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The Goldendoodle is one of the two most popular doodles available. The other one is the Labradoodle. Goldendoodles are often referred to as a great family pet thanks to their easy going nature. Plus they are easy to train and promise to be a low shedding dog. All of these qualities translates in to making them a highly sort after pup. So much so that it’s not uncommon to meet one or two Goldendoodles on a trip to the dog park. As wonderful as the Goldendoodle is you may not want the same exact dog that your neighbor has. After all isn’t part of the allure of having a designer breed is that your dog is different? Introducing the Black Goldendoodle.

The black Goldendoodle has all the same great traits as the red, cream or apricot colored Golden doodle but in a less common color.

All About the Black Goldendoodle

What Makes a Goldendoodle Black?

Goldendoodles come in an assortment of colors, with the most common colors being; cream, red, and apricot. The main reason for this is that these are the colors that Golden Retrievers come in. But also because these are the colors that are in high demand for doodles.

Since Goldens only come in red based colors, the genes that make a dog black come from the poodle. In case you are wondering, cream is considered a very faded red and apricot is a less faded red.

The thing with dog color genes is that it’s not just one gene that controls the color of the fur. It is a series of genes that together determine the color. Also the world of dog genetic is forever changing as they discover new genes in the sequencing. Since I am not a genetic specialize we are going to leave the science to the experts. But if you want to learn more about dog color genetics you can find some resources listed at the end of this post.

To get a black Goldendoodle you need to cross a Golden Retriever with a poodle that carries the right set of genes to have black puppies. Since black is a recessive gene a poodle can have the gene without being black. The first generation of doodles will typically not produce many black doodles. So most are second generation doodles.

Goldendoodle Breed Standard

There is a common belief that the Goldendoodle does not have a Breed Standard because it’s a cross breed.  Although this may have been true back when the Goldendoodle was first bred in the 1990’s, with their growing popularity breeders are looking to standardize the breed. This is why the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GAMA) created the breed standard a few years ago. All members of GAMA must agree to follow the standard.  The standard covers the four available Goldendoodle sizes including; the Petite, Mini, Medium and Standard, plus features like general appears, colors, and temperament.

The Official Goldendoodle Breed Standard list five standard Goldendoodle colors which include: Cream, Apricot, Red, Chocolate and Black.

Are Black Goldendoodles Rare?

Goldendoodles that are black are still relatively rare. At the time of this writing there are only a few breeders that specialize in Goldendoodles that are black. This is mainly due to demand. Most people who want a Goldendoodle are still looking for the lighter colors. However this may change in time as more people may want something that is a little bit different than the next person. Its more likely that a breeder will have a few black doodles that came from a litter of mainly light colored ones.

Also you can find Black Golden Doodles at a rescue or local shelter. These pups were probably not breed to be black but due to genetics ended up with the black recessive genes.

Just a note: black Labradoodles are more common than Goldendoodles that are black, but they may look very much alike.

Do Black Goldendoodles Shed?

The answer to does a Black Golden Doodle shed is not much.  Since F1 Black Goldendoodles are rare, most are multigenerational doodles.  In order to get the two black recessive genes both doodle parents need to have at least one black gene. As I mentioned early this gene generally comes from the Poodle. Therefore there are more Poodle traits in a black coat than Golden Retriever traits.

But coat colors alone do not indicate whether a doodle will shed.  Shedding is associated with the genes that also control the fur on a dog’s face.  Dogs with a beard and long eyebrows are more likely to carry the non shedding gene.  However in order to “not shed” you need a doodle that inherits two non shedding genes, one from each parent.  Unfortunately this gene is also dominate for long hair, meaning you could have a dog with long facial hair that does not have the two shedding genes needed to “not shed”.  But the good news is that having at least one no shed gene greatly reduces that amount of fur your Goldendoodle will shed.   

But everything sheds

All dogs shed some hair. It’s just that dogs with non-shedding coats shed less than dogs with two genes for shedding. Plus, since doodles require regular brushing any hair that would normally fall out is generally caught in the brush. Doodles that are not brushed regularly will end up with mats from the hair that falls out and becomes caught in their fur.  If you truly want a non-shedding dog you must brush them often.

Are Black Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?

Pet allergies are believed to be caused by proteins that are found in a dog’s skin cells, saliva or urine. For some people with pet allergies, their allergies are triggered when they are exposed to a dog’s skin cells (also know as dander) that are released into the air when a dog sheds. So the theory goes if a dog does not shed or sheds minimally there is less dander (skin cells) to be exposed to.

Since Goldendoodles can be bred to shed minimally there is less chance that they will cause an allergic reaction due to being exposed to the dander in the air. The trick is to have a doodle that is low shed. The best way to do this is to find a breeder that does the genetic testing for the shedding genes.

Also, just because a dog does not shed much, it does not guarantee that you will not be allergic to them. Shedding dog dander is only one of the ways people come in contact with the protein that causes allergic reactions. Being licked by a dog, petting them, brushing them or cleaning up after them are just some of the ways you can be exposed to the protein.

It’s best to spend time with the dog or their parents to see if you will have an allergic reaction before you bring home the dog.

Does a Black Goldendoodle have a good temperament?

A Goldendoodle that has black fur will have the same great temperament as their lighter colored kin.  The intelligence of the Poodle and super friendly nature of the Golden will shine through too.  Since both parent breeds love the water you can be sure your pup will also love to splash around in it.

You may already know that Poodles are considered to be highly intelligent, but did you know that Golden Retrievers also land on the top 5 smartest breeds list?  This combined smarts will translate into a dog that is easy to train and one that will want to please you.

The down side of these very social dogs is that they don’t like being alone. Leaving your Goldendoodle alone for long periods of times can lead to separation anxiety. Also if you get a mini Goldendoodle they may bark more than a larger dog would. It has less to do with the breed and more to do with fear. Therefore it is important that you properly socialize

What Size Do Black Goldendoodles Come In?

The Black Goldendoodle can be found in the same size ranges as a light colored Golden doodle. All of which is stated in the Goldendoodle Breed Standard. 

Black Goldendoodle Sizes

• Petite: Height: up to 14 inches. Weight: Typically 25 pounds or less
• Miniature: Height: between 14 inches and 17 inches (35cm to 42cm) at wither, Weight: typically between 26-35 pounds.
• Medium: Height: between 17 inches and 21 inches (43cm to 52cm) at wither, Weight: typically between 36-50 pounds.
• Standard: Height: over 21 inches (53cm to 63cm) at wither, Weight:  51 pounds or more.

Do Black Goldendoodles have Health Issues?

