English Mini Goldendoodles – The Teddy Bear Breed

The English Miniature Goldendoodle or Mini Goldendoodle (even known as the Mini Groodle) is a small to medium size dog that is both affectionate and intelligent. The term Teddy Bear Mini Goldendoodle mix is usually reserved for the English Miniature Goldendoodle and resembles a small walking teddy bear dog. It’s a wonderful solution to small apartment living or homes with a small yard.

The Mini Goldendoodles are designer dogs and have the spring and energy of a toy poodle, but the gentleness and love of human contact of a Golden Retriever. They can get separation anxiety if they are away from their humans for very long and like to be in the middle of everything their owners are doing.

The term designer dog is in no way a negative term. It is a designation for a pair of American Kennel Club breed standards used to produce a popular designer breed result. It is a good idea to use these parent breeds to produce a smaller dog (at least compared to the large breeds) that is compatible with young children and allergy sufferers, as well as being low maintenance.

What Is An English Mini Golden Doodle?

English Goldendoodles are a cross between an English Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle, but the first generation cross (F1) Mini Goldendoodle is the result of English Cream Golden Retrievers (female large dogs) and a Toy or Miniature Poodle (male small dogs). This combination of male / female purebred dogs eliminates the physical and possibly life-threatening combination of a small mini poodle female giving birth to a much larger per-puppy litter. Top-quality Goldendoodle breeders prefer the English Golden Retrievers over the American Golden Retrievers due to the almost 50% lower occurrences of cancer and hip dysplasia.

There are different mix combinations to produce Miniature Goldendoodles:

• F1 Mini Goldendoodles are 50% Golden Retriever parent (or English Cream Retriever) and 50% Toy Poodle: These are first-generation Goldendoodles, resulting in healthier offspring. In the first-generation cross, the hair is going to range from flat and smooth to wavy and curly. It can vary from one pup to the next, even in the same litter.
• F1B Mini Goldendoodles are 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle. This is an F1 Mini Goldendoodle bred back to a Toy Poodle.
• F2 is an F1 Mini Goldendoodle and an F1 Mini Goldendoodle cross. This results in the same percentage of Golden Retriever and Poodle mix as F1 Goldendoodles.
• F3 is an F2 Mini Goldendoodle and an F2 Mini Goldendoodle cross.
• Multi-generation = F3 or higher generation Mini Goldendoodle and F3 or higher generation Mini Goldendoodle cross.

The coat colors are typically cream, golden, chalk, red, apricot, grey, copper, and black. The coat types are varied and are usually wavy or curly coats.

What Is The Difference Between Medium Goldendoodles And Mini Goldendoodles?

A Mini Goldendoodle is going to have at least one parent that is a miniature breed. The size and weight will tend toward half the size or smaller of their full-sized Goldendoodle counterpart.

What are The Goldendoodle coat types?

The type of coat will be Wool, Fleece, or Hair.

A Fleece coat is most commonly seen. It is wavy or shaggy fur that sheds very little to none.

The next most common is the Wool type curly coat, and this is the tight curls like a poodle and largely non-shedding.

A hair coat is usually flat and straight, and it sheds from time to time. The best way to deal with this is daily brushing and regular grooming to reduce dander and fur shedding coats around your home.

Owners with allergies should look for the fleece type trait when considering a new family member.

e is going to have at least one parent that is a miniature breed. The size and weight will tend toward half the size or smaller of their full-sized Goldendoodle counterpart.

How Much Does A Mini Goldendoodle Cost?

A Miniature Goldendoodle puppy has an average cost of $1500 to $2500. The higher price is largely due to the popularity of the teddy bear breed, and will also vary with the quality and location of the breeder. A quality and reputable breeder is going to have more experience in dealing with Mini Goldendoodles than a pet store or puppy mill …and you are going to pay for it.

The higher price is worth it since you can get a history of your new pet’s parentage, medical conditions, and vaccinations.

Finally, the price is also dependent on the Filial or “F” class of dogs. An F1 Mini Goldendoodle is generally less expensive than an F2, which requires more attention to the genetic heritage than F1 or F1b mini Goldendoodles. Like a fine wine, multi-generational litters will require time to ensure the desired mix of traits is passed down to each smaller size Goldendoodle puppy.

Although researching and purchasing hybrid dogs from a reputable breeder is the best way to become a new owner of one of these excellent family dogs, many breeders offer a Guardian program option. In this arrangement, the foster family cares for the new puppy as the guardian home, and the breeder has breeding rights for a certain period of time and/or litters produced.

How Big Does A Mini Goldendoodle Get?

Mini doodles, even though they are called “Mini”, come in different sizes. The average height for a male Mini Goldendoodle is 16 to 20 inches at the shoulder and 15 to 18 inches for a female. The weight of the male is between 20 and 35 lbs. with the female adult weight coming in at 17 to 30 lbs.

• Micro Goldendoodle: 5 to 10 pounds full grown.
• Teacup Goldendoodle: 7 to 15 pounds full grown.
• Toy Goldendoodle: 10 to 20 pounds full grown.
• Mini Goldendoodle: 15 to 50 pounds full grown.
• Standard Goldendoodle: 50-90 pounds full grown.

