Doodles 101

Compared to the Labradoodle or Goldendoodle the Bernedoodle is still a relatively new poodle mix breed.

The Bernepoo (another name it goes by) was first developed in the early 2000’s by a breeder in Canada.

The breeder stated she was looking to develop a doodle that was better suited for family life.

She felt that the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle had too high of an energy level to fit in with many of today’s families. She wanted to create one the was more “chill”

Since the Bernese Mountain Poo (yup, it’s yet another name for this dog) is a newer type of doodle finding answers about them can be difficult. 

This often leaves people guessing what the dog will be like based on the traits of the parent breeds. While this information is both useful and needed, here we want to provide you with information that goes beyond the basics. 

The information in this post, in addition to basic information, also includes real life experiences from people who share their lives with a Bernedoodle.  Join us as we go over 10 things you didn’t know about the Bernedoodle.

The Bernedoodle

Bernedoodle History

The Bernedoodle is a crossbreed between the Bernese Mountain dog and the Poodle. As I mentioned above these dogs are first claimed to be breed in 2003 by a Canadian breeder that had started out breeding Golden Retrievers and then Bernese Mountain dogs.

Although most breeders of the Bernepoo use a poodle to crossbreed some breeders have chosen to use a Labradoodle instead. We will discuss why later in the post.

What is a Bernese/Poodle crossbreed called?

Bernese Mountain dog and Poodle crossbreeds are known by many names including Bernedoodle, Bernepoo, Bernese Mountain Poo, Bernese Mountain Doodle or a Bernese Poodle.

Let’s start with our discussion with an overview of the parent breeds.

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain dog is one of the four Swiss Mountain dog breeds that originated in the Swiss Alps.  Although all four breeds have similar black, brown and white markings the dogs differ in size, with the Bernese being the second largest in the group and the only one with long fur.   

The Bernese, or Bernie as they are commonly called, was bred to be a general farm dog. Their purpose was to tend the flock and watch over the farm. Unlike the Golden Retriever that is a friend to everyone these dogs are more reserved and standoffish to new people. They may also exhibit a tendency to herd people and other animals. In addition to their farm duties they were used to pull small carts.

The Bernese is a large, hardy dog that loves being outside and prefers cooler climates that resemble their native Swiss alps. They don’t care for the heat. They’re very family oriented and have a great deal of love and commitment to their families.

As I mentioned the Bernese is a large dog with males weighing in between 80 to 120 pounds and standing at between 25 to 27.5 inches tall at the shoulder. The Berne became popular about 20 years ago when people discovered that these gentle giants were easy going and self-assured making them a great addition for families with children.

Poodle

The Poodle is believed to be having been bred to be a waterfowl retriever for German hunters but France also claims it as their own. Either way thanks to the high intelligence, athleticism and goofy personality the Poodle has been a favorite for many years. Oh and of course they don’t shed which is why they are paired to so many other breeds.

Don’t let anyone tell you that poodles are cold and aloof. I know from personal experiences that poodles love to cuddle and be with their family, it’s just that they think before they act.

Poodles come in four sizes; toy, mini, moyen (medium) and standard. The standard is rather large at 18 to 24in tall and 40 to 70lbs. It is the range in poodle sizes that help create the various size classifications for the Bernedoodle.

Bernedoodle Temperament

Breeders will tell you that a well-bred Bernedoodle temperament combines the best of the parent breeds. Ideally this means they inherit the Poodle’s smart and playful nature and the Bernese’s sweet, loyal and calm personality. Plus they should be healthier than the parent breeds and low shedding.

Here’s what Bernedoodle parents say about their pups.

• Easiest dog I ever had
• Sweet; a herder, but a bit aloof
• Wants attention
• Zen
• Calm; easy to train
• Good energy level and personality;
• Friendly and loves children, needy
• Less energetic then a Goldendoodle
• Goofy, affectionate, but also skittish
• Laid back and easy going, stubborn
• Mouthy and vocal
• Has stranger danger
• Smart, but stubborn

As you can see most people agree that the Bernese Mountain Doodle is a smart, calm but playful, easy going dog. But some can inherit the stubbornness and the wariness of strangers that comes from the Bernese Mountain Dog. In the end their individual temperament will depend on their breeding and which personality they inherit.