Goldendoodles are an overall healthy breed and the color of a Goldendoodle does not affect their health.  But like all crossbreeds the Goldendoodle can develop health conditions that are associated with both the Golden Retriever and Poodle.

Goldendoodle health concerns include:

• Ear Infections: Goldendoodles are prone to ear infections, thanks to their long hairy ears that can reduce air flow and increase moisture.
• A skin disease called Sebaceous adenitisae
• A heart condition called Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis,
• Hip dysplasia: This is a condition in which the thigh bone becomes displaced from the hip joint. It has a strong genetic component and can be avoided through genetic testing
• Addison’s disease
• Progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and glaucoma – These are all types of eye disorders
• Von Willebrand’s disease which is a blood condition that affects clotting

To minimize the risk of buying a dog with health issues ask your breeder for proof of health testing on parent dogs. Do not buy a puppy from a breeder that cannot provide you with written, verifiable documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed.

Are Black Goldendoodles high maintenance?

Yes, all Goldendoodles can be considered high maintenance regardless of their color. But it really depends on your definition of high maintenance. One one hand they shed much less that a Golden which means less time cleaning fur off floors and clothes. But on the other hand they require more time spent grooming them to keep their fluffy coats in good shape.

This includes brushing your doodle every few days to keep them from matting.  Goldendoodles with long hair will need to be brushed daily. Of course if you keep their hair short you will have less required maintenance.

In addition to the frequent brushing Goldendoodles need to have their hair trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks. Professional grooming costs for a Goldendoodle can start at $75.00 and go up from there depending on the size of your doodle and the amount of matting. Some groomers charge a de-matting fee on top of the regular cost of grooming.

You can also choose to groom your doodle at home.  It will take 2 to 3 hours every 6 to 8 weeks to keep your doodle looking their best.

In addition to the grooming requirements, Goldendoodles are high energy dogs that need a couple hours of daily exercise to stay happy and keep them out of trouble.

Where can you find a black Goldendoodle puppy?

Breeder –

There are some breeders that specialize in Black Goldendoodles, but most breeders still aim to have lighter colored pups. But depending on the recessive genes the dogs may carry even breeders will light colored parent dogs may have a few black pups. When looking for a breeder you want to do your best to look for a reputable breeder that does genetic health testing.  You can look for them on Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) breeders list.

Please do not buy your puppy from “puppy for sale” websites or puppy stores. They are commonly used by puppy mills to hide who they really are. These puppies often have underlying health conditions that may not be detected by a veterinarian.  Plus breeding dogs and their puppies are kept in inhumane conditions at puppy farms. Please help stop puppy mills by not buying from them either directly or indirectly.

Rescue Groups-

Another option is to look for a rescue organization that has doodles. In “The 9 Best Places to Find a Goldendoodle Rescue” we list the rescue groups with the best chance of having a Goldendoodle.

Local Shelters-

While finding a Goldendoodle at a local shelter may be rare it does still happen. Keep an eye on your local shelters website and Facebook page if they have one.

How much is a black Goldendoodle?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 for a genetic health tested black Golden doodle. Prices are determined by size, location, fur type and popularity.

Do black Goldendoodles change color?

It is possible for a Black Goldendoodle to inherit the dilute gene (also known as melanophilin gene (MLPH)). This gene causes the dilution of the black genes, turning black fur to a “blue” or a gray color. The dilute gene is common in poodles and can be passed on to its offspring. When this happens a puppy that is black may grow to have gray fur when they are adults.

Black Goldendoodle Resources

• Coat color genetics can be fun and interesting at the same time; Embarkvet.com
• Black K and A Locus; DogGenetics.co
• Coat Color Genetics in Retrievers
• Dog Coat Genetics Explained: Wikipedia
• Goldendoodle Association of North America (GAMA)
• Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: Which is Better?
• Labradoodle Rescue: 14 Best Places to Get a Labradoodle
• Mini Goldendoodle: Your Up-To-Date Guide for 2021
• Breed review by Embrace; Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles are always in high demand due to their adorable fluffy looks and their happy go lucky charm. But people who are looking for a Goldendoodle also want a dog that does not shed. So a common question about the Goldendoodle is Do Goldendoodles shed? You will find a lot of different answers to this question, but the correct answer is maybe. That’s because there are a lot of different factors that go into determining if a Goldendoodle will shed and how much. Just being part poodle does not guarantee that your Goldendoodle will not shed. Join us as we go over why dogs shed and why some Goldendoodles appear like they do not shed.

Why Dogs Shed

The shedding of one’s hair serves a couple of purposes. It allows damaged or old hair to fall out so new hair can take its place. It also assists in the seasonal coat change that double coated dogs like the Golden Retriever go through. In the spring double coated dogs lose the heavy undercoat that kept them warm in the winter and in the fall they lose their warm weather coat to make room for their heavier winter undercoat. All this changing of coats results in a lot of hair falling out all over your floor. Double coated dogs also shed year round, just not as much as during a coat change.

In contrast single coated dogs like the poodle do not have an undercoat to shed each season. Which means there is a lot less fur on your floor and clothes. But just like the double coated dogs, poodles do shed year round. Since it not much more than your average person, it’s not very noticeable.

Single coat vs double coated dogs

Double coated dogs have an outer coat and an undercoat. The outer coat tends to be longer and the fur is coarse. This outer layer of fur protects dogs from the elements like the sun and things that might damage the undercoat. The inner layer of fur is soft with a downy like quality, much like the down on a bird. This layer is to insulate a dog from the cold and heat. Double coated dogs tend to be hardier breeds that can withstand colder temperatures.

As the name implies single coated dogs have just one coat. They lack the soft insulating layer of a double coated dog. This single layer can be long or short, curly or straight. Single coated dogs may need a dog coat in the winter. Since they don’t have a heavy undercoat to shed each season they appear to shed less, it may even look like they do not to shed at all.

How to tell if a dog has a single or double coat?

It’s easy to tell if you have a double coated or single coated dog.  Just spread the fur down to the skin.   If you see long, coarse fur combined with a shorter, soft fleece like fur, you have a double coated dog.  On the other hand if you find that the hairs are all the same length and you can’t see a soft undercoat they are a single coated dog.

Do Goldendoodles shed?

The answer to do Goldendoodles shed is yes, at least a little. But if they are carefully bred their shedding can be kept to a minimum. Plus if you brush your Goldendoodle regularly the hair that does come out will be on the brush not on your floors or clothes. This makes some Goldendoodles appear to be non-shedding.

My doodle is non-shedding for the first 4 weeks after a grooming session. That’s because all of her loose fur has been washed, brushed and blow out of her during the grooming session. Plus her hair is cut short so the fine hairs are hard to see. Once her hair starts to grow longer we begin to notice some fur in the corners of the room. But it is not even close to what our Golden Retriever used to drop weekly.

