Mini Golden Retriever Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

9-20 kg

Height

35-50 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

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About the Mini Golden Retriever

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Mini Golden Retrievers are one of the newest dog breeds on the block, which may mean that you’ve never even heard of this hybrid breed!

Thankfully, this comprehensive breed guide will be able to help you find out everything you need to know about the breed, from its temperament to its feeding and grooming needs, and more.

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What is the history & origin of the Mini Golden Retriever?

The Miniature Golden Retriever doesn’t have much in the way of a storied history, as the breed is so new that it is yet to be registered with the American Kennel Club.

Its parent breeds, on the other hand, have all been around for an exceptionally long time. The Golden Retriever, which is the main component of the breed, originates from Scotland. There it was used to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl for hunters and was bred from a variety of different dog breeds, including the Tweed Water Spaniel, which is now extinct.

The Cocker Spaniel is another breed that is used to create the Miniature Golden Retriever. This is owing to the fact that the breed is much smaller than the Golden Retriever, and when they are bred together, the size of the offspring is reduced quite significantly.

Cocker Spaniels were also primarily bred to be hunting dogs, much like Golden Retrievers; however, both breeds have become companion dogs in the last hundred years.

The Poodle dog breed is also used to create the Miniature Golden Retriever. The breed comes in a variety of different sizes, with the Miniature and Toy type Poodles being more commonly used to help decrease the size of the Golden Retriever offspring.

The Poodle, much like the Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel, was also used for hunting and retrieving waterfowl. Nowadays, it’s more often found lounging around on a living room sofa or strutting its stuff in a show ring.

What is a Mini Golden Retriever breed?

The Mini Golden Retriever is a mixed breed dog that is created by breeders crossing Golden Retrievers, Poodles, and Cocker Spaniels in various different ways.

Mini Golden Retrievers can also be known as Comfort Retrievers, Golden Cavaliers, or even Petite Golden Retrievers. The main goal when attempting to create a Miniature Golden Retriever is to aim for 50% to 75% Golden Retriever genes, as this is where the breed gets its namesake after all!

The Miniature Golden Retriever should also not be confused with a Dwarf Golden Retriever, as the latter is a genetic defect that affects purebred Golden Retrievers and causes them not to grow past 2 or 3 months of age.

Who is a Mini Golden Retriever best for?

Unsurprisingly, Mini Golden Retrievers often take after their main parent breed, which means that they are generally extremely active and energetic. If you are looking for a weekend couch companion, then it is best you look elsewhere, as the breed needs a substantial amount of exercise!

Mini Golden Retrievers are often best for families that want a Golden Retriever but may not want to contend with a full-sized version of the breed.

Much like their Golden Retriever parents, the Mini Golden Retriever is extremely loyal, lovable, and friendly, which means that they make excellent family dogs and are also very good around children.

All of the breed’s parent breeds are known to get on well with other dogs, so you generally won’t have any issues if you decide to introduce a Mini Golden Retriever to your pack.

It may, however, not be a good idea to get a Mini Golden Retriever if you have small pets like rabbits at home. This is owing to the fact that if your dog gets some of its traits from a Cocker Spaniel parent, it will likely chase these small pets around.

Mini Golden Retrievers can be suitable for apartment dwellers owing to their small size. However, they will need to receive adequate exercise during the day if you want to keep them happy, so regular walks and playtime are a must.

Mini Golden Retriever Grooming & Shedding

Miniature Golden Retrievers tend to shed quite a bit, thanks to their exceptionally furry parent breeds! If you’re averse to dog hair, then you best look elsewhere, as you will likely be finding a lot of it around your home if you decide to choose this breed.

Their long coats require daily brushing if you want to prevent them from matting. Thankfully, grooming isn’t particularly difficult, so most owners should be able to take the task on themselves.

While Miniature Golden Retrievers are prone to shedding, they are often chosen by owners who suffer from allergies as they are known to produce less dander than other breeds.

Do Mini Golden Retrievers bark a lot?

While Golden Retrievers and Poodles are not specifically known to bark excessively, the Cocker Spaniel breed can be particularly vocal!

The traits of your petite Golden Retriever will depend on how it has been bred, but if it has a decent amount of Cocker Spaniel bred into it, then it may be prone to barking.

Your Mini Golden Retriever may, therefore, begin barking if they feel under-stimulated. This behaviour should be trained out as soon as possible, as it will be difficult to stop if it becomes a habit.

This is likely also a good indication that your Mini Golden Retriever needs more exercise or mental stimulation.

What is the average weight & height of a Mini Golden Retriever dog?

The size of Miniature Goldens can vary depending on how they are bred, but they are generally between 35 and 50cm tall and weigh between 9 and 20kg.

Are Mini Golden Retrievers easy to train?

Miniature Golden Retrievers are like their intelligent parent breeds in the way that they are very easy to train.

Potty and kennel training will be an absolute breeze with this breed, and those interested in dog sports won’t be disappointed either, as this breed will likely exceed your expectations.

How do Mini Golden Retrievers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Miniature Golden Retriever is a friendly, energetic, and all-around happy dog breed like all three of the breeds that were used to create it.

They are also known to be rather sensitive, so it’s best not to speak too loudly or shout in a harsh voice around your Mini Golden, as this will likely upset it.

The breed won’t have any difficulty getting along with other dogs and small children and can, therefore, be a perfect addition to any family looking for a happy canine companion.

Does the Mini Golden Retriever have any common health issues?

The Mini Golden Retriever breed is still quite new, which means many are still unsure about what health conditions it could be prone to. Owners should generally look out for diseases that affect the parent breeds, such as:

Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to pain and mobility issues.
Lymphoma: This type of cancer can occur in Mini Golden Retrievers, as it affects both parent breeds.
Skin Problems: They may experience allergies or skin irritations, which can lead to discomfort.
Epilepsy: A neurological disorder that can cause seizures and affect quality of life.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): A serious condition where the stomach twists, requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Collapsed Trachea: A condition that affects breathing and may be more common in smaller breeds.
Cherry Eye: A condition where a gland in the eye prolapses, causing irritation and requiring treatment.
Cardiomyopathy: A heart condition that can affect overall health and requires careful monitoring.

What is the lifespan of a Mini Golden Retriever?

Mini Golden Retrievers generally live for around 10 to 12 years.

How much does a Mini Golden Retriever need to be fed?

Miniature Golden Retrievers should be fed around 2.5 cups of dry dog food per day. This should also be split between 2 meals to prevent them from overeating and possibly getting bloated.

How much can you expect to pay for a Mini Golden Retriever in Australia?

Mini Golden Retriever puppies are quite hard to come by, as they are a designer dog breed. Prospective owners should expect to shell out quite a lot of cash if they want to get their hands on one owing to how rare the breed is.

In the U.S., a Mini Golden Retriever puppy can cost up to $5000 USD, so owners should expect to spend a similar amount in Australia.

Mini Golden Retriever FAQs

Is a Mini Golden Retriever ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Mini Golden Retrievers can be good dogs for first-time owners, so long as the first-time owner knows they will need to exercise and play with their dogs on an almost daily basis.

Do Mini Golden Retrievers suffer from separation anxiety?

All of the breeds used to create the Miniature Golden Retriever don’t do well being alone for long, which means you should not choose this breed if there are no people at your home during the day.

Alternatively, you could also drop your dog off at a dog daycare centre when you’re away from home.