Poodle mix dogs have risen greatly in popularity around the world and are being called by all kinds of cute-sounding names. A Goldendoodle is one of the most popular but you are probably well aware of some other ones including Labradoodles, Schnoodles, Maltipoos, Bichpoos, Borderdoodles, and plenty more. If it’s mixed with a Poodle, you can bet it will have a “doodle”, “oodle”, “poo” or “ood” somewhere in the name.

A Goldendoodle, with its teddy bear like features, is a super adorable dog that is made up of a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. So, since they’re a mix of two different breeds, should they be considered mutts?

By definition, mutts are dogs that are not associated with a formally recognized breed and are not intentionally bred. “Intentional breeding” is the key term here. While Goldendoodles are not purebreds, they are the result of intentional breeding and as such should not be considered mutts.

More accurately, Goldendoodles are referred to as crossbreeds, hybrids, or “designer dogs”. They end up with the best qualities of their parent breeds and make excellent family dogs.

The parents of a Goldendoodle are a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Both of these are established breeds but when mixed, they produce offspring that share the characteristics and traits of both parents. Due to the dilution of the gene pool, they are no longer considered purebred dogs. Regardless, this does not change the fact that they are exceptionally adorable, intelligent, and an absolute joy to be around.

As a Goldendoodle owner myself, I prefer the term crossbreed to describe my dog. Although many will just call them mutts or mongrels, those terms have a negative connotation and, as I pointed out above, are not quite accurate in reference to Goldendoodles.

Of course, it’s all debatable. Yes, in the broadest sense of the definition they are a mix of breeds and as such could be considered mutts. However, breeding was done with human intervention by artificial selection and was intentional and therefore, the term mutt doesn’t truly apply to a Goldendoodle.

What Makes a Dog a Mutt?

Mutts, also referred to as mongrels or mixed-breed dogs, are the product of natural selection or unintentional breeding of oftentimes unknown or undefined breeds. Unintentional breeding happens all the time in the natural world and with no human intervention at all. Sadly, animal shelters are overcrowded with mutts of all types.

This type of random breeding frequently results in offspring that is less prone to the types of genetic health issues often seen with inbreeding. Mutts make excellent pets but temperament and other traits can often be a surprise without knowing their ancestry.

If you have a dog that is mixed with many different breeds and you are curious about its ancestry, there are a variety of reputable DNA tests on the market that can provide further insight into your pet’s genetic history. The Embark Dog DNA Test is a great option.

A distinction has to be made in the case of “designer dogs” on the market. These dogs may technically be mutts but since they are intentionally bred this way, they are more properly referred to as crossbreeds.

Key Characteristics of a Mutt / Mongrel / Mixed-breed dog

• Product of natural selection – unintentional breeding
• Are not a part of an officially recognized breed
• Parentage often unknown

Key Characteristics of a Crossbreed (also referred to as “designer dogs”)

• Product of artificial selection – intentional breeding by humans
• Are not a part of an officially recognized breed
• Purebred parentage of two different breeds or varieties

I grew up around all types of mutts as they would regularly wander up onto our porch, wanting food. Seems that there was always a new dog and each one of them was a mixture of different types of breeds. For most of them, you could only make an educated guess at what they may have been mixed with.

Unlike the intentional crossbreeds that result from planned breeding from reputable breeders, these mixed-breed dogs were likely the result of people allowing their unneutered dogs to roam free which allowed male dogs to find other female dogs in heat.

Are Mutt Dogs Smart?

Dogs that have been bred between different purebreds are often highly intelligent. This is certainly true of dogs that result from two highly intelligent breeds. Speaking with the Goldendoodle in mind, this dog comes from two of the smartest breeds on the planet. The Poodle and Golden Retriever have both proven how smart they are throughout history and are highly regarded as two of the most intelligent breeds.

This article lists the Poodle and the Golden Retriever within the top five of the smartest dog breeds. It’s hard to go wrong with a dog that is crossbred between these two breeds.

The genes of the parent dogs are passed on to their offspring and the result is a dog that has the intelligence of both along with many other desirable qualities.

However, this may not always be the case depending on the parent breeds of the dog. There are many accidental mutts that just aren’t very bright. Of course, this is to no fault of their own and they have no say in the matter but they won’t have the thinking capacity that dogs with higher intelligence will have. Nevertheless, a dog doesn’t need to be the smartest fella on the planet to make an excellent member of your family.

All dogs are smart in their own way and even those who display a lack of intelligence likely have other noteworthy and endearing qualities.

Are Doodles Bad?

Goldendoodles and other Poodle mix dogs that have been bred intentionally don’t always get praised by everyone. While they are highly loved by their owners who see how awesome they are, others shy away from any type of dog that has been bred this way. One of the main put-offs about a doodle is the cost.

In the case of a Goldendoodle, you may pay a breeder upwards of $3000 and with the rise in popularity, being placed on a waiting list is not uncommon. We purchased our Mini Goldendoodle for $1000 in 2006 and the price has gone up considerably since then. We thought this was an outrageous price back then but we got a deal compared to today’s pricing.

Purchasing a dog for an expensive price like this will turn people off to the idea since animal shelters are filled with similar mixed-dogs that are all deserving of a good and loving home.

However, the same could be said for any dog whether it is a Doodle or not. Even purebred dogs sell for a steep price with some being in the $10k range or more. Goldendoodles are awesome dogs and mine has been the best dog I have ever had in my life. One of the other best dogs in my life has been my mother’s dog who is also a Poodle crossbreed.

Both of these dogs are extremely smart and loving companions that make our houses more like homes.

It’s not that Doodles are bad but the concept of breeding designer breeds and then selling them for such a steep price can be concerning to many. However, there is a market for it and people are willing to pay a steep price for these gentle, loving creatures.

Doodles of all types are gaining more and more popularity as people are taken in by all the desirable qualities that they possess. The hypoallergenic nature of these dogs is a huge selling point and one of the reasons that many have fallen in love. It’s one of the reasons I became interested in Goldