Miniature Golden Retriever – Size and Appearance
As you might expect, Minis are much smaller than regular Goldens, with an average height of about 14-20 inches. They can, however, weigh as much as 45 pounds, so they’re not delicate little dogs. Their size will depend on their exact parentage, and it’s hard to predict how big a puppy will grow up to be.
Coat Color and Texture
They have all the same physical features as their larger cousins, including a thick coat that may be wavy or wiry. The coat is water-resistant and sheds moderately – you can expect more hair on the floor if your dog has a double coat.
Miniature Golden Retrievers usually come in shades of gold, but can also be red, black or white. That’s because they have Cocker Spaniels and poodles in their lineages.
Face and Body Build
The eyes are typically a beautiful deep brown, but they can also be green or blue. The ears are long and hang down close to the head, while the tail is thick and medium in length. The Mini Golden Retriever has a strong and sturdy body that is slightly longer than it is tall. The chest is deep, and the legs are muscular.
Mini Golden Retriever – Temperament and Behavior
This miniature breed has all the same personality traits that have made Golden Retrievers so popular. They’re friendly, intelligent, outgoing, and affectionate – in other words, they make great family pets. They’re also good with other dogs and animals, so if you have a cat, for example, your Mini will get along well with her.
How Much Exercise Do They Need?
One thing to note is that the Mini Golden can be quite active and need plenty of exercise. This breed is an excellent swimmer and can run for long distances without tiring. If you don’t have a lot of time to spend playing with your dog, or if your home isn’t big enough for him to run around in, then this may not be the breed for you.
Are They Good Guard Dogs?
While they make a great companion, the Mini Golden is not a good guard dog. They’re just too friendly! So if you’re looking for a dog to protect your home, you’ll want to choose another breed.
Do They Tend to Bark?
This breed doesn’t tend to bark a lot. However, some individual dogs’ Cocker Spaniel heritage might make them quite yappy. Meeting the puppy’s parents will give you an idea of what to expect.
Mini Golden Retriever – Health and Life Expectancy
The lifespan of a Miniature Golden Retriever ranges from 10 to 15 years. Because they’re a mixed breed, they can be predisposed to multiple diseases that are common in the parent breeds. Here’s a list of the most prevalent problems.
- Hip dysplasia, which is a common issue in Golden Retrievers and can be treated with medication to manage the pain and other symptoms.
- Lymphoma, which occurs in 1 in 8 Goldens and can be treated with chemotherapy.
- Progressive retinal atrophy, which is a degenerative eye condition common in poodles. There is no treatment for this disease, but it’s important to have your dog’s eyes checked regularly by a veterinarian.
- Cataracts, which are common in both Golden Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels and can cause blindness. Surgery is the only treatment.
- Ear infections, which are also common in both the Standard Golden and Cocker Spaniel
- Skin problems, which are quite common in the Standard Golden.
- Collapsed trachea, which is a weakness in the windpipe that can cause difficulty breathing in poodles.
Mini Golden Retriever – Grooming and Care
This breed doesn’t require a lot of grooming, but you will need to brush their coat at least twice a week to keep it healthy and free from mats. You can do this yourself, or take your dog to a groomer for a professional bath and brushing.
They should also have their ears cleaned regularly to prevent infection, and their nails trimmed every few weeks. Brush their teeth weekly to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.
As for exercise, they need at least 45 minutes of physical activity each day, whether that’s a walk around the block or a game of fetch in the park. To minimize the risk of joint diseases, it’s best for their long walks to be on soft surfaces like grass instead of the pavement.
Miniature Golden Retriever – Breeding
This miniature breed is still fairly new. The best known are the Comfort Retrievers, copyrighted by GoldenQuest. Their exact lineage remains a mystery, but the litters come with a 2-4 year health guarantee to make up for this fact.
As the popularity of the Mini Goldens grows, you can expect to see more and more copycat breeders. All combinations of the three breeds – Golden Retriever, poodle, and Cocker Spaniel – are possible, but the aim is to create puppies that are at least 50-75% Golden.
When looking for a breeder, be sure to ask lots of questions about health testing and genetic screening of both parents. Puppies should also be socialized early and given plenty of exposure to different people, places, and experiences.
The Cost of Mini Golden Retriever Puppies
An original Comfort Retriever will cost you a whopping $5000 or more. These pups never end up in shelters, as the owners are required to give them back to the breeder if they can’t keep them, per the contract.
Other than that, puppies from a responsible breeder will cost anywhere from $1500 to $2000, depending on the pedigree of the parents. You may be able to find them cheaper online, but beware of scams and puppy mills.
Rescued Miniature Goldens may not be suitable to train as working dogs, but they can make fine family companions. Costs of adoption vary, but are typically much lower than purchasing a puppy.
The History of Mini Goldens
The Miniature Golden is a fairly new breed, only having been around since the late 1990s. They were created by crossing Golden Retrievers with either Cocker Spaniels or poodles. Some can have all three breeds in their lineages.
The aim was to create a smaller version of the popular Golden Retriever that would be better suited for city living. However, miniature doesn’t always mean miniature. Some Mini Golden adults can weigh up to 30 pounds or more.
Is the Mini Golden Right for You?
This miniature breed makes a great companion for city-dwellers and those with small homes or apartments. They’re active and energetic, but don’t require a lot of space to run around. They’re also relatively easy to groom. However, they’re not the best choice for people with allergies – they may shed too much.
A Mini Golden will make a great first pet for children, as they’re generally playful and fun to be around. They will also get along with other pets, as long as they’ve been properly socialized.
Fun Facts about the Mini Golden
If you’re looking for some fun facts about the Mini Golden dog breed, here are a few to get you started!
- Breeders are currently working to create a purebred Mini Golden by selecting smaller Golden Retrievers as parents.
- While mixed breeds can’t be registered in the American Kennel Club, one variety of the Mini Golden is recognized by the Designer Dogs’ Kennel Club. It’s the crossbreed between the Golden Retriever and the Goldendoodle, so the puppies are 75% Golden.
- They’re not to be confused with the Dwarf Golden Retriever, which is a member of the pure breed affected by the genetic disorder of dwarfism.
- They’re sometimes called the Petite Golden Retriever, and their size can also be listed as teacup or small.
Now you know all there is to learn about this designer breed, and you’ll be able to answer all the questions you’re going to get.
Ready to Get a Miniature Golden Retriever?
All in all, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a beautiful breed that makes a loyal and loving companion. They’re active, friendly dogs that love spending time with their families. If you can give them the time and attention they need, they’ll be your best friend for life.
If you’re thinking of adding a Mini Golden to your family, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. They should be able to answer all of your questions and provide you with a contract that outlines their health and return policies.
Do you have a Mini Golden Retriever? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
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