Mini golden retrievers are all the joy and love of a yellow retriever, but in a smaller and more convenient size.
Because of their smaller size, they are more suitable for urban living and apartments.
These adorable little dogs are just as friendly and playful as full-sized Goldens. This Golden Retriever is not just a smaller breed, but it’s a distinct breed that has been bred from crosses with other breeds.
What is a Mini Golden Retriever, exactly?
Mini Golden Retrievers are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Cocker Spaniel or a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. This makes the dog look smaller than a golden retriever.
Their original breeder also calls them Comfort Retrievers. Because the original breeder kept it a secret, we don’t know the exact genetic makeup of a Comfort Retriever.
We do know however that a Mini Golden puppy (rather than a Goldendoodle), must have been bred from a Golden Retriever parent.
It is classified as a mixed breed and was bred to be a loving companion.
They will be able to smile like a Golden Retriever, and they will also have the same sweet and playful personality.
- Overview: Hybrid (Golden Retriever/Cocker Spaniel).
- Purpose: Companion.
- Weight: 20-50 pounds.
- Size: 12-16 inches.
- Temperament Friendly, cheerful, and playful
Mini Golden Retriever Appearance
This mix should look exactly like a small Golden Retriever, as mentioned previously.
Although the official Comfort Retriever breed standard is established, many mixes of Comfort Retrievers aren’t ‘official’ and can have a variety of appearances.
According to the official breeder, a Mini Golden Retriever must look more like a Golden Retriever than a Poodle or Cocker Spaniel.
Mini Golden Retrievers should be as balanced and proportionate as full-sized Golden Retrievers, but at 16 inches in height. They can weigh anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds.
Coat and Breed Colors
This pup is, as you may have guessed, a gold-colored dog. Mixes can be made with yellow gold, light cream, or deep rust colors. They could also have different types of coats because they are hybrids.
Your coat can range from straight to curly to wet. You can have one or two coats. A single-coated dog will shed less than a double-coated one. Regardless of their coat, your dog will shed some hair.
Six Fun Facts about the Miniature Golden Retriever
- This breed was established for the first time in 2003. Since then, many copycat hybrids began to appear.
- Although the Dwarf Golden Retriever may be smaller than this Mini, it is not related. Dwarfs can be purebred dogs that have been selected for a genetic mutation that causes dwarfism.
- This pooch is likely to love swimming.
- Cocker Spaniels and Goldens were originally bred for hunting, while Cocker Spaniels have a long history of being hunting partners. Although the Mini is a good household companion, you can still see these old instincts in action when you play fetch.
- The mother of hybrid puppies must always be the larger dog in the breeding process.
- The original breeder has trademarked the name Comfort Retriever. It is used now as a generic term to describe any Mini Golden.
Mini Golden Retriever Temperament and Personality
This is the best-case scenario. A dog that is as playful and friendly as a full-sized Retriever is ideal. This hybrid cannot be guaranteed, however. Sometimes, these mixed breeds can inherit the Cocker Spaniel’s temperament or stubbornness from a Poodle.
They are happy, energetic, and fun-loving dogs who are eager to greet each day with a smile.
Because they are so tiny, they can play outside or indoors. Poodle parents can make small Golden Retrievers a bit less active and more inclined toward being lap dogs.
These dogs are social butterflies and get along well with everyone. Mixes with more Cocker Spaniels can be anxious around strangers.
You must recognize that a hybrid dog can have personality traits that are not found in a regular Golden Retriever. As your puppy grows, you’ll need to be attentive to their personalities and understand their needs.
Is the Mini Golden Retriever a good family dog?
This breed is great for families and can be used as a companion dog.
They are a wonderful pet to start with as they are small and friendly.
Care for a Mini Golden Retriever
These dogs were bred to be loving and easy-to-train companions for everyone.
They are adaptable to almost any living situation, whether it is indoor or outdoor. They will need to be active every day.
