How Big Do Mini Goldendoodles Get & What Impacts Their Growth

Unlike their larger Goldendoodle counterparts, Mini Goldendoodles are compact, making them an appealing choice for individuals and families alike. But how big do Mini Goldendoodles actually get?

While they’re considered a small-to-medium-sized breed, their final height and weight can vary. Several factors influence their growth, including genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health. 

Let’s explore the typical size range of Mini Goldendoodles, growth milestones, and what contributes to their ultimate stature.

Understanding the Mini Goldendoodle’s Genetic Background

Like all hybrid breeds, Mini Goldendoodles inherit their traits from two distinct parent breeds: the Miniature Poodle and the Golden Retriever. Understanding their lineage helps explain why their size can be somewhat unpredictable.

Parent Breeds: Miniature Poodle and Golden Retriever

The Mini Goldendoodle’s genetic makeup comes from two breeds that are vastly different in size.

• Golden Retriever: This beloved family dog is known for its medium-to-large size, with adult males standing between 23-24 inches tall and females slightly shorter at 21.5-22.5 inches. They typically weigh between 55-75 pounds.

• Miniature Poodle: The Miniature Poodle, on the other hand, is much smaller, usually standing around 10-15 inches tall and weighing 10-15 pounds.

Since these parent breeds have such a large discrepancy in size, a Mini Goldendoodle can fall anywhere between the two, depending on which traits are more dominant.

Generational Differences (F1, F1B, F2, etc.)

A Mini Goldendoodle’s size isn’t just influenced by its parent breeds—it also depends on its generational classification.

• F1 Mini Goldendoodles (50% Golden Retriever, 50% Miniature Poodle): These dogs have the widest size variation since they inherit an even mix of both parents’ genes.

• F1B Mini Goldendoodles (75% Miniature Poodle, 25% Golden Retriever): These tend to be smaller, as the Miniature Poodle’s influence is stronger.

• F2 Mini Goldendoodles (Two F1 parents bred together): This generation can be unpredictable in terms of size, with some puppies leaning toward their Golden Retriever ancestry and others favoring the Poodle.

Each generation introduces a different level of genetic variability, which is why some Mini Goldendoodles stay petite while others inch closer to a small Standard Goldendoodle in size.

Average Size of Mini Goldendoodles 

Height Range

A full-grown Mini Goldendoodle typically stands between 13 to 20 inches at the shoulder. Some fall slightly outside this range, particularly if they take after their Golden Retriever parent more than expected.

Weight Range

Most Mini Goldendoodles weigh between 15 to 35 pounds as adults. The reason for such a wide range is due to the variability in their parentage and genetic influence.

• A Mini Goldendoodle on the smaller end (closer to 15-20 pounds) likely has more Miniature Poodle traits.

• A larger Mini Goldendoodle (closer to 30-35 pounds) probably has more Golden Retriever influence.

Even within the same litter, puppies can mature to different sizes depending on their genetic makeup.

Recent blogs about Mini Goldendoodles:

Food to avoid with Mini Goldendoodles

What to expect your first year with a Mini Goldendoodle

Growth Stages of a Mini Goldendoodle

Mini Goldendoodles don’t reach their full size overnight. They go through distinct growth phases, each with its own milestones and challenges.

Puppy Stage: Birth to 6 Months

This is the fastest-growing stage of a Mini Goldendoodle’s life.

• They gain several pounds per month during this phase.

• Teething occurs, which can lead to increased chewing behavior.

• Muscle development starts, making playtime crucial for coordination.

This period is essential for proper nutrition, as deficiencies can impact long-term growth.

Adolescence: 6 to 12 Months

Growth slows down, but Mini Goldendoodles continue to fill out in terms of both height and weight.

• Behavioral shifts (more independence, testing boundaries) are common.

• They may go through a "lanky" phase, where their legs seem longer than the rest of their body.

• Energy levels remain high, requiring regular exercise but with caution to avoid joint strain.

Adulthood: 1 to 2 Years

By 12 to 18 months, most Mini Goldendoodles have reached their full height, though they may continue adding muscle mass.

• Males tend to be larger than females.

• Coat changes may occur, transitioning from the soft puppy fluff to a more textured adult coat.

By age 2, they’re fully grown, with their personality and physical structure set for life.

Mini Goldendoodle Size Variations

Not all Mini Goldendoodles fit into the same size category. Breeders have introduced even smaller variations, leading to different classifications.

Teacup and Toy Mini Goldendoodles

For those looking for a tiny companion, Teacup and Toy Mini Goldendoodles offer a smaller alternative to the standard size.

• Typically weigh between 10 to 15 pounds.

• Bred by crossing Mini Goldendoodles with Toy Poodles to achieve a smaller stature.

• Require extra care, as smaller dogs can be more fragile and prone to hypoglycemia or joint issues.

How to Predict Your Mini Goldendoodle’s Adult Size

One of the biggest curiosities for Mini Goldendoodle owners is figuring out just how big their pup will get. While you can never predict with absolute certainty, there are a few reliable methods for estimating their adult size.

Looking at the Parents

Genetics play a major role in determining your Mini Goldendoodle’s eventual size. Since Mini Goldendoodles are a mix between a Miniature Poodle and a Golden Retriever, the size of the parents offers a good starting point for estimation.