If you want a Goldendoodle that does not shed your best bet is getting a multigenerational doodle from a breeder that carefully breeds the shedding genes out of the dog. Let me explain.

Goldendoodle Generation Classifications

In the past a doodle’s chance of shedding was tied to their Doodle Generation Classification (as shown above). The belief was that if you crossed a Golden Retriever (which is a heavy shedders) with a poodle (a low to non-shedder) then the resulting offspring would shed less. We now know that based on genetics this can be true.

However to get to a point that a dog does not shed (aka a low shedder), a dog needs to inherit two non-shedding genes. One gene from each parent.

If we look at first generation Goldendoodles or F1 Goldendoodles they receive one shedding gene from the Golden Retriever and one non-shedding gene from the poodle. This results in lower shedding then a purebred golden Retriever, but they will still shed more than a poodle.

Before genetic testing was available breeders would breed an F1 Goldendoodle to a Poodle with the hope that they would inherit two non-shedding genes. Since the F1 Goldendoodle would have one shedding gene and one non-shedding and the poodle would have two non-shedding genes, at least some of the Goldendoodles should end up with two non-shedding genes. But the dogs also ended up with a curlier coat that closely resembled a poodle’s curls.

Genetics

Thanks to recent research we know that the genes that control non shedding also control the length of hair on a dog’s face. This facial hair includes the beard and long eyebrows that doodles are known for. So if a dog has these facial features they have at least one non-shedding gene. But since this gene is believed to be the dominant they can still have one shedding gene even if they have the long facial hair. Remember to get a non-shedding doodle they need to carry two non-shedding genes.

To ensure a dog inherits two non-shedding genes the parent dogs must also have two non-shedding genes. This is where genetic testing comes in. By testing the dogs to see if they have two non-shedding genes breeders are able to determine which pairs will give them the desired off spring. In this case doodles that don’t shed.

Note: To make the explanation easier to understand I called the gene the non shedding gene, But that is not the correct term. The genes that are believed to control shedding and facial hair are the MC5R-gene and the RSPO2-gene. It is the combination of these two genes that make doodles what they are. At least that is today’s understanding. As new discoveries are made there may be a new understanding about what contributes to shedding in dogs.  

Not all Goldendoodles are low to no shedding

The reason why you get so many different answers to the question “Do Goldendoodles Shed” is because ever Goldendoodle is different. As I mentioned above it all depends on the genes that are passed down from the parent.

F1 Goldendoodles are more likely to shed since they inherit genes from both the poodle and Golden Retriever. Multi generation Goldendoodles can also shed if that was the genes then inherited from their parents. The best way to find a non-shedding Goldendoodle is to buy from a breeder that test for the genes.

How to tell if a Goldendoodle will shed?

Outside of getting a DNA test there really is no sure way to know if they will not shed. But if you have a Goldendoodle with straight fur or if they have short smooth hair on their face there is a good chance they will shed more than a poodle.

Does a Mini Goldendoodle shed less than a Goldendoodle?

Although a Mini Goldendoodle will have the same chance of shedding or not shedding as a Goldendoodle, the size difference can result in less visible shedding. They simply have less fur to shed because of their smaller size.

Are Goldendoodles hypoallergenic?

Before we can answer this we need to know the definition of Hypoallergenic.

The Cambridge online dictionary, defines hypoallergenic as “designed to be less likely to cause allergic reactions“.

If you go by this definition then the Goldendoodle is hypoallergenic, since they are bred to be less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people with dog allergies. Here how.

It’s the current belief that pet allergies are caused by proteins that are found in a dog’s skin cells, saliva or urine. Often times dog allergies are triggered when a person is exposed to the dander a pet sheds. You see when a dog sheds, there is a small piece of skin that’s attached to the end of each hair that also comes off. This small piece of skin can then become airborne. For people who are sensitive to this protein they may have an allergic reaction when they inhale the dander.

Since Goldendoodles can be bred to shed minimally there is less chance that they will cause an allergic reaction. But you must find a breeder that does the genetic testing to ensure the doodle sheds minimally.

Less shedding doesn’t guarantee they will be allergy friendly

Although having a low shed dog can lower the chance of an allergic reaction it does not guarantee that you will not be allergic to them. Shedding dog dander is only one of the ways people come in contact with the protein that causes allergic reactions. Being licked by a dog, petting them, brushing them or cleaning up after one can also expose someone to the protein. It is best to spend time with the dog or their parents to see if you will have an allergic reaction before you bring home the dog.

What Goldendoodles owners say about shedding?

I asked a group of doodle owners if their dogs shed to see if the claims about doodles not shedding were true. Here is what I found.

• The majority of people with a Goldendoodle stated that their dog did not shed regardless of the generation
• Only a couple of Goldendoodle parents said their doodle shed
• In general doodle parents with non-shedding dogs often had multigenerational doodles

This information was derived from a small group of people who responded to the question. It does not guarantee that the doodle you chose will follow the path.

Are Goldendoodles easy to groom?

One of the most popular features of a Goldendoodle is that they shed less than other types of dogs. But Goldendoodles do need to be groomed regularly. If a Goldendoodle is not regularly brushed the curly hair that is shed gets mangled in with the hair that is still attached. Add to that a dog’s natural oils and outside dirt and you have the prefect recipe for matting. If you truly want a no shedding dog you must brush them often. This means daily brushing if you plan to keep their hair long. If you are unable to brush them daily you should choose to keep their coat short.

A Goldendoodle’s coat grows quickly requiring them to be groomed every 6 to 8 weeks. The cost to have your mini Goldendoodle professionally groomed is around $75.00. This cost may be higher depending on where you live or how matted your dog gets.

Possible other reasons Goldendoodles shed

In addition to the natural cycle of hair growth Goldendoodles can shed more if something is off balanced with the dog. This includes such items like:

• Stress: Any dogs that are under a larger amount of stress can start to lose more hair than normal.
• Allergies: Dog skin allergies are a common reason for hair loss. Dogs with skin allergies may lick themselves bald.
• Excessive bathing: Washing your dog too much will result in removing your dog’s natural oils from their skin. This will cause their skin to dry out and may even cause them to loss their fur.
• Poor nutrition: A dog’s fur is part of their body. Inadequate nutrition can result in hair loss
• Health: There are numerous health conditions that can cause a dog to loss their hair. If your dog experiences excessive hair loss that is not part of their normal cycle make sure you bring your dog to see the veterinarian.