Just remember regardless of the temperament a dog has, all children must be taught how to be around a dog. Although most Bernepoos love to be around children all puppies will nip and have a high energy level.

Bernedoodle Size

The Bernedoodle comes in three sizes; standard, mini and tiny or micro. Size is determined by the size of the poodle used in breeding, plus the generation of doodle.

F1 Bernedoodles may be larger than F2 Bernedoodles since they are 50% Bernese and 50%poodle. F2 Berne D’s and multi-generations poos may be smaller due to the greater percentage of poodle in the mix.

Standard Size

Most adult standard sized dogs will fall in the range between a Bernese Mountain dog and a standard poodle. This is somewhere around 23 to 29 inches high and between 60 to 100 pounds. However it is not uncommon for poodle mix breeds to grow larger than either of the parent breeds.

Mini

The Mini Bernedoodle is not that small. At 18 to 22 inches tall and between 25-50lbs, the mini is about the same size as a medium sized dog. But compared to a standard sized Bernepoo a mini is much smaller.

Tiny or Micro

The tiny or micro sized pup is more in line with the mini Goldendoodle when it comes to size. The tiny pups range between 12-17 inches tall and 10 to 24lbs. As a comparison the mini Goldendoodle averages in size between 13 and 20 inches tall and weighs between 15 to 35 pounds.

If you are looking for a smaller doodle you may want to also check out the Cockapoo and Cavapoo

Exercise Requirements

Their exercise requirements will depend on their size, but it is generally less than a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle. A standard sized pup will require about 1 1/2 hours of daily exercise. This can be in the form of daily walks and playtime in the yard. Due to their large size they will have bouts of energy but will then need to rest. Although they don’t require hours of exercise they are still very happy to accompany you on long walks or hiking.

The mini and tiny will need a bit more exercise but much of it can come in the form of playtime. They also love to hang out and cuddle with their humans.

A common question about puppies is when will they start to settle down. For Bernedoodles, most owners say that their pups started to settle down around 6 to 8 months, which is sooner that a lot of breeds.

Coloring

Bernedoodles can come in a range of colors and patterns. While the Bernese will always pass down the genes for their tri color coat, poodles can have both dominate and recessive color genes.

Poodles can carry genes that include shades of cream, apricot, red, black, chocolate (dark brown), silver and gray coloring. They also carry the genes for popular color patterns, like Phantom and not so popular genes like the fading gene.  

If you are looking for one the most popular colors (tri color, sable or merle) the wait time can easily be between 18-24 months at breeders that conduct genetic health tests. 

Where to Find A Bernedoodle?

Although not as popular as other doodles the Bernedoodle has been increasing in popularity in recent years as word gets out about them. This makes finding a Bernedoodle difficult.

When searching for one of these dogs you can either look for a Bernedoodle rescue or go to a quality breeder. If you chose to get your pup from a breeder make sure to ask a lot of questions. The breeder should be knowledgeable in parent breeds and the breeding process. Plus they should be able to provide proof of the health tested for genetic traits on parent dogs.

When searching for a Bernedoodle be prepared for a long wait. Most quality Bernepoo breeders have a 6 to 12 month waiting list. The wait time can be even longer if you want a pup with the Bernese tri-color markings. If you don’t want to wait you can opt for a pre-trained pup but be ready to pay big bucks for the dog.

Cost of a Bernedoodle

The average cost of a health tested Bernedoodle is $4,000 to $5,000, with the popular tri-color pups being the most expensive. If you would prefer to have your puppy trained so you can skip the puppy blues, the price tag goes up to 15K.

While the cost might seem high, so is the demand for these pups. Plus there are still a limited number of quality breeders to get your pup from. High demand plus low inventory always means higher prices. You can find Bernedoodles for less but they most likely will not be health tested. The cheaper the price the more likely that you are buying from a puppy mill.

Looking for a name for your large dog? Check out our list of Big Dog Names: 300+ Names From the Classic to the Unique

Health

While most doodles tend to be healthier than their parent breed, they are still prone to common conditions that affect both breeds. In the case of the Bernedoodle this includes hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and skin issues. Another concern is cancer. Bernese Mountain dogs have a high rate of cancer at about 50% and the Poodle’s rate of cancer is 40%.

