Golden Retrievers make a great family dog. Their golden hair is radiant and they love everyone. They will bring laughter and joy to your home with their sense of humor and silliness.
For some, however, their home may be too large for them. Is it possible to have the perfect dog in miniature form? It is possible!
Although mini Golden Retrievers can be very real, they may not be as small or as realistic as you think. They are not purebred dogs.
These 10 essential facts about Miniature Golden Retrievers are worth reading…
Top 10 facts you need to know about the Mini Golden Retriever
Mini Golden Retrievers Are 25% Smaller
Many people are curious about the size of Mini Golden Retrievers. They do have the name “Mini” in their names, but they are not a recognized miniature breed. The same applies to Miniature Labradors, and Mini German Shepherds.
Mini Golden Retrievers are usually between 14 and 18 inches tall and weigh between 20 to 45 pounds.
They won’t be as small as a Mini Poodle or Cocker Spaniel, but they will be small enough to be a Golden Retriever.
When fully grown, Standard Retrievers can reach between 21.5 to 24 inches in height and weigh up to 75 pounds.
Mini | Standard | |
---|---|---|
Size | 14-18 inches | 21.5-24 Inches |
Weight | 20-45 pounds | 55-75 pounds |
Female Golden Retrievers usually become mothers. They are then crossed with a male Cocker Spaniel Spaniel, King Charles Cavalier Spaniel Spaniel or Mini Puppy. The breed can be made smaller by using females, as they are usually smaller than their male counterparts.
This tiny golden pooch is bred from three dogs
A Mini Golden Retriever might be mistaken for a purebred with a smaller body. They are actually a mixed breed.
Miniature Golden Retrievers can only be bred to purebred Goldens. These dog breeds are most commonly used:
- Cocker Spaniel.
- King Charles Springer Spaniel.
- Mini Poodle.
You can sometimes cross the Golden Retriever with any of these breeds to get a dog that is identical in appearance but smaller in stature.
The most popular breed is the Mini Poodle. The Mini Goldendoodle is a Poodle whose genes are strong.
The Golden Retriever can be mixed with other breeds to create a smaller version. This breed is called a designer dog breed. The Designer Breed Registry recognizes it, as well as other designer kennel clubs. However, they are not allowed to be registered with American Kennel Club.
This pup is unique because they look exactly like a Golden Retriever but in miniature. They will retain all the best qualities of the breed, such as friendliness and sociability, gentleness, and playfulness.
No one will ever notice that your tiny Golden Retriever isn’t purebred. These dogs were created to be the ideal dog for people who want this breed but don’t need their large size.
Mini Golden Retrievers Are Not Cheap
This breed is a popular choice for designers, but they can be expensive. These dogs can be more expensive than regular Golden Retrievers.
A Mini Golden Retriever for sale can be purchased from a trusted breeder for $1,500 to $2,500. A standard-size dog will cost you $700 to $2,000.
These dogs were specifically designed for those looking for a smaller Golden Retriever.
Breeders raise the price because of their low supply and high demand. These puppies can be marketed as “Comfort Retrievers”, and they will cost you over $5,000.
While some backyard breeders may breed these dogs for a profit, reputable breeders will charge you for the quality and parents’ pedigree.
Be sure to verify the credibility of the breeder that you are purchasing a puppy. Ask about the medical history and background of the parents. Ask to see the puppies, the litter, and the parents. These are good indicators that the breeder has integrity.
They look a lot like Goldendoodle
Miniature Goldendoodle: This is a breed of dog that looks a lot like Mini Golden Retrievers.
Because of their long, golden, smooth, and wavy hair, both dogs can appear similar. They have a golden-colored muzzle and broad skull.
Mini Golden Retrievers are more likely to have Golden Retriever traits and genes, so they look almost like Miniatures.
Some puppies inherit the curly haircut of the Poodle, so they will look more like a Golden with curls. These puppies have curly hair and more Poodle genes. These dogs are the same breed but might be called Mini Goldendoodles.
They are a combination of a Golden Retriever, Spaniel, or Mini Poodle.
Goldendoodles have hypoallergenic fur like the Poodle and are bred to be Golden Retrievers. They are a Golden Retriever-Poodle mix.
While some puppies may have curly hair, most dogs will have straight hair. It is unclear what you would call a Mini Golden Retriever, Mini Poodle mix, a Mini Golden Retriever, or Mini Goldendoodle. Their coat is what usually makes them distinct.
They look like golden cavaliers too
The Golden Cavalier is a hybrid of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Retriever.
They are more likely to inherit the Spaniel genes, which is why they have long ears and round eyes. They can be as big as 14-24 inches.
Golden Cavaliers are generally golden in color, but they can also come in other colors such as black, brown, and red. You might not see them listed under the name of a smaller Golden Retriever.
A Mini Golden Retriever with a golden coat is the best choice. Mixing a golden Cocker Spaniel with a Mini Golden Retriever will result in a golden puppy. This type of mix will give you a smooth coat.
Mini Golden Cocker Retriever refers to this breed that is specifically bred from Cocker Spaniels.
Mini Golden Retrievers Can Be Red
Although golden retrievers are well-known for their gorgeous golden coats and beautiful eyes, did you know that they can also be red? You can choose from light creams to dark reds. Some are so rich in dark gold they appear red.
Red Mini Golden Retrievers are also available and have the same red coat color.
They can even get the red coat from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cavalier Spaniel and Poodle.
Red Minis are dogs with a golden orange, reddish-orange coat. Their long, smooth and curly coats are characteristic of this breed. Sometimes, it can be curly. Their fiery red color is what makes them stand out. They will most likely be a solid rusty color.
These pups may also have white patches on their chests. They are a mixed breed, so this is perfectly acceptable. There is no standard.
These dogs are also known as comfort retrievers.
Many names are given to Mini Golden Retrievers, which can cause confusion for many people.
They are often named after their size or the parent breeds. There are some names that refer only to their size:
- Teacup Mini Golden Retriever
- Small Golden Retriever
- Petite Golden Retriever
- Tiny Golden Retriever
- Little Golden Retriever
A Mini Golden Retriever, whether it is petite, small, or tiny, is not smaller than a Petite, Small, or Tiny Golden Retriever. These dogs all look the same, but the difference is that the dog may be smaller than the average.
These names refer to the parent breeds of their parents:
- Mini Golden Spaniel
- Mini Golden Cavalier
- Mini Goldendoodle
Although each breed is unique, they all are Mini Golden Retrievers.
These pups are sometimes called Comfort Retrievers. Kathy Burgess was the first to breed these puppies, in 2003. Because they are small, she called them Comfort Retrievers.
It can be difficult to identify which breeders are selling what names. All of these names refer to the cute Miniature Golden Retriever.
Miniature Golden Retrievers Stay Small
Mini Golden Retrievers can be kept small by focusing on what small means to you. Mini Golden Retrievers can be as small as three to seven inches smaller than the standard Golden Retriever. They also weigh 10-30 pounds less.
Mini Golden Retrievers when fully grown will not exceed 14-18 inches in height and weigh between 20-45 pounds. They are smaller than the Golden Retrievers.
Their size will vary depending on their parents.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Golden Retriever Cocker Spaniel mixes tend to be larger than the Cavalier Cocker Spaniel mixture. A Mini Golden Cavalier may weigh between 15 and 30 pounds but will remain small.
This small dog is not the right size if you’re expecting a Yorkshire Terrier or a Yorkshire Terrier. They will not be a Toy breed just because they are called mini.
Puppy weights can range from 2 to 5 pounds to 20 to 45 pounds at their second birthday. They won’t be as small as Toy breeds, which can weigh in at 15 to 15 pounds once they are fully grown.
They do shed
Because they have a double-coated coat, Golden Retrievers shed their fur. Golden hairs can be found all year round, but they are most common in Fall and Spring.
Miniatures that are bred from Cavalier King Charles Spaniels or Cocker Spaniels will shed moderately too.
They will require regular brushing as medium shedders. They should be brushed once or twice per week. However, during heavy sheds, they may need to be brushed daily. Their long, curly hair won’t get tangled by brushing.
Hypoallergenic Poodles are known to shed less if they have been bred. The Mini Golden Retriever with Poodle genetics is an option for people allergic to dog hair. This puppy will shed less than a regular.
The added benefit is that Miniatures with low shedage will only require brushing twice per week throughout the year.
It is important to bathe them at least once per month. This helps to remove dead hair and keep your golden furry friend clean. Don’t over-bath them as this can dry out their skin, and strip their natural oils.
Some breeders only sell Mini Golden Retrievers
These small retrievers can be bred as a mixed breed, so puppies will not be available on kennel club websites. These adorable little puppies can be found at a number of reputable breeders.
Comfort Retrievers is a good place to start. They are the first breeders to breed Mini Golden Retriever puppies. Taylormade Miniatures is another breeder you should check out. These breeders will guarantee you a high-quality puppy, but they can cost as much as $5000 per puppy.
Rescue is the best place to find a Miniature Golden Retriever.
Adoption fees are usually lower than what rescues charge. Fees vary depending on the shelter but they are usually between $50-$350.
You can find great places to search for your local Golden Retriever rescue group. Although rescues may not be able to provide information about the dog’s past, it is worth looking at. It is also possible that older dogs might be available. A Mini Golden Retriever may need a new home at any time.