Do Goldendoodles Shed Resources

• Pet allergy: Are there hypoallergenic dog breeds?; MayoClinic.org
• Hair of the Dog: Identification of a Cis-Regulatory Module Predicted to Influence Canine Coat Composition; The National Center for Biotechnology Information 
• A Guide to Dog Coat Types; News.Orvis.com
• What is the difference between hair and fur?; Scientific American
• Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA)

There is a wide price range when it comes to the cost of a Goldendoodle or a Mini Goldendoodle. On the lower end of the range you can find a Goldendoodle puppy priced as cheap as $500. But this may not be the bargain you think it is. Puppies in this price range tend to be poorly bred and have health problems. On the opposite end of the price range are fully trained Goldendoodles that cost $12,000. These puppies come from health tested parents and receive the best of everything.  However, the average Goldendoodle cost is $2,500 to $5,000. But even then there is a big difference between what you get when you pay $2,500 vs $5,000. 

Keep reading to find out what you get in each price range. Plus find out why the average cost of a Goldendoodle is so high and the long term costs of sharing your life with a Goldendoodle.

Goldendoodle Cost: Quantity vs Quality

When it comes to looking for a Goldendoodle or Mini Goldendoodle most people want a puppy which means dealing with a breeder. If you are a first time puppy owner it’s important to understand that the type of breeder you buy from will have a big impact on your future dog’s health and their ability to learn. Here we will go over the four basic types of breeders and their price points.

Goldendoodle price range: $500-$1,000

The Backyard Breeder

The lowest cost for a Goldendoodle that I found was $500. The “breeder” was selling the puppies on a ‘puppies for sale by owner’ website that listed hundreds of breeders with available puppies. There was no information on the puppies regarding health testing, parental lineage, health guarantees or contracts. They did show pictures of the parent dogs in a home setting and of the puppies with the mother dog also in a home. All these clues make me think they are backyard breeder.

The term backyard breeder is used for someone who does not understand what it takes to breed healthy dogs. Often they have a popular dog as a pet and they decide they want to make a little money on the side by selling puppies. Although they may treat their dogs better than a puppy mill, their lack of knowledge results in unhealthy offspring and a high mortality rate for the puppies.

In addition to ‘For Sale by Owner’ type websites you can find backyard breeders on Facebook. Since quality breeders require a spay/neuter contract for their dogs, these breeding dogs are most likely from another backyard breeder or a puppy mill.

Here are a few signs of a backyard breeder:

• They have very little knowledge about the breed
• Don’t have a contract
• Does not provide a health guarantee
• Does not ask questions
• They don’t do health testing on parent dogs
• Cannot produce health records for puppies or parent dogs
• They don’t know the parents linage
• Don’t require a spay/neuter contract

These are just a few signs of a backyard breeder. Make sure you do your homework before you buy.

Goldendoodle price range: $850-$2,800

Puppy Mills

Also on the low end of the price range for Goldendoodles are Puppy Mills. Puppy mills produce a large quantity of dogs with little regard to the health and wellbeing of the breeding dogs or the puppies. These mills house dogs in unimaginable living conditions and just throw them away when they are no longer able to produce puppies. Since they strictly deal in quantity instead of quality they can offer lower prices.

When you buy from a puppy mill you get:

• A dog without proper health testing
• An non-socialized puppy that will be difficult to train
• A puppy that might be sick
• Possibly a puppy without proper vaccinations – they often say they are up to date with vaccines but there is no way to know for sure
• You will not get a puppy that has been carefully breed to ensure they are hypoallergenic or low shedding

But wait $2.800 is not a low cost for a dog. ‘

That is true, but when I was researching the cost of a Goldendoodle puppy for this article I came across multiple websites that were offering puppies from places that appeared to be puppy mills for just a little under $3,000. Since people associate low cost with puppy mills they may be trying to present themselves as a small breeder by requesting a higher price. Also due to the high demand for Goldendoodles they may be able to get this price from an unaware buyer. Puppy mills try hard to hide who they are. If you are not sure if you are buying from a puppy mill here are 10 tips to help you decide.

How to tell if a breeder is actually a puppy mill

• They sell on massive puppy selling websites, Craig’s list, EBay and puppy stores.
• Have multiple breeds for sale
• Won’t share specific information on puppy’s parents
• They hide where they live or were the puppies are raised
• Don’t ask you any questions
• Can’t answer specific questions on puppy
• Sell puppies younger than 8 weeks old.
• Doesn’t have health records for puppies or parents
• Can’t provide proof of health testing
• They always have puppies available

Goldendoodle price range: $3,000-$4,000

Hobby Breeder

A hobby breeder is someone that wants to get into breeding on a small scale. They may have one or two breeding dogs that are also part of their family. A good hobby breeder will educate themselves by taking training classes on breeding, going to seminars and will look for a mentor. A good hobby breeder will also understand the importance of health testing to ensure they are not breeding disease and genetic conditions that will cause pain and suffering to the offspring. They care for their dogs and put the dog’s health ahead of profit. It is hard to find a good hobby breeder but there are some. Just make sure to do your homework before signing a contract.

Signs of a hobby breeder

• Only have one or two litters a year depending on how many female dogs they have
• Does health testing on parent dogs and can prove it
• Is knowledgeable about the breed
• Only breeds female less than once a year
• Limits the total number of litter each female can have
• Provides a contract with a health guarantee
• Requires a spay/neuter contract

Goldendoodle price range: $4,000-$5,000

Quality Breeder

A quality breeder is one that takes pride in the dogs they produce. They strive to make the breed healthier by carefully selecting the best mating pairs possible. They do this by having all their breeding dogs health tested. Quality breeders have a true love of the breed and put the health of their offspring before profits. This means not breeding every dog but only the ones that after health testing are believed to have the healthiest puppies. These breeders are very knowledgeable about the breed and belong to clubs and associations like the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA)

Signs of a quality breeder

• Uses Guardian dogs for breeding
• Does health testing on parent dogs and can prove it
• Is knowledgeable about the breed
• Strives to meet the Goldendoodle Standard as outlined by GANA
• Limits the total number of litters each female can have to 4
• Provides a contract with a health guarantee
• Requires a spay/neuter contract
• Is open to questions
• Requires that you return the dog to them if you are unable to care for it

Finding a quality breeder can be difficult, but GANA is trying to fix that with their Ribbon Reward Program and membership requirements. In order to be a member of GANA breeders must abide by the GANA Code of Ethics, agree to follow the outlined Breeder Policies and Guidelines and prove that they have done the required health testing.

The Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) maintains a list of breeders and their ribbon status. You can find that list here.