The best way to avoid these issues is to buy from a quality breeder that invests in health testing to make sure they are not breeding health conditions into the offspring. Vet checks do not guarantee that the breeder worked towards creating a health dog. It only tells you they are not sick at the moment.

10 Facts About the Bernedoodle Only Owners Know

1. They like to talk

According to their owners Bernedoodles like to be vocal. Most people believe they are trying to communicate with them and have different sounds for different meanings. Sounds can be either a whine, moan, bark or other variations of sounds that I can’t describe. Some will even howl along to certain songs.

Now don’t get me wrong they are not noisy dogs, but they do like to communicate. Most people find their attempt to communicate charming. Our doodle is very communicative as well. She will whine when she needs something or playfully bark when she wants to play.

2. It’s common for puppies to Sploot

Never heard of splooting? Splooting is when a dog lays flat on their stomach with their back feet and legs stretched either behind them or off to the sides. In the picture below can see a dog doing both veriations. It’s pretty funny to see since they look like a frog from above. It’s believed that they do this to either stretch out their legs or to cool off by placing their belly on a cold surface. While this is more common in puppies, some adult dogs can also lay this way.

3. Their colors may fade

I touched on this earlier. Poodles can carry the fade gene. This causes a dark haired poodle to fade to a lighter color. In the case of my own doodle, Bella, her black fur faded to a light gray by the time she was two. This can also happen with Bernedoodles that inherit the fading gene. For most people it won’t matter but if you wanted a tri color Bernedoodle that matches the look of the Bernese you may be in for a surprise as your pup ages. The easiest way to determine if your pup might inherit this gene is by looking at the parents or asking if the breeder tested for the gene, though neither method is guaranteed.

4. Mini is a relative term when it comes to the Bernedoodle

In general because the Bernese Mountain dog is an ex-large dog breed the mini and the micro Bernedoodle will be larger than other similarly named doodles. For example the Mini Bernedoodle is 18 to 22 inches tall and between 25-50 lbs but the mini Labradoodle is only between 14 to 16 inches tall and 15 to 25 pounds.

So although they are billed as a “mini” Bernedoodle, the size is in relations to the size of a full sized Berne doodle. When looking for a mini, make sure to ask about the parent’s sizes.

5. Not all Bernedoodles have a tri-color coat

Bernedoodles can be all black, black and white, black and brown, or tri color (black, and white with red or tan markings). The most requested color combination for these dogs is one that matches the markings on the Bernese but this color combination is hard to find. Other colors and color combinations can also be seen based on the color genes of the poodle. Bernedoodles that take on the poodle’s colors and patterns can be hard to tell the difference between them and the other doodles.

6. Your Bernedoodle might be part Labradoodle

Some breeders chose to use an Australian Labradoodle (ALD) instead of a poodle to breed a Bernedoodle. These pups are generally referenced to as an Australian Bernedoodle.

Although reasons may vary, one breeder’s reason to use an Australian Labradoodle was that they felt the Bernese and ADL was a better match in both temperament and structure. This results in a more consistent look for the puppies. Also using wavy or straight haired ADL results in a Bernedoodle that is low-shed but without the curly coat.

7. Are Expensive to have Groomed

Due to their large size standard Bernedoodles are more expensive to have professionally groomed than other doodles. You can expect to pay over $100 each time you have your pup groomed

8. They can be Stubborn

While poodles are easy to train, Bernes tend to have a stubbornness to them. This trait can be passed down to some crossbreeds. The good news is that most will outgrow their stubbornness by the time they become adults.

9. Bernedoodles can be Sensitive

This trait comes from the Bernese Mountain dog side of the pairing. Not all Bernepoos will be sensitive but some are. This is important to know because they do not take well to punishments. These dogs need to be trained using positive reinforcement only.

10. Can Develop Separation Anxiety

The breed parents of the Bernedoodles were both developed to work alongside humans, either in the fields retrieving prey or on the farm helping with livestock and other duties. So it only makes sense that these dogs want to be around their people all the time. But Bernedoodles seem to be a bit more prone to Separation Anxiety then other dog breeds.

