Mini Labradoodle Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

11-29 kg

Height

35-50 cm

Lifespan

10-18 years

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About the Mini Labradoodle

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The Mini Labradoodle has become one of the most popular mixed breeds in recent years. Intelligent, playful and absolutely adorable, this little dog has all the charm of a Poodle and the rambunctiousness of a Labrador. They make perfect companion dogs and brilliant family pets.

We’ve laid out this guide so that you can explore all the benefits of owning your very own Mini Labradoodle, as well as some useful tips to make sure your canine pal has a long and happy life.

What is the history & origin of the Mini Goldendoodle?

The Labradoodle breed originated in Australia in the 1970s. Breeders were trying to create a hypoallergenic dog by mixing the Labrador and the Poodle together.

When the Labradoodle exploded in popularity, they decided to start mixing the purebred Labrador Retriever with the Miniature Poodle to make smaller puppies, and so the Mini Labradoodle was born!

From the late 80s onwards, they became a sought after breed, and now even the Crown Princess and Prince of Norway have their own!

What is a Mini Goldendoodle breed?

The Mini Labradoodle is known for being affectionate, intelligent, and very cute, and they’re also a great therapy dog.

Their adorable appearance means they’re regarded as teddy bear dogs, and it’s easy to see why. With their floppy ears, long faces and wavy or curly coats, it’s almost impossible to resist a cuddle.

These little dogs haven’t just inherited the Miniature Poodle genes though and have all the energy of their Labrador parent as well.

Mini Labradoodles have become very popular in recent decades, but, as it’s still a fairly new breed, it isn’t officially recognised by the American Kennel Club. Breeders are currently working hard to standardise the breed, so recognition may not be too far away.

Who is a Mini Goldendoodle best for?

Mini Labradoodles make excellent family pets. They love being around people and form strong bonds with their owners. So, be prepared to show your puppy lots of affection, and you’ll receive even more back.

As both parent breeds are energetic and athletic, the Mini Labradoodle is too, and they require a good amount of exercise and stimulation to keep them from becoming bored. So, it’s important that their owners are able to commit time to regular walks and playing.

Due to their affectionate and clever nature, the Mini Labradoodle is also a great service dog and can be a brilliant companion for people who live alone.

Mini Goldendoodle Grooming & Shedding

How much your Mini Labradoodle sheds and how much grooming they require depends on which of the parent breeds they most take after.

If their coat is more similar to the Labrador, then they will shed quite a lot, but if they’ve inherited more from their Mini Poodle parent, they should have a low-shedding coat.

If the latter is true for your Mini Labradoodle, then they’ll need more regular grooming and should be brushed daily to prevent their curly coat from becoming matted. They’ll also need to be clipped pretty regularly.

If they’ve inherited a double coat from their Labrador parent, then weekly brushing will be enough.

Do Mini Goldendoodles bark a lot?

Both Labradors and Miniature Poodles are considered to be moderate barkers, so the Mini Labradoodle has the same tendency. They don’t usually bark without reason, and it’s usually due to excitement, anxiety or even boredom.

As long as the Mini Labradoodle puppy is trained early and given plenty of stimulation, excessive barking shouldn’t become an issue.

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

As the Mini Labradoodle isn’t yet a standardised breed, their size can vary quite a bit depending on which parent breed they take after the most.

If they’re more like their Labrador parent, then they can be as big as 43-50cm. But, if they have more of the Mini Poodle genes, then they can be as little as 35-40cm.

When it comes to weight, a bigger Mini Labradoodle can weigh 22-29kg and a smaller one between 6-11kg.

Are Mini Goldendoodles easy to train?

Due to their intelligence, and their sweet nature, Mini Labradoodle puppies respond well to training. As with most dog breeds, they need to be socialised early so that they react well to other people and pets. They’ll need to be exposed to new people and other dogs whilst they’re still young.