Before you chose a breeder

Remember to ask a lot of questions before you chose a breeder. A high price does not necessary mean they are doing all the required health tests or taking care of the dogs. Ask for proof of health tests and living conditions.

Why does a Goldendoodle cost so much?

1. The Law of Supply and Demand Economics

If you remember back to your days of high school economics; price is determined by supply vs demand. Meaning the less there is of something that people want; the more money people are willing to pay to be one of the few with the item. This law can easily be applied to Goldendoodles.

These much sort after dogs are loved by many for their fluffy teddy bear looks and easy going, sometimes goofy personalities. Add in their promise of easy training and low shedding they are often in high demand by people who need assistance dogs. Let’s not forget they first became well known due to the possibility that they were hypoallergenic making them a favorite for allergy suffers, who also love dogs.

So clearly they are in high demand

But unlike a cookie or a car that can easily be produced, Goldendoodles are living beings that deserve to be treated with respect and care. Female dogs cannot safely produce litter after litter. In fact for health reasons dogs should not produce more than 4 litters in their life and the litters should be spaced a part to allow the dog a chance to recover. Breeders who disregard the health of the breeding dogs and continually breed them are called Puppy Mills. This term can apply to large operations with hundreds of dogs or smaller operations that treat the dogs as something you can discard when they are no longer useful. Since we should all want to get our dogs from humane places that care for the breeding dogs the same way we love and care for our own dogs, this greatly reduces the supply of puppies.

Thus the low supply of humanely breed healthy Goldendoodles increases the demand allowing breeders to charge more for them. But supply and demand is not the entire answer to why Goldendoodles come with a high price. In fact even if there were plenty of Goldendoodles around buying a carefully bred dog with health testing would still be expensive.

2. Cost to Breed a Healthy Goldendoodle

The cost to breed a healthy dog can be rather high. By the time you add in a stud fee, health testing costs for both parents; extra food and supplies for mom and her pup and all the necessary veterinarian fees the costs add up quickly. Here are just a few of the items that go into the cost to breed a doodle

• Health testing – $700 and $1200
• Stud Fees – $2,000 – $3,000 for a health tested male in good health.
• Veterinarian care for mom and puppies – $1000 and up
• Whelping box and supplies – $600 and up
• Extra food and vitamins for mom – $300 and up
• Food, medicines, toys and general supplies for puppies $300
• Guardian homes for future breeding -$5,000

Alternative to buying a Goldendoodle from a Breeder

1. Guardian Home Program

You can look for a quality breeder that offers a Guardian Home Program near you. A good quality breeder understands that dogs need to live in a home with a family. To do this some breeders use guardian homes to provide dogs with a family of their own when they are not actively being bred. Although the terms of a Guardian Home Program will vary by breeder the basic idea of the program is the same.

General Guardian Home Programs Overview:

• You must live within a predetermined distance from the breeder. Usually it’s within an hour’s drive
• Dogs are selected by the breeder
• You are responsible for routine care and veterinarian service for the dog as determined by the breeder
• The dog will spend time at the breeder’s location during the late stage of their pregnancy and whelping period
• Dogs will be breed for a specified number of times before they are released from the program

Benefits of getting a dog from a Guardian program:

• Reduced cost for a dog
• Pick of the litter
• Enhanced testing of the dog for genetic conditions

2. Rescue Groups

Another option is to look for a rescue organization that has doodles. On occasion you can find a Goldendoodle puppy in need of rehoming, but it’s not that common. In our post “The 9 Best Places to Find a Goldendoodle Rescue” we list the rescue groups with the best chance of having a Goldendoodle. These rescue sites work with full sized Goldendoodles and Mini Goldendoodles.

3. Local Shelters

While finding a Goldendoodle at a local shelter may be rare it does still happen. Keep an eye on your local shelters website and Facebook page if they have one.

4. Retired Goldendoodles

Some breeders will “retire” their female dogs from breeding after they have had a certain number of litters or are unable to breed. Once retired they will spay the dogs and than offer them up for adoption. Breeders will generally announce the retirement on their own websites. Finding a retired breeding dog is rare since most reputable breeders now use guardian homes.

The other costs of sharing your life with a Goldendoodle

Like with any dog there is an ongoing annual expenses to care for a Goldendoodle. These include but are not limited to:

• High quality food – $800 -$2000 annually but this price could be higher based on the size of your dog and what you choose to feed them.  Pre-packaged human grade fresh food could easily cost over $2,000 for a $50 pound dog.
• Grooming costs – $600 to $1,000 annually for professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks
• Veterinarian Costs for annual check-ups and vaccines – $300 and up. First year is the most expensive due to puppy vaccines, but elder dog care can also be expensive.

Start-up costs of having a Goldendoodle – These are items you will need to buy in the first year, but some will need to be replaced over time.  

• Training Classes $ 200 to $500 per sessions
• Puppy supplies – leash, collar, harness, toys, dog beds, (we have one upstairs and another one downstairs), crate, coat, etc.   $300 to $1,000

Of course there are many ways you can spend money on your doodle, including vacations, boarding, dog houses, dog doors, special dog baths, etc. The list goes on. But with careful planning and time you can also keep your cost down to a more reasonable amount.

Tell us what your Goldendoodle Cost

Some people view the Mini Goldendoodle as the perfect dog. They are not too big or too small. They are billed as non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Plus both parent breeds make great family dogs. So what’s not to like about the breed?

Although the miniature Goldendoodle may seem like the perfect dog they are not for everyone. There are certain aspects of this dog that you need to take into account before you bring one home. Like that they are not as low maintenance as breeders claim, or that they are healthier then purebreds due to hybrid vigor. Join us as we go over the 16 up-to-date facts about mini Goldendoodles you need to know.

All About The Miniature Goldendoodle

1. Breeding

Just like the Goldendoodle, a Miniature Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and Poodle. The difference with a mini is that a Golden Retriever is breed with a miniature poodle or toy poodle, whereas full sized Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden Retriever and standard poodle. This makes the mini a much smaller dog than the Goldendoodle

But even though the Goldendoodle is a cross breed, its not a new designer dog. In fact their popularity dates all the way back to the late 1990’s. But it wasn’t until 2001 that the first miniature Goldendoodle was claimed to be born at Fox Creek Farm. The owner of Fox Creek Farm stated in an interview that they had seen an increased in requests for a smaller version of the Goldendoodle. So they decide to start breeding them.

Breed Standard

There is a common misconception that the Goldendoodle does not have a Breed Standard. Typically breed standards are decided by the American Kennel Club for purebred dogs only. All other dogs are considered mixed breeds without consistence looks or temperaments. But the people over at the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GAMA) decided to change that.