Are Mini Goldendoodles Good Therapy Dogs?

A Mini Goldendoodle can be trained as a good therapy dog (or as a service dog) because they’re intelligent and have a gentle nature. They are outstanding as family pets, and their small size makes each of them a desirable support dog as well as a wonderful family companion. Because of the smaller dog’s size, they would not be used as guide dogs.

Are Mini Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?

Like a Standard Goldendoodle, Mini Goldendoodles usually shed little or not at all thanks to their Poodle ancestors and have allergy-friendly coats. Every litter is different and so is every individual puppy, so breeders tend to further the soft, wavy coat type with a tighter curl.

Regular clipping and grooming after the puppy coat is shed (at about 8 months) will reduce allergens and will keep the little fluffball looking in top shape.

Do Mini Goldendoodles Swim? Do They Like The Water?

Yes, Mini Goldendoodles are descended from water dogs, and almost always will enjoy the splash-time with you. They need to be taught as puppies how to safely navigate the water, just like your human children would, though. You have to introduce them to the water gradually and make sure they understand how to EXIT the water when they get tired or anxious.

Once they have learned the entrance and exit from the pool or body of water, then you can build up the time your Mini Goldendoodle spends splashing about.

Be careful of natural standing water that has algae or scum on it as your dog will not realize it is likely toxic or germ-ridden. Always have fresh water on hand so your puppy can get a drink when the need arises.

Do Mini Goldendoodles Bark A lot?

Mini Goldendoodles only bark occasionally, which is great if you have neighbors that complain about everything. Unfortunately, this makes them a poor choice for guard dog duty. Strangers in the house will likely get a happy greeting and a home tour.

Mini Goldendoodle Health Problems And Concerns

As with all dog breeds, the Mini Goldendoodle is prone to certain genetic diseases, throwbacks, and health issues from their golden retriever and poodle heritage. A good responsible breeder will ensure proper health clearances to make any of these deficiencies rare in the puppies they produce.

Puppy mills or a backyard irresponsible breeder will have a higher occurrence of the following health conditions and disorders:

Ear Infections

Mini Goldendoodles have L-shaped ear canals covered by floppy ears that are a breeding ground for bacterial infections, especially after getting wet. Periodic ear cleaning and inspection should be placed on the schedule and after every bath or swim. Prepared ear cleaning kits are available at most pet stores and veterinarians.

Joint Dysplasia

Large breed dogs suffer from this genetic canine disease and can pass the malaise to their smaller descendants. Hip dysplasia is a result of a malformed hip socket and in the elbow, it is caused by an abnormal growth pattern. This results in a weakened joint. Symptoms of dysplasia in your Mini Goldendoodle can be lameness or stiff joints and can result in arthritis.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

PRA is the gradual deterioration of the retinal area of the eye. An early symptom is night blindness, and, as the disease progresses, it can lead to blindness.

Von Willebrand’s Disease

This is a form of Hemophilia – It is caused by a deficiency in the amount of a specific protein needed to help platelets stick together and form a clot. This results in bruising, nosebleeds, and wounds that will not scab over. It is the most commonly inherited bleeding disorder in both humans and dogs. 

Have your vet test for the Von Willebrand factor if your pet shows any of these symptoms. This test is vital before any surgery is performed. Since it is rare and your Mini Goldendoodle will probably never have any bleeding problems, screening is usually best left to aid the breeder in reducing this inherited trait.

Allergies

Mini Goldendoodles are prone to allergic reactions from three sources: Food, topical, and contact. 

The most common symptom associated with allergies is itching, either in one area or all over the body. Sometimes the symptoms involve the respiratory system with sneezing or wheezing. There may be a runny nose or eye discharge.

Regarding contact allergies, some lawn fertilizers and weed killers can cause your pet’s rash or excessive scratching or licking of feet. I had a puppy whose belly would break out in a rash whenever she would play in the yard, and this was not due to any chemicals. It turned out to be an allergy to the grass itself.

Food allergies are managed by a diet restriction which will control this condition once the foods are identified.

Mini Goldendoodles allergies are treatable and your veterinarian can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication to alleviate your puppy’s distress.

Bloat

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or Bloat is the condition where food and gas cause the stomach to expand to the point that neither can be discharged. It can progress to the point where the entire stomach rotates (called volvulus) within the abdomen and restricts blood flow to vital organs. The organs that are fed by these veins suffer damage if deprived of blood for too long.

An in-depth article on symptoms and treatment may be found at the American College of Veterinarian Surgeons website.

Patellar Luxations aka Slipped Knee Cap

Patellar luxation is the most common orthopedic condition diagnosed in dogs and affects primarily small breeds including our beloved Mini Goldendoodle. This is a condition where the patella or knee cap doesn’t ride in the femoral grooves as it should when the knee is flexed. This involves both knees in half of all cases and causes discomfort and lameness.

Surgery can be used to treat this condition, and though expensive, can give your Mini Goldendoodle a normal active life.

In Conclusion

Since a Mini Goldendoodle is an active dog breed, it will require daily exercise and some form of mental stimulation just like the standard size dogs to ensure a long and healthy life. An adult size bored dog without enough living space can display destructive behavior.