The best training methods are ones that are based on positive reinforcement rather than punishment, and this should make sure your puppy grows into a confident and well-behaved pooch. The Mini Labradoodle will also benefit from puppy training classes, so this is definitely something to consider.

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

Mini Labradoodles are smart, playful and friendly. They love receiving affection and attention from their owners and don’t do well if left alone for long periods of time.

Their energetic nature means they need to be kept busy. As well as regular walks, you should provide them with interactive dog toys so they can amuse themselves.

One thing that’s certain is that Mini Labradoodles don’t make good guard dogs, as they’re simply too friendly! So, if you’re looking for a pooch to guard your home, the Mini Labradoodle isn’t the best choice.

Does the Mini Goldendoodle have any common health issues?

Unlike purebred dogs, hybrid dogs are at risk of developing health conditions that are common in both parent breeds. The most prevalent Mini Labradoodle health issues are:

Hip Dysplasia – is a deformity of the hip that develops as the dog grows. This results in a loose and painful joint that can cause limping.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy – is a degenerative disease that causes the deterioration of photoreceptor cells in the eyes, which can lead to partial or full blindness.
Patellar Luxation – this is when the dog’s kneecap becomes dislocated from the socket and can lead to them developing arthritis over time.
Addison’s Disease – this is when the required levels of corticosteroid hormones aren’t being produced by the dog’s adrenal glands. Luckily, it is treatable if diagnosed properly.

The best way to make sure the Mini Labradoodle puppy you get is healthy is to buy them from a reputable breeder who has carried out health checks on their parents.

What is the lifespan of a Mini Goldendoodle?

On average, mixed-breed dogs tend to live longer than purebred ones. As the Labrador Retriever has an average lifespan of 10-12 years, and the Mini Poodle lives 10-18 years, the Mini Labradoodle’s life expectancy should be within this range.

How much does a Mini Goldendoodle need to be fed?

How much food your Mini Labradoodle needs depends on their age, size and activity level. But, on average, they will need between 1.5 and 2 cups of dry food a day. Make sure you use high-quality food with good nutritional values.

Labrador Retrievers are known to overeat, so Mini Labradoodles can inherit the same tendency. Stick to feeding them two or three times a day, and avoid any foods that are high in fat.

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

If you buy a Mini Labradoodle puppy from a private owner, then they can be fairly cheap. But, the best option is always to pay extra and buy one from a reputable breeder.

This will cost between $1,500 – $3,500, but it’s worth the higher price to ensure you’re getting a healthy dog and to avoid puppy mills.

Mini Goldendoodle FAQs

Is a Miniature Labradoodle ideal for a first-time dog owner?

The Mini Labradoodle is a great pet for most people, including first-time owners. They’re easy to train and well-behaved if you socialise them early on. The main thing that new owners should bear in mind is that they are pretty active dogs, so they will need regular, daily exercise.

As long as you can commit to this, then this little dog could be your perfect introduction to the canine world.

Do Miniature Labradoodles suffer from separation anxiety?

Mini Labradoodles are prone to separation anxiety. If they’re left alone for long periods of time, they become bored and lonely, which can lead to unwanted behaviours like excessive barking.

They do best in households where there is always someone around, but they can cope with being alone for short stretches.

Are Miniature Labradoodles hypoallergenic dogs?

The Mini Labradoodle can be considered hypoallergenic if it has inherited its coat from the Miniature Poodle parent, as it will be low-shedding. However, as no dog breed is fully hypoallergenic, there is still a risk of allergic reaction to this breed as well.

Will a Miniature Labradoodle need professional grooming?

It’s not essential that your Mini Labradoodle goes to a professional groomer, but it can be a good time-saver. If they have a more Poodle-like coat, they’ll require daily brushing and regular clipping. So, if that’s the case, it may be worth finding a good, professional groomer.

If they’ve inherited the Labrador’s double coat, then they will be more low maintenance and will only need to be brushed weekly. They also won’t need to be clipped as often.