely to be highly patient and gentle and to get along well with children of all ages.
As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he’s eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog’s food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child.
He does well in homes with other dogs and pets and doesn’t actively show aggression toward other animals. Of course, as with all dogs, it’s important to properly socialize your Goldendoodle from puppyhood.
Other Mini Mix Breeds
For other dogs, miniaturization is more complicated and less predictable.
This is because getting a smaller version requires using a smaller, but altogether different breed.
When using this method theres no way to know for sure which parent the puppies will take after.
In fact, theres no guarantee that this will make a smaller dog.
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The 2nd Generation F2
F2 Goldendoodle. Image source: okefeildacres.com
When you breed two F1 Goldendoodles, you get an F2. Most reputable breeders generally dont advise this combination as it has a 75% chance of shedding the pup.
Since both its parent carries both Retriever and Poodle genes, theres a 25% possibility that the shedding gene would unite in the pup, making them shed just as much as the purebred retriever .
Because of how genetics work, you might end up with either full golden retrievers or full poodles after cross-breeding two Groodles.
- The Shedding: Like purebred retrievers, 25% should shed, 50% rarely shed, and 25% do not shed completely.
- Potential for Allergy: Except the genetic makeup for the particular pup is known, and coat testing has been properly done, I dont recommend these pups to families with high allergies.
- The Coat: The coat can be wavy, curly, or straight. Although it is worth noting that the coat texture of young pups is not enough to indicate the future shedding level as the shedding gene is distinct from the curl gene.
- The Grooming: This depends significantly on the inherited genetic mix of each pup.
Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenicdo Goldendoodles Shed
Due to the presence of the Poodles genes, the Goldendoodle breed is sometimes promoted as being hypoallergenic and/or non-shedding. While this can be true, due to the unpredictability of genetics, there is no guarantee that any particular dog, or litter of dogs will be hypoallergenic. Some individuals allergies are more sensitive to certain breeds than other breeds, but there is no scientific evidence that shows that certain hybrid breeds are universally more or less hypoallergenic than others.
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Bull Mastiff Golden Retriever Mix = Golden Mastiff
Golden Retriever And Poodle Mix
The cross between Golden Retriever and Poodle, a Goldendoodle was widely bred in the 1990s. This mixed breed is also considered a designer breed.
We have seen that both breeds have wonderful temperaments. This mixed breed has the cheerful nature of a Golden Retriever and the smartness of a Poodle.
Now Ill walk you through the history, physical appearance, grooming needs, temperaments, physical needs, and health of this crossbreed.
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Introducing The Gene For Dwarfism
Dwarfism is a medical condition known as achondroplasia.
Introducing the gene for dwarfism is another way breeders can get a smaller dog.
This method doesnt exactly miniaturize the dog.
But, shorter limbs, a longer back, and sometimes an overly large head are often the result.
Does it Cause Any Problems?
This is a fairly easy way for breeders to create a smaller dog. But it results in a lack of normal bone growth and structural deformities.
Some breeds like the Dachshund and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi carry this gene.
Using the gene for dwarfism to create smaller dogs is associated with joint and back problems, including intervertebral disc disease .
Do Goldendoodles Make Good Family Pets
Goldendoodles can make a great family pet for the right family. However, its important to recognize that each family is unique.
If you have young children in the home, they can be a great addition because they are social and full of energy.
They are also relatively safe to have around young kids. A study of dog bites in children showed that Retriever cross-breeds are five times less likely to bite than breeds such as German Shepherds or Dobermans.
Consider how much time you and your family will have to dedicate to your dog. For example, Goldendoodles need plenty of exercise and grooming. On the other hand, they are a low-shed breed. This means you wont have to worry about heavy house cleaning.
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