"The biggest factor with the growth of a Mini Goldendoodle has to do not only with the size of the parents," says dog breeder Jenna Stone, founder of JennaLee Designer Doodles. "But also with the size of their lineage. For example, the parents of a puppy could be 15 lbs and 20 lbs respectively, but if the parents of those dogs' parents were 25 and 30 lbs, the puppies could grow to be larger."

• If the Mini Goldendoodle comes from a particularly small Miniature Poodle parent and a smaller-than-average Golden Retriever, the puppy is more likely to stay on the petite side.

• On the other hand, if the Golden Retriever parent is on the larger end of the spectrum, you may end up with a dog that’s closer to the upper range of Mini Goldendoodle sizes.

• Even within the same litter, sizes can vary, so while parent size provides a good guide, it’s not a guarantee.

"Because the Goldendoodle does always come from a Golden Retriever at some point in their past, there's always a chance for them to 'throw' bigger puppies from that past generation," says Stone.

"However, the further back that dog is, the lower the chance of the mini goldendoodle taking on those size traits. For this reason, we don't recommend earlier generation mini goldendoodles as their size is far less predictable than multi-gen puppies that have been bred down correctly."

Growth Charts and Calculators

Growth charts and online puppy size calculators can also help predict your dog’s adult size based on their weight at various milestones.

• A common rule of thumb is to take a puppy’s weight at 8 weeks and multiply it by four to get a rough adult weight estimate.

• Another method is doubling their weight at 16 weeks to get a more accurate prediction of their final size.

• Several online puppy growth calculators use breed-specific data to give an estimate, but these are best used as general guidelines rather than precise measurements.

Veterinarian Insights

Your veterinarian can offer valuable insights based on your pup’s current growth trajectory.

• Vets consider factors like bone structure, weight gain trends, and body composition to make an educated guess about final size.

• If your Mini Goldendoodle has an unusually slow or rapid growth rate, a vet can assess whether it’s normal or if adjustments to diet, exercise, or medical care are needed.

Tips for Supporting Healthy Growth in Mini Goldendoodles

Ensuring your Mini Goldendoodle grows strong and healthy requires proper care. Here are a few key areas to focus on.

Providing a Balanced Diet

What your dog eats directly affects how well they grow.

• Look for high-quality puppy food rich in proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins.

• Avoid fillers like corn or wheat, which don’t provide much nutritional value.

• Transition to adult food around 12 months, ensuring it still meets their nutritional needs.

Appropriate Exercise

Exercise is crucial, but it’s important to strike the right balance.

• Too much vigorous activity too early can put unnecessary strain on developing joints.

• Stick to short walks, light playtime, and controlled activities during puppyhood. Gradually introduce longer walks and higher-impact activities as they mature.

Regular Vet Check-Ups

Routine vet visits help monitor your pup’s growth and catch any potential issues early.

• Your vet can check for proper weight gain, bone development, and overall health.

• Early detection of any abnormalities can prevent long-term problems.

• Learn more ways you can improve your Mini Goldendoodle's chances at living a long life here

Avoiding Overfeeding

An overweight Mini Goldendoodle is at risk for issues affecting mobility, cardiovascular conditions, and various other medical concerns

• Follow portion guidelines based on age, weight, and activity level.

• Treats should be given in moderation.

• If your pup seems constantly hungry, consult your vet before increasing their food intake.

When to Be Concerned About Growth

Most Mini Goldendoodles grow at a healthy pace, but there are times when a lack of growth may indicate a problem.

Signs Your Mini Goldendoodle is Not Growing Properly

If your puppy isn’t gaining weight or seems unusually small for their age, take note of:

• Lack of appetite

• Extreme lethargy

• Unusual body proportions (e.g., head appearing too large for body)

Potential Health Issues

Several conditions can impact a Mini Goldendoodle’s growth, including:

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Hormonal imbalances (such as thyroid issues)

• Growth plate injuries

Steps to Take if You’re Concerned

If you suspect a growth issue:

• Schedule a vet visit.

• Keep track of weight and height over time.

• Follow any recommended dietary or medical interventions.

Why Size Matters for Mini Goldendoodle Owners

Understanding your Mini Goldendoodle’s size helps you prepare for their lifestyle needs.

Exercise and Space Requirements

A smaller dog may need less space, but they still require daily activity.

• A compact Mini Goldendoodle adapts well to apartment living but still needs walks and playtime.

• Larger ones may require more room to run and play comfortably.

Travel and Portability

A smaller Mini Goldendoodle is easier to bring along on trips.

• Many Mini Goldendoodles fall within airline pet size restrictions for in-cabin travel.

• Compact size makes them convenient for road trips, hotels, and public transportation.

Lifestyle Compatibility

Choosing the right size dog ensures a better fit for your household.

• Families with kids may prefer a sturdier Mini Goldendoodle.

• Frequent travelers or city dwellers might appreciate a smaller companion.

• Read about Mini Goldendoodles and apartment living here

Mini Goldendoodles can grow into many sizes, influenced by genetics, nutrition, and health care. While you can estimate adult size using parentage and growth trends, natural variation is always at play. 

No matter their final size, what truly matters is ensuring they grow into happy, healthy companions through proper diet, exercise, and veterinary care. Providing the best foundation will help your Mini Goldendoodle thrive, no matter how big or small they end up!

Jenna and the JLDD Team