Are you considering getting a Mini-Goldendoodle as a house dog but unsure if they would be a good fit? Mini-Goldendoodles are a popular breed of designer dogs that are known for their friendly temperament and hypoallergenic coat.
However, like all dogs, they have specific needs and characteristics that should be taken into consideration before bringing them into your home. We will explore whether Mini-Goldendoodles make good house dogs by examining their temperament, size, exercise needs, grooming requirements, and training.
By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of whether a Mini-Goldendoodle is the right choice for you and your household.
How is the Mini-Goldendoodle Temperament?
Mini-Goldendoodles are known for their fun, caring and loyal temperament, which makes them great family pets. They tend to be social dogs that enjoy being around people and other pets. They are not aggressive by nature and tend to get along well with people and other animals.
Mini-Goldendoodles are also intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods. With consistent training, they can learn a variety of commands and behaviors.
However, like all dogs, they require proper socialization and training to develop these good behavior and manners. Early socialization can help prevent fearfulness, anxiety, and aggression in Mini-Goldendoodles. Remember, you’re fitting a lot of personality in a small package!
The Size of a Mini-Goldendoodle and Their Needs
Mini-Goldendoodles are smaller in size compared to Standard Goldendoodles, which makes them well-suited for living in smaller spaces such as apartments or townhouses. They typically weigh between 15 and 35 pounds and stand 13 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder.
While their smaller size may make them more adaptable to living in a smaller space, it's important to note that they still require daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
Mini-Goldendoodles enjoy going on walks, playing fetch, and other activities that allow them to burn off energy. They benefit from at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can include a combination of outdoor activities and indoor games. Like all dogs, they also benefit from mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys and obedience training, to keep their minds sharp.
Mini-Goldendoodles enjoy going on walks, playing fetch, and other activities that allow them to burn off energy. They benefit from at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can include a combination of outdoor activities and indoor games. Like all dogs, they also benefit from mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys and obedience training, to keep their minds sharp.
More about Mini-Goldendoodles:
What about Little Dogs and Little Kids?
A mini doodle and a mini person seems like a perfect match, right? Well there are things to keep in mind that we should talk about.
These dogs are very intelligent and are well aware of their size disadvantage. Dogs can be overstimulated or overworked and become stressed out and seek to find alone time to decompress and destress. And due to their size, when this happens, they are just as likely to lash out to protect themselves. Many smaller children with loads of energy can’t quite reason that the family dog might want some alone time or feel stressed and scared. They think, “Well I’m having fun and the dog getting away from me is just part of the game!”
But in reality this is just adding on to the dog’s problem. And many prospective Mini-Goldendoodle owners think a small dog will be perfect for their small kids.
The problem lies with these two things. The dog being all too aware of its own size and the child’s misunderstanding of the situation. This can cause the dog to lash out or cause long standing confidence issues. This causes us to really ask our prospective Mini-Goldendoodle families if a mini really is a good fit for them, when a larger doodle might be a better fit for your children!
It's important to note however that like any breed, individual temperament can vary. Factors such as genetics, environment, and training can all influence a dog's personality. If you're considering getting a Mini-Goldendoodle, it's important to meet the parents or the breeder and interact with the puppy to get a sense of their temperament.
A reputable breeder will be able to provide information about the temperament of their dogs and the temperament of the puppy's parents.
The Grooming Needs of a Mini-Goldendoodle
Mini-Goldendoodles have curly or wavy hair that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Their hair can grow long, which can lead to discomfort if it's not properly cared for. Regular grooming can also help prevent skin irritations and infections.
The frequency of grooming will depend on the individual dog's hair type and activity level. As a general rule, Mini-Goldendoodles should be brushed at least once a week, and their hair should be trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks. A professional groomer can help maintain their coat and keep it healthy.
In addition to regular brushing and trimming, Mini-Goldendoodles also require periodic baths to keep their coat clean and healthy. It's important to use a mild, dog-specific shampoo to avoid irritating their skin. I’d recommend a bath every 3-4 weeks, or at least twice between haircuts!
Training your Mini-Goldendoodle
Mini-Goldendoodles are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. Positive reinforcement methods, such as reward-based training, are highly effective with this breed. Mini-Goldendoodles respond well to praise and treats, so it's important to use these rewards consistently during training sessions.
In addition to basic obedience training, Mini-Goldendoodles can excel in other types of training, such as agility and therapy work. They are also known for their love of play and games, which can be incorporated into their training to make it more fun and engaging.
It's important to note that Mini-Goldendoodles can have a stubborn streak, which may require patience and persistence during training. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key.
Boundaries are also important when setting a training regime for your doodle, for both you and the dog. If your dog isn’t allowed to interact, be on certain furniture or be in certain rooms, don't selectively enforce these actions.
And when the dog is tired and wants to be left alone, they need their own safe space, like a kennel, to be able to retreat.
If you think a Mini-Goldendoodle is right for you, and want to know more about training, you should check out our puppy pre-school information page to learn more.
Jenna and the JLDD Team