So even though the Goldendoodle and their smaller versions are still not recognized by the American Kennel Club they do have a breed standard that was created by the Goldendoodle Association of North American (GAMA). This official Goldendoodle Breed Standard covers the four available Goldendoodle sizes including; the Petite, Miniature, Medium and Standard. Unlike the AKC Breed Standards for conformation show breeds that primarily focus on size and looks, the breed standards created by the GAMA dictate size, looks, and temperament requirements.

The GAMA also maintains an “Open Stud Book” policy for breeding. This means that as long as the breeding dogs are either a Poodle, Golden Retriever or Goldendoodle they will be accepted as a Goldendoodle registerable by GANA. A closed stud book is a breed registry that does not accept any offspring from unregistered dogs. The purpose of a closed stud book is to ensure that the dog is a purebred member of the breed, but it also limits the gene pool for the breed. Thanks to the GAMA open stud book policy breeders can maintain diversity in the Goldendoodle gene pool.

Generation Classifications

When looking for a Miniature Goldendoodle you may hear terms like F1 Goldendoodle or F2B doodle. These terms are doodle generation classifications that were developed to help people understand the breed mix of their doodle. For example a F1 Goldendoodle is 50% Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever. If you mate a F1 Goldendoodle with a poodle you get an F1B Goldendoodle. The F1b Goldendoodle is believed to have a less chance of shedding because there is more poodle. I will talk about this later in the post, but for now poodles carry the non-shedding gene.

At the time these classifications were created it was the only way to know approximately how much poodle was in your doodle once the breeding moved beyond the F1 Goldendoodle.

However in multigenerational doodles the exact percentage of poodle or golden that is passed down is really unknown. It’s simply a guess based on what is known about the breeding dogs.

Nowadays genetic testing can tell us whether a particular dog has the shedding gene or not. You will find additional information on genetic testing and how they can predict the dog’s coat and shedding further down.

In some cases a F1B doodle can also be 25% poodle and 75% retriever if the breeder crosses an F1 doodle with a retriever.

2. Is there more than one type of Mini Goldendoodle?

Yes, there are three types of Golden Doodles; the English Goldendoodle, the American Goldendoodle and the Australian Goldendoodle.

English Goldendoodle

The English Goldendoodle is a mix between the English Golden Retriever which tends to be cream in color and a white or cream colored Poodle. This results in a cream or white colored Goldendoodle.

American Goldendoodle

The American Goldendoodle is a mix between the American Golden Retriever which tends to be red in color and any colored Poodle. Although American Goldendoodles tend to be a shade of red, they can take on the coloring of the Poodle. You can even find a black Goldendoodle.

Australian Goldendoodle

The Australian Goldendoodle is a little different that the American and English Goldendoodle. Instead of crossing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle, Australian Goldendoodles are mix between an English Goldendoodle and an Australian Labradoodle. They can also be a mix between an English Cream Golden Retriever and an Australian Labradoodle.

The main difference between a Australian Goldendoodle and the American or English Goldendoodle is that the Australian Goldendoodle has up to seven breeds mixed in, where the other two only have two breeds.

Which is better? The Goldendoodle or the Labradoodle. Find out here

3. What is the temperament of a Miniature Goldendoodle?

The miniature Goldendoodle has a great temperament and makes a wonderful family pet. They are always ready for an adventure either on land or in the water. After all they are part poodle. And just like the Golden Retriever the mini Golden Doodle wants to be a friend to all. The minis differ slightly from their larger counterparts in that they may be more active though they will still have an easy going attitude.

Since both the Poodle and Golden land in the top 5 smartest breeds list you can be sure that your Goldendoodle will also be smart and easily trainable.

The down side of these very social dogs is that they don’t like being alone. Leaving your mini alone for long periods of times can lead to separation anxiety. Also as with many smaller dogs the minis may bark more than a larger dog would. It has less to do with the breed and more to do with fear. Therefore it is important that you properly socialize and train your miniature Goldendoodle early on.

4. How big do Mini Goldendoodles get?

The Miniature Goldendoodle is the perfect sized dog for someone that wants a Goldendoodle but does not want to have a large dog. The mini Goldendoodle averages in size between 13 and 20 inches tall and weighs between 15 to 35 pounds. If you compare the miniature Goldendoodle to a full sized Goldendoodle, which can range in size between 20 to over 24 inches tall and weigh between 60 to well over 100 pounds, miniature Goldendoodles are much smaller. 

You might be wondering about the big size range of the miniature Goldendoodle. The size of a mini is determined by the type of poodle that is used during breeding. Both the mini poodle and toy poodle are used to breed mini Doodles. Mini poodles average between 11 to 15 inches in height and 10 to 15 pounds.  Toy poodles are less than 10 inches tall and only weigh between 4 to 6 pounds. Mating a toy poodle with a Golden Retriever will result in a smaller dog but they will still be larger than a toy poodle.

What size will my puppy be when I bring them home?

Since the minis are considered to be a small to medium sized dog you may be wondering what size your puppy will be at 8 weeks when you bring them home.  Miniature Goldendoodle will be between 4 to 8 pounds at 8 weeks of age.  As with most breeds, the miniature Goldendoodle grows the most in their first 6 months. 

5. Do Mini Goldendoodles shed?

The answer to does a mini Golden Doodle shed is very little, but only if you get a multigenerational doodle from a breeder that carefully breeds the shedding genes out of the dog and you keep up with their required grooming needs. Let me explain.

In the past a doodle’s chance of shedding was tied to their Doodle Generation Classification (as shown above). The belief was that if you crossed a Golden Retriever (which are heavy shedders) with a poodle (a low to non-shedder) then the resulting offspring would shed less. We now know that based on genetics this can be true.

However to get to a point that a dog does not shed, a dog needs to inherit two non-shedding genes, one from each parent. If we look at first generation Miniature Goldendoodles or F1 Miniature Goldendoodles they receive one shedding gene from the Golden Retriever and one non-shedding gene from the poodle. This results in lower shedding then a purebred golden Retriever, but they will still shed more than a poodle.

Before genetic testing was available breeders would breed an F1 Goldendoodle to a Poodle with the hope that they would inherit two non-shedding genes. Since the F1 Goldendoodle would have one shedding gene and one non-shedding and the poodle would have two non-shedding genes, at least some of the Goldendoodles should end up with two non-shedding genes. But the dogs also ended up with a curlier coat that closely resembled a poodle’s curls.

Genetics

We now know that the genes that control shedding also control the length of hair on a dog’s face. This includes the beard and long eyebrows that doodles are known for. But since this gene is dominant a doodle can still have long facial hair even when carrying only one non-shedding gene. Remember to get a non-shedding doodle they need to carry two non-shedding genes.

To ensure a dog inherits two non-shedding genes the parent dogs must also have two non-shedding genes. This is where genetic testing comes in. By testing the dogs to see if they have two non-shedding genes breeders are able to determine which pairs will give them the desired off spring. In this case doodles that don’t shed.

Note: To make the explanation easier to understand I called the gene the non shedding gene, But that is not the correct term. The genes that are believed to control shedding and facial hair are the MC5R-gene and the RSPO2-gene. It is the combination of these two genes that make doodles what they are. At least that is today’s understanding. As new discoveries are made there may be a new understanding about what contributes to shedding in dogs.  

Everything sheds

All dogs, and humans for that matter, shed the hair on their bodies. But dogs with non-shedding coats shed much less than dogs with two genes for shedding. Also, since doodles need to be brushed regularly any hair that does fall out naturally is generally caught in the brush. If a doodle is not regularly brushed the curly hair that is shed gets mangled in with the hair that is still attached. Add to that a dogs natural oils and outside dirt and you have the prefect recipe for matting. If you truly want a no shedding dog you must brush them often.

6. Are Mini Goldendoodles hypoallergenic?

Pet allergies are believed to be caused by proteins that are found in a dog’s skin cells, saliva or urine. Most dog allergies are triggered by being exposed to the dander a pet sheds. Dog dander is a small piece of skin that’s attached to the end of each hair. When a dog’s hair falls out (aka sheds) the little piece of dander is also released into the air. For people who are sensitive to this protein they may have an allergic reaction when they inhale the dander.

Since Mini Goldendoodles can be bred to shed minimally there is less chance that they will cause an allergic reaction. But you must find a breeder that does the genetic testing to ensure the doodle sheds minimally.

Although having a low shed dog can lower the chance of an allergic reaction it does not guarantee that you will not be allergic to them. Shedding dog dander is only one of the ways people come in contact with the protein that causes allergic reactions. Being licked by a dog, petting them, brushing them or cleaning up after one can also expose someone to the protein. It is best to spend time with the dog or their parents to see if you will have an allergic reaction before you bring home the dog.

7. Will my Mini Goldendoodle have long wavy hair?

Since both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle have long hair so will a Goldendoodle. But they will only have wavy hair if they have the correct set of genes. It is possible for two wavy haired Goldendoodles to produce puppies with either wavy, straight or curly hair.

8. What colors do Mini Golden Doodles come in?

The mini like the standard can come in a variety of colors. Goldendoodles can inherit any of the colors from either the Golden Retriever or Poodle. Golden Retrievers carry genes for shades of cream, apricot and red, while Poodles can carry genes that include shades of cream, apricot, red, black, chocolate (dark brown), silver and gray coloring. Poodles also carry the genes for popular color patterns, like Parti, and Phantom.  

9. Are Mini Goldendoodles easy to groom?

One of the most popular features of a Goldendoodle is that they shed less than other types of dogs. But Goldendoodles do need to be groomed regularly otherwise their long hair becomes matted. This means daily brushing if you plan to keep their hair long. If you are unable to brush them daily you should choose to keep their coat short.

Goldendoodles can have long curly or wavy hair. The curlier the fur is the more likely they will mat easily.

A Golden Doodle’s coat grows quickly requiring them to be groomed every 6 to 8 weeks. The cost to have your mini Goldendoodle professionally groomed is around $75.00. This cost may be higher depending on where you live or how matted your dog gets.

You can also opt to groom your doodle at home. The cost to buy the required grooming equipment is between $200 to $700 or more. There are DIY Doodle Grooming Facebook groups that can help you get started with grooming your doodle.

10. How much exercise do Miniature Goldendoodles need?

Mini Goldendoodles are active dogs, therefore they are happiest when they are moving. Exercise can be in the form of daily walks twice a day and fun games of fetch or tug of war a couple times a day. They do best in active homes where someone is around to pay attention to them. Golden Doodles that do not get enough exercise or are left alone for long periods of time can become destructive or bark excessively.

Of course all dogs are different and have different exercise needs. If your dog starts to get into trouble they probably need more exercise.

11. What are the health issues with a Mini Goldendoodle?

Mini Goldendoodles are an overall healthy breed but they can develop health conditions that are common to both the Golden Retriever and Poodle. Your best chance of having a healthy dog is by getting them from a reputable breeder that does complete genetic health testing on their breeding dogs. Breeders that leave things up for chance may not know that they are breeding diseases into the dogs.

Mini Goldendoodle health concerns include:

• Ear Infections: Goldendoodles can be prone to ear infections. This is due to their long hairy ears that can reduce air flow and increase moisture that can cause infections.
• Sebaceous adenitisa – a skin disease
• Hip dysplasia: This is a condition in which the thigh bone becomes displaced from the hip joint. It has a strong genetic component and can be avoided through genetic testing
• Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis, a heart condition
• Addison’s disease
• Various eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and glaucoma
• Von Willebrand’s disease a blood condition that affects clotting

To minimize the risk of buying a dog with health issues ask the breeder for proof of health testing on both the parents. Possible tests include:

• Hip certifications from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals,
• OFA heart clearance
• Certification from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation that the eyes are healthy.
• An OFA elbow clearance for standard Goldendoodles,
• An OFA knee clearance for small or medium-size Goldendoodles
• A DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy.
• For more information, see the Ribbon requirements set by the Goldendoodle Association of North America.

Only buy your doodle from a reputable breeder that puts the health of the parent dogs and future puppy over profit. To do this you should not buy a puppy from a breeder that cannot provide you with written, verifiable documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. A “vet check” is not a substitute for genetic health testing.

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12. How long do Mini Goldendoodles live?

The average mini Goldendoodle’s lifespan is between 12 and 15 years. As a comparison a Golden Retriever can live on average between 10 to 12 years and a mini Poodle can live between 12 to 15 years.

But genetics are only part of the equation, a dog’s lifespan is also affected by their living conditions. Dogs that are fed a healthy balanced diet, get adequate exercise, see the vet and live in a home with their family will live a longer life than dogs that don’t.

13. Where can I find a Miniature Goldendoodle?

Here are a few ways to find a miniature Goldendoodle.

1. Breeder –

The most common way to get a Goldendoodle is to buy one from a reputable breeder. But finding a reputable breeder can be difficult. The Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) is trying to fix that with their Ribbon Reward Program and membership requirements.

Only breeders who preform required health testing as outlined on the GANA website are eligible for membership. In addition breeders are awarded either a Red Ribbon or Blue Ribbon based on the type of health testing they perform on the dogs. The Red Ribbon shows that the breeder preforms the basic health tests required by GANA. A Blue Ribbon is awarded to breeders who preform additional recommended tests as directed by GANA.

