Petite Goldendoodle: Size, Traits, Care & What to Expect

If you’ve been scrolling through puppy photos online and stumbled across the Petite Goldendoodle, chances are you’ve fallen in love already. These pint-sized doodles pack all the smarts, sweetness, and fluffy charm of a full-sized Goldendoodle into a smaller, more manageable package.

But before you bring a Petite Goldendoodle home, it’s smart to understand exactly what you’re signing up for—size, temperament, grooming needs, cost, and more.

Petite, Toy & Micro Goldendoodles

A Petite Goldendoodle is the smallest version of the Goldendoodle—a designer crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. More specifically, most Petite Goldendoodles are a mix of a Toy Poodle and a Mini Goldendoodle, which makes them even smaller than the typical “Mini” doodle.

They’re sometimes called “Toy Goldendoodles” or “Micro Goldendoodles,” depending on the breeder, but generally, “Petite” refers to dogs that weigh under 25 pounds when fully grown. This compact size makes them a great choice for people who love doodles but live in smaller homes or apartments.

Learn about Teacup Goldendoodles here.

Petite Goldendoodle Size & Appearance

This breed usually stands between 10 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder and typically weighs around 15 to 25 pounds, though some may be as small as 10 pounds. They have a compact yet sturdy build, with an athletic frame that gives them both strength and agility.

Coats can vary, but you’ll usually see the signature doodle fluff—either wavy, curly, or somewhere in between. Common coat colors include:

• Cream, apricot, or golden

• Red or copper

• Chocolate or black

• Parti-colored (two tones)

• Merle patterns (rarer but striking)

Thanks to their Poodle parentage, Petite Goldendoodles are considered low-shedding and allergy-friendly. While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, many allergy sufferers do well with doodles compared to heavy-shedding breeds.

Related posts:

Mini vs Micro Goldendoodles

Temperament & Personality of Petite Goldendoodles

One of the biggest reasons people fall in love with Goldendoodles—big or small—is their temperament.

Petite Goldendoodles are affectionate by nature, adoring their people and always wanting to be part of the family’s daily life. They’re friendly companions, usually great with children, other dogs, and even cats if introduced early.

Thanks to their Golden Retriever and Poodle lineage, they’re also highly intelligent and quick learners. Playful yet adaptable, they enjoy walks and games but are just as happy curling up on the couch for downtime.

In short, Petite Goldendoodles are what many call the “perfect family dog.” They’re social butterflies who thrive on companionship, so they don’t do well if left alone for long hours every day.

Grooming & Coat Care

Here’s the deal: owning a Petite Goldendoodle means committing to regular grooming—their fluffy coat won’t take care of itself. Brushing at least three to four times a week helps prevent matting, though daily brushing is best if their coat is curly.

Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is recommended for trims and coat maintenance, while baths should be given about once a month or as needed if they get dirty.

Since doodles are prone to ear infections, regular ear and eye cleaning is also important. To make the process easier, keep a slicker brush, metal comb, and dog-safe detangling spray on hand. While it may sound like a lot of work, the good news is that this grooming routine means less shedding around the house—a big plus for many families.

Petite Goldendoodles: Exercise & Training Needs

Don’t let their small size fool you—Petite Goldendoodles are active, intelligent dogs that thrive with the right balance of activity and engagement. They need 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, whether that’s walks, playtime, or backyard zoomies.

Just as important is mental stimulation, with puzzle toys, training games, and new tricks helping to keep their clever minds engaged. Since they’re quick learners, regular training sessions are both fun and effective, especially when using positive reinforcement like treats and praise, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.

A bored doodle can get into mischief, so mixing in both physical and mental exercise will help keep your Petite Goldendoodle happy and well-behaved.

Health & Lifespan of Little Goldendoodles

Like all breeds, Petite Goldendoodles have some health risks to be aware of.

• Average lifespan: 12–16 years

• Potential issues: hip dysplasia, eye conditions (like progressive retinal atrophy), allergies, and ear infections

• Smaller size benefits: Petite doodles often live longer and have fewer joint problems than larger dogs.

The most important thing when buying a Petite Goldendoodle is choosing a breeder who does extensive health testing on parent dogs. Reputable breeders screen for genetic issues and only breed dogs that pass health clearances.

Feeding & Nutrition for Tiny Goldendoodles

Petite Goldendoodles may be small, but their active nature means they need a nutrient-rich diet to stay healthy. Puppies do best with three to four small meals a day, while adults usually thrive on two meals daily.

Depending on their activity level, they’ll need around 400 to 700 calories each day. The best choice is a small-breed formula that offers a balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Since doodles tend to love food, it’s important to avoid overfeeding—extra pounds can creep on quickly.

Keep training treats small and be sure to factor them into the overall daily calorie coun

The Cost of Owning a Petite Goldendoodle

These little doodles are in high demand, which means they don’t come cheap.

• Puppy price range: $2,500–$5,000 depending on breeder reputation, coat color, and location.

• Ongoing costs: Grooming ($60–$100 per session), vet bills, food, training, toys.

• Adoption option: Doodle-specific rescues sometimes have Petite Goldendoodles available, though they’re rare.

It’s an investment, but many families find the companionship and love well worth it.

Finding a Reputable Doodle Breeder

The rising popularity of Petite Goldendoodles has unfortunately attracted irresponsible breeders and puppy mills, so it’s important to protect yourself—and your future pup—by doing thorough research.

Quality breeders - like JennaLee Designer Doodles - will provide health test results for both parent dogs, offer a written contract and health guarantee, raise puppies in a home environment rather than kennels, and take the time to get to know you to ensure their puppies go to the right homes.

On the other hand, red flags include breeders with multiple litters available at once, little to no transparency about parent dogs’ health, or bargain prices far below the average. If a breeder doesn’t meet these standards, it’s best to walk away.

Is a Petite Goldendoodle Right for You?

Here’s a brief list of the good and not-so-good to help decide:

Pros:

• Adorable, affectionate, family-friendly

• Compact size for apartments or small homes

• Smart and trainable

• Low-shedding coat

Cons:

• Grooming is a lifelong commitment

• High initial cost

• Can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone often

If you’re looking for a playful, affectionate companion who loves to be part of your family’s everyday life, a Petite Goldendoodle might just be the perfect fit.

FAQs About Petite Goldendoodles

How big does a Petite Goldendoodle get?

Most reach 10–16 inches tall and weigh 15–25 pounds, though some can be smaller.

Are Petite Goldendoodles hypoallergenic?

 They’re considered low-shedding and allergy-friendly, but no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic.

What’s the difference between a Mini and Petite Goldendoodle?

Mini Goldendoodles are typically 25–40 pounds, while Petites are smaller, usually under 25 pounds.

Do Petite Goldendoodles bark a lot?

They’re not known as excessive barkers, but like all dogs, they’ll bark to alert or when bored. Training and mental stimulation help keep barking in check.

How long do Petite Goldendoodles live?

On average, 12–16 years with proper care.

Are Petite Goldendoodles good with children?

Yes! They’re gentle, playful, and love being part of family activities.

The Petite Goldendoodle has all the charm of a standard doodle in a pint-sized body. They’re affectionate, adaptable, and easy to train—making them a great fit for families, singles, and seniors alike. Just be prepared for regular grooming, plenty of playtime, and a lot of cuddles.

If you’re ready for a loyal companion who will stick by your side (and maybe steal your favorite spot on the couch), a Petite Goldendoodle could be the perfect addition to your family.

Jenna and the JLDD Team