Your pup’s individual breeding history, genetics and temperament will determine their care requirements. Each Mini Golden is unique and you can’t predict how yours will turn out. Your puppy’s temperament will change as they grow up. You should be attentive to your dog and take lessons from them.
There are some common care requirements for all of them.
Exercise Requirements
These dogs are energetic and small.
Mini Golden Retrievers love to play more than they like to walk!
They can take two 15-minute walks each day, provided they have plenty of play.
You can train them to walk on the leash or on it.
You can spend the day with them after their walks.
Dogs will love to run at you and chase after you around the yard. Dogs love fetch and tag.
- Daily Walks: 2.
- The total amount of exercise required per day is 45-60 minutes.
Grooming and shedding
Their grooming needs will vary based on their lineage and parents.
Mixes made from Poodles will lose less than mixes made from Spaniels.
Mini Golden Retrievers should be brushed twice per week. For those with thicker and longer fur, you will need to brush it at least three times per week.
These dogs can shed a lot, but that is not a guarantee.
Remember to teach your dog how to brush their teeth as soon as possible. Also, keep your dog on a regular dental schedule.
Feeding and Diet
These dogs are very hungry and can fit into small packages.
You can give them 2 cups of high quality kibble every day, or split it into a morning meal and an afternoon dinner.
A formula for small active dogs may be beneficial to your dog if they are under 15 inches. Your dog food must be nutrient dense (protein, vitamins and healthy sources carbs and fats).
Dogs between 12-14 inches and 40-45 pounds should be between 20-40 pounds. Dogs over 14 inches may weigh up to 50 pounds.
| Calories Per Day: | Cups of Kibble Per Day |
|---|---|
| 800 | 2 |
How long does a mini golden retriever live?
This mix can live up to 10 to 15 more years.
What Does a Mini Golden Retriever Cost You?
This breed is truly a luxurious dog breed.
If the puppy is purchased directly from a breeder, it will cost around $5000. However, a copycat breeder can charge as much as $2000. It might be worth looking into pet insurance. It is possible to get reimbursement for all vet bills!
How to Train a Miniature Golden Retriever
These dogs are intelligent and eager to learn. Just remember that they can have strong wills so there may be times when they refuse to listen to the training sessions.
Mini Golden Retrievers can still be trained if their owners have patience.
The happiness of their owners is what motivates this mix, so let them know when you are happy with them.
If your puppy acts out, don’t validate them. All puppies will test the limits of their owners until they discover that it doesn’t work. Validation will be given for any type of attention, positive or negative.
To keep their brains active, these intelligent dogs will need to be engaged in daily activities. Bored dogs can cause damage to furniture.
Play with your dog together in games.
Fetch is the best game to train a Retriever. You can practice commands while your dog fetches toys, balls, and sticks.
Drop, leave, and then sit while your dog brings the toys back.
Buyer’s Guide
| Pros | Cons |
| Be friendly and even-tempered | It is very expensive to purchase. |
| Fun and playful. | Anxiety can be a problem. |
| You can thrive in any lifestyle. | It can be difficult to predict temperament. |
| Good first pet for children. | Not hypoallergenic. |
Quick Breed Summary Table
| Breed Characteristics | |
| Size: | 12-16 inches |
| Weight: | 20-50lb |
| Lifespan: | 10-15 years |
| Coat: | Single or double of medium length |
| Color: | Golden |
| Do They Shed? | Yes |
| Temperament: | Social, playful and happy. |
| Intelligence: | High |
| Socialization: | Dogs get along well with other dogs and people. |
| Negative Behaviors: | Biting, chewing and tearing. |
| People skills | Everyone gets along |
| Great with children: | Children are loved |
| Activity levels: | Moderate |
Summary
Mini Golden Retrievers are a great dog for all ages. They are adaptable to any home and can fit in with any lifestyle.
They thrive when their owners love to play just as much as them.
These friendly, loving dogs will quickly win your heart.
You will be entertained for hours by your new best friend.
Although they may seem silly, this dog is intelligent. It will surprise you at how intelligent they are and how much they can learn from you.