The GAMA maintains a list of breeders and their ribbon status. You can find that list here.

My advice is to stay away from on-line “puppy for sale” websites and puppy stores. They are commonly used by puppy mills to hide who they really are. Puppy mill puppies often have underlying health conditions that cannot be detected when you first get them. Plus mating dogs and their puppies are kept in inhumane conditions at puppy farms. Please help stop puppy mills by not buying from them either directly or indirectly.

2. Rescue Groups-

Another option is to look for a rescue organization that has doodles. On occasion you can find a Golden Doodle puppy in need of rehoming, but it’s not that common. In our post “The 9 Best Places to Find a Goldendoodle Rescue” we list the rescue groups with the best chance of having a Goldendoodle. These rescue sites work with full sized Goldendoodles and the minis.

3. Local Shelters-

While finding a Miniature Goldendoodle at a local shelter may be rare it does still happen. Keep an eye on your local shelters website and Facebook page if they have one.

3. Guardian Home Program-

You can also look for a quality breeder that offers a Guardian Home Program near you. A good quality breeder understands that dogs need to live in a home with a family. To do this some breeders use guardian homes to provide dogs with a family of their own when they are not actively being bred. Although the terms of a Guardian Home Program will vary by breeder the basic idea of the program is the same.

General Guardian Home Programs Overview:

• You must live within a predetermined distance from the breeder. Usually it’s within an hour’s drive
• Dogs are selected by the breeder
• You are responsible for routine care and veterinarian service for the dog as determined by the breeder
• The dog will spend time at the breeder’s location during their pregnancy and whelping period
• Dogs will be breed for a specified number of times before they are released from the program

Benefits of getting a dog from a Guardian program:

• Reduced cost for a dog
• Pick of the litter
• Enhanced testing of the dog for genetic conditions

4. Retired Mini Goldendoodles

Some breeders will “retire” their female dogs from breeding after they have had a certain number of litters or are unable to breed. Once retired they spay the dogs and offer them up for adoption. Breeders will generally announce the retirement on their own websites. Finding a retired breeding dog is rare since most reputable breeders now use guardian homes.

14. How much does a Mini Goldendoodle cost?

The cost of an 8 week old Mini Goldendoodle ranges from $500 all the way up to $12,000. How much you pay for a mini will depend on who you get them from. On the lower end of the cost spectrum your puppy will most likely come from a puppy mill. These puppies are born in horrible conditions, where the parent dogs are abused and suffer daily. Please do your homework and do not by from a puppy mill. See our tips on how to spot a puppy mill below.

Puppies in the $3,000 to 4,000 range tend to come from smaller breeders. The parent dogs may be health tested but you will need to ask a lot of questions to ensure they are a reputable breeder who care for the parent dog’s health.

Puppies that cost $4,000 or more typically come from breeders that do extensive health testing including genetic testing for shedding. You can find these breeders in the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) directory. But remember to ask a lot of questions before you chose a breeder. A high price does not necessary mean they are doing all the require health tests. Ask for proof of health tests and living conditions.

How to tell if a breeder is actually a puppy mill

• They sell on massive puppy selling websites, Craig’s list, Ebay or puppy stores.
• Have multiple breeds for sale
• Won’t share specific information on puppy’s parents
• They hide where they live or were the puppies are raised
• Don’t ask you any questions
• Can’t answer specific questions on puppy or parents
• Sell puppies younger than 8 weeks old.
• Doesn’t have health records for puppies or parents
• Can’t provide proof of health testing
• They always have puppies available

15. Are Miniature Goldendoodles high maintenance?

Yes, Mini Goldendoodles are high maintenance dogs. Although they shed much less that a Golden Retriever they still require a lot of maintenance to keep their fluffy coats in good shape. While Goldens require an occasional bath, Goldendoodles need to be bathe, dried with a high volume dryer (to avoid matting) and have their hair cut every 6 to 8 weeks. Professional grooming costs for a Goldendoodle can start at $75.00 and go up from there.

In comparison Golden Retrievers don’t need to be groomed since their fur stops growing at a predetermined length plus they can air dry after getting wet since their fur does not mat.

Also Goldendoodles with long hair need to be brushed daily. You can get around this by keeping their hair shorter, but that requires more frequent trips to the groomer.

If you decide you want to groom your dog at home, it takes between 2 to 3 hours to do it every 6 to 8 weeks. This includes bathing, drying them and cutting their hair.

So yes, you will spend less time vacuuming up fur and taking it off your clothes with a Goldendoodle, but that time if traded with brushing and running to the groomers.

In addition to the grooming maintenance requirements, Goldendoodles are high energy dogs which mean they need daily exercise. Plan on spending a couple of hours daily to meet their exercise requirements.

16. What are the differences between a Standard Goldendoodle and a Mini?

The main differences between the mini and standard doodle are size, and temperament.

Size

As I mentioned above there is a pretty large size difference between the mini and standard Goldendoodle. The mini tops out at 20 inches high and 35 pounds where the standard size doodle can get upwards to 24 inches high and over 100 pounds. If a large dog is not a reality for you, getting a mini might be a better choice.

Some breeders are also breeding medium sized doodles that fill in the size gap between the mini and the standard, but this is still not a common size for a Goldendoodle.

Temperament

A Mini Goldendoodle is a little more active than a full sized one. They may also bark more at other dogs and people who pass by.

So is the Mini Goldendoodle the perfect dog?

While they have many great traits they are not a low maintenance dog if you factor in their grooming, exercise and social needs. But if you are looking for an affectionate, active dog that is not too big, the mini might be the perfect dog for you.

So once you find your mini Goldendoodle what will you name them?

Here are some great ideas for naming your dog:

• Black Dog Names: 450+ Names for Black Dogs
• Unique Dog Names: Plus Tips on How to Pick One
• Scottish Dog Names: 500 Names to Choose From
• Australian Dog Names: 200 Dog Names to Choose From
• 550 British Dog Names: You Will Want to Use
• Norse Dog Names: Viking Names for Your Dog
• French Dog Names
• 200+ Flower Names For Dogs: Plus Nature Names

Miniature Goldendoodle Resources

• Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA)
• Doodles Part 1 – Amy Lane: The Goldendoodle Association of America
• Animal Genetics – Hair Shedding Genes
• Pet allergy – From the Mayo Clinic
• Breed review by Embrace; Labradoodles and Goldendoodles
• What is Patellar Luxation?
• How smart is your dog? – WebMD
• Backyard Breeders Trying to Make Money by Breeding “Designer Dogs”; Dogster.com