Bernedoodle Resources

• Bernese Mountain Dog – Wikipedia
• What is a Bernedoodle – Sweet Pea Doodle Farm
• Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America

The Goldendoodle is arguable the most popular type of doodle. 

If you don’t believe me just go to any dog park.  Chances are you will find more Goldendoodles than any other doodle type there.

The main reason for this is the combination of high intelligence that comes from both the Poodle and Golden Retriever breeds and the friendly, laidback attitude they get from the golden.

These two traits combine to make these dogs wonderful companions and easy to train.  

In fact most doodle owners agree that the Golden doodle makes a great family dog.  But that doesn’t mean these dogs are for everyone.  

Sadly, there has been an increase in the number of Goldendoodles that are being rehomed once people realize they were not the right fit for their lifestyle. So before you go out and get one, join us as we go over 10 reasons why a Goldendoodle is not the right dog for you.

10 Reasons You Shouldn’t Get A Goldendoodle

As wonderful as these dogs are, they aren’t for everyone. Here’s why!

1. High Energy

Goldendoodles are intelligent, high energy dogs. Their energy level comes from both the Poodle and Golden Retriever sides of the family.  Both of these purebred dogs were developed to spend time in the fields or water chasing down their owners catch. This required a lot of energy and stamina on the part of the dogs.

Nowadays Goldendoodles are companion dogs but they still have close to the same amount of energy that was bred into the parent breeds years ago. This energy needs to be burned off every day. This in turn means they require a lot of exercise and also mental stimulation. 

Without adequate exercise and mental stimulation they will begin to develop bad habits or decide to entertain themselves in ways you generally would not approve.  They may start to rummage through the garbage, bark at people or chew on a shoe. 

If you have a family that can play with the dog for a few hours a day, or go for long walks. Or if you are an active person that has the ability to take your dog with you when you run, hike or socialize then a Goldendoodle may be a good match. 

But if your family is too busy to pay attention to a dog or if you need to leave the dog home alone for long periods of time a Goldendoodle is not the right dog for you. 

Our Story

Our Golden Retriever once decided to entertain himself by chewing on my husband’s work boot when we weren’t home. He was an adult rescue dog so we knew teething was not the issue. What Charlie needed was more time outside socializing. So we increased his time at the park. He never chewed on another thing. But not everyone has the time to spend an hour or two a day at the park.  

2. High Maintenance Dogs

There’s a common belief that doodles are low maintenance. I believe this stems from two main traits. One is that they do not shed as much as a Golden Retriever and two that they are easy to train. While both of these things are true, that does not equal a low maintenance dog.

The time that you will save by not having to vacuum up their fur will instead is tripled by the time you need to brush and comb them. Having lived with a Golden I fully understand how much they can shed, especially when they change over their coats. Plus their hair gets everywhere including your clothes. But whether or not you have a dog that sheds a lot you still need to vacuum on occasion.

Also doodles with long wavy hair need to be brushed and line combed nightly. If you don’t keep up with the daily brushing that long, wavy or curly hair quickly becomes matted. Plus they require extra care when taking them out on raining days. The wet conditions can quickly turn a mat free pup into a matted mess after just one short walk in the rain.

You can cut down on the daily maintenance by keeping their fur short but then you also lose the fluffy look and feel so many people want. Plus keeping their fur short means frequent trips to the groomer or learning how to groom them yourself. Both of these things bring us to the next point. Doodles can be expensive to own.

3. Goldendoodles are Expensive

Due to the high demand for these dogs Goldendoodles cost more to buy from a breeder than either a Poodle or Golden Retriever. Plus they will cost you more in yearly upkeep costs than a Golden.

Although all dogs require food and trips to the vet to keep them happy and healthy, Goldendoodles also require expensive professional grooming. You will also need to buy special brushes and combs to maintain their fur in between grooming sessions.

Of course it depends on where you live and the size of your doodle, but a trip to the groomer can easily cost between $65 to over $100. That doesn’t include a tip. Did I mention that they need to be groomed every 6 to 8 weeks.

