Guide: mini Goldendoodle
Mini Goldendoodle: Size, Temperament, Coat and Care
A mini Goldendoodle is a cross of Golden Retriever and Poodle, bred down to a smaller size. The Goldendoodle Association of North America defines a miniature as 14 to 17 inches tall and typically 26 to 35 pounds. Expect a friendly, clever, active family dog with a coat that needs regular grooming.
Mini Goldendoodle at a glance
| Cross | Golden Retriever and Poodle |
| Miniature size | 14 to 17 inches at the shoulder, typically 26 to 35 lb |
| Petite size | Under 14 inches, typically 25 lb or less |
| Temperament | Friendly, intelligent and confident |
| Coat | Curly, wavy or straight |
| Parents’ life expectancy | Golden Retriever 10 to 12 years. Miniature Poodle 10 to 18 years. |
Sizes, temperament and coat types are from the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA). Life expectancies are from the American Kennel Club (AKC).
How big does a mini Goldendoodle get?
GANA sorts Goldendoodles by adult height, with typical weights alongside. A miniature is 14 to 17 inches and usually 26 to 35 pounds. Anything smaller is a petite.
However, GANA is clear that a breeder’s size estimate for a puppy is an educated guess. Words like micro and teacup are not official sizes, so always ask what each parent weighs. Our guide to Goldendoodle sizes and generations explains the labels.
Temperament
The breed standard asks for a dog that is friendly, reliable and steady with children. Both parent breeds score 5 out of 5 with the AKC for affection, friendliness with young children and trainability.
The other side of the coin is energy. A mini is smaller than a standard Goldendoodle, but it is still half retriever. Read Goldendoodle temperament for the full picture, including the hard parts.
Mini Goldendoodle coat and grooming
Coats can be curly, wavy or straight, and shedding depends mainly on whether a dog inherited the gene for facial furnishings. Most low-shedding coats need brushing to the skin several times a week and a professional groom every four to six weeks.
See our Goldendoodle grooming guide. For allergy questions, read Are Goldendoodles hypoallergenic?
Exercise and training
The AKC says Golden Retrievers need plenty of daily exercise and that Poodles of every size are very active. So plan on daily walks, games of fetch and short training sessions, even for a small Goldendoodle.
Training is the easy part. Both parents are among the most trainable breeds, and puppy classes are well worth it. In addition, early socialization sets the tone for life. See our puppy socialization checklist.
Health testing to ask about
GANA requires its member breeders to test breeding dogs for hips, elbows, eyes, heart and knees, plus a set of DNA tests. Ask any breeder which of these each parent has had, and ask to see the reports.
Our parent dogs have an Embark DNA health panel before breeding. See how we health test and what to expect for Goldendoodle lifespan.
Is a mini Goldendoodle right for you?
- A good match if you want a sturdy, sociable family dog, enjoy daily walks and will keep up with grooming.
- Think twice if the house is empty all day, or if you want a dog that needs little exercise or brushing.
We raise mini and petite Goldendoodles inside our family home in Eagle Mountain, Utah. If a smaller, calmer dog sounds better, compare Havapoo vs mini Goldendoodle.
Sources
- Goldendoodle Association of North America. Goldendoodle Sizes. goldendoodleassociation.com
- Goldendoodle Association of North America. Goldendoodle Breed Standard. goldendoodleassociation.com
- Goldendoodle Association of North America. Health Testing Standards. goldendoodleassociation.com
- American Kennel Club. Golden Retriever breed information. akc.org
- American Kennel Club. Poodle (Miniature) breed information. akc.org
Sources were checked on October 7, 2026.
Looking for a Goldendoodle puppy?
Our Goldendoodles are born and raised inside our family home in Eagle Mountain, Utah, from health-tested parents. See who is available now.