If you add that up for a year it will cost you at least $600. That is on top of food, toys, chews and vet bills. You can keep the cost down by making sure they are not matted and by choosing a smaller dog like the mini Goldendoodle.

If you are looking for a smaller doodle you may want to also check out the Cockapoo and Cavapoo

You can take also choose to groom them yourself but the initial cost of equipment is around $1,000. That’s almost two years of professional grooming cost.

When we decided to get a doodle we planned to groom her ourselves, but after attempting to groom her a few times during the pandemic we decided it was too much work. Plus she looked awful. There is a lot of patience and skill needed to groom a dog.

4. The Unknown

Lots of people including myself refer to Goldendoodles as a breed. That’s because there are breeders out there who are working towards that goal. But due to the Goldendoodle’s popularity there are a lot of people who are breeding them just to make a quick buck. These breeders put little though into the health or future traits of the offspring. This leads to the unknown. You could end up with a wonderful, easily trained pup or you could end up with a dog that has lots of issues.

One of the biggest issues with the unknown is shedding. Many breeders I have come across claim that Goldendoodles do not shed. However we know that is not possible, because every animal with hair will shed old hair to grow new hair, even humans. But doodles do tend to shed a lot less than their non-poodle counterparts.

Where the issue comes in is when a doodle sheds a lot and the person wanted a non-shedding dog. For some people shedding is a deal breaker. If you are one of these people you are much better off getting a purebred dog that is known for low-shedding rather than take your chance on a mix breed.

Another unknow with the Goldendoodle is their fur color. While most Goldendoodles are in the light red to blond colors sometimes they can be Black or Brown.

Of course just like with a non-poodle mix dog, you can brush them daily to keep the shedding to a minimum.

5. Requires Social Interaction

As I mentioned above, Poodles and Golden Retrievers were both originally developed to work closely with their people in the fields of Scotland, Germany and France. You can still see their desire to be with people and to please people in today’s dogs. These traits make the Goldendoodle both highly sociable and a great family dog. That is if you are able to spend the time to provide them with the attention they desire.

However if you work long hours and need to leave your pup home alone, they will most likely become bored and depressed. This can then lead to bad behaviors including destroying stuff in the home and suffering from separation anxiety.

6. Separation Anxiety

Due to their highly sociable traits Goldendoodles are prone to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone. These are not the types of dogs that can be left alone for long periods of time. They need to be around people most of the time. Again they are a great family dog when the family is around but can be a big headache for an active family that is always on the move, unless of course you can take them with you.

When we had our Golden we took him with us everywhere we went on the weekends. He loved to meet people and go to new places. Most Goldendoodle inherit that same friendliness and need to be with people.

Of course there are times that you simply can’t take them along. But those times should be the exception rather than the norm.

Sending them to doggy day care can help with the separation anxiety, but that can become expensive.

7. Allergies

Doodles are often billed as hypoallergenic. Technically this is true. But we need to keep in mind that hypoallergenic means that they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. It does not guarantee that a person will not be allergic to the dog. While many people with pet allergies, including myself, are able to live with a doodle without suffering daily allergy symptoms not all people are the same and not all Goldendoodles have the same type of fur.

It’s important to note that pet allergies are caused by a protein that resides in a pet’s dander, saliva and urine. Pet dander is released into the air when a dog sheds a hair. So for dogs that shed less often there is less pet dander in the air to cause allergies, but you can still be allergic to their saliva. Also since not all poodle mixes are low shed you could end up with a dog that sheds a lot.

8. Can be Mouthy

As I mentioned already both the Poodle and Golden are retriever type breeds. This means they are trained to use their mouth to do their job. While both tend to have a “soft mouth” they also have a tendency to use their mouths to communicate. It’s not uncommon for a Goldendoodle to grab a person by the arm or tug on clothes to get their attention. Our doodle used to do this when she was still a puppy.

While they mean no harm it can be scary for someone that does not know about this trait. This is particularly a problem when young kids are around young Goldendoodles that have not learned the proper way to use their mouths. Just for the record Goldendoodles and Golden can be taught not use their mouth on a person.

9. The Goldendoodle is Not a Guard Dog

If you are looking for a guard dog to keep watch over your home, Goldendoodles are not the right dog for the job. Just like the Golden, Goldendoodles are extremely friendly. They would rather welcome a stranger into their home rather than try to keep them out.

10. Prone to Certain Medical Issues

Although Goldendoodles are billed as being healthier than purebred dogs due to “hybrid vigor” this is not always the case. Since both the Poodle and Golden share some of the same health issues; like Hip Dysplasia and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) complex commonly known as bloat there is a potential that they can still suffer from these common health conditions. If you really want a dog with hybrid vigor you should pick a doodle whose parents do not share the same health concerns.

Who is Best Suited to Live with a Goldendoodle?

• Someone who is looking for a full time companion that will want to be by their side night and day.
• A person that is looking for a friendly easy going pup whose silly antics can bring a smile to your heart.
• Someone that doesn’t mind the daily brushing. In fact the daily brushing can be very relaxing and a great way to bond with your pup.
• Someone who lives an active lifestyle and can bring their pup along.
• And someone who doesn’t mind a little fur lying around.
• Personally I think getting a doodle was a great choice for us, but they are not for everyone.

The Goldendoodle Resources

• 16 Pros and Cons of Owning a Goldendoodle
• Goldendoodle Association of North American

The Goldendoodle is one of the two most popular doodles available.

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.

Oh, in case you are wondering the other most popular doodle is the Labradoodle with the Bernedoodle and Aussiedoodle starting to catch-up.

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

Is the Goldendoodle the right dog for you? Join us to find out why the Goldendoodle is not for everyone. 

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

Are You Looking for a Rescue Dog to Adopt?

Here are some resources to help you with your search

• Goldendoodle Rescue: 9 Best Places To Look For One
• Labradoodle Rescue: 14 Best Places to Get a Labradoodle
• Bernedoodle Rescue: 15 Best Places to Find One
• Doodle Rescue: 12 Best Places to look for a Doodle
• Poodle Rescue: 9 Best Places to Look For One

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.

Is the Goldendoodle the right dog for you? Join us to find out why the Goldendoodle is not for everyone. 

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)

Are you looking for a Hypoallergenic Dog?

Here are some resources to help you with your search

• Mini Goldendoodle: Your Up-To-Date Guide for 2021
• Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: Which is Better?
• Black Goldendoodle: What You Need to Know
• What Does A Goldendoodle Cost in 2021?

Considering getting a Doodle?

Here are some resources to help you find a rescue?

• Goldendoodle Rescue: 9 Best Places To Look For One
• Labradoodle Rescue: 14 Best Places to Get a Labradoodle
• Bernedoodle Rescue: 15 Best Places to Find One
• Doodle Rescue: 12 Best Places to look for a Doodle
• Poodle Rescue: 9 Best Places to Look For One

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.

Is the Goldendoodle the right dog for you? Join us to find out why the Goldendoodle is not for everyone. 

Tell us what your Goldendoodle Cost

Are you looking for a Hypoallergenic Dog?

Here are some resources to help you with your search

• Mini Goldendoodle: Your Up-To-Date Guide for 2021
• Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: Which is Better?
• Black Goldendoodle: What You Need to Know

Considering getting a Doodle?

Here are some resources to help you find a rescue?

• Goldendoodle Rescue: 9 Best Places To Look For One
• Labradoodle Rescue: 14 Best Places to Get a Labradoodle
• Bernedoodle Rescue: 15 Best Places to Find One
• Doodle Rescue: 12 Best Places to look for a Doodle
• Poodle Rescue: 9 Best Places to Look For One

Some people view the Mini Goldendoodle as the perfect dog.

They are not too big or too small.

Plus they are billed as non-shedding and hypoallergenic.

And 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 Golden doodles 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. We compare the two crossbreeds in our post Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: Which is Better?

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.

If you are looking for a smaller doodle you may want to also check out the Cockapoo and Cavapoo

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.

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 plus you may find Goldendoodles at rescues that also have Labradoodle rescues, Bernedoodle rescues, Cockapoo Rescues, Doodle rescues, and Poodle rescues. These rescue sites work with full sized Goldendoodles and the mini.

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.

Is the Goldendoodle the right dog for you? Join us to find out why the Goldendoodle is not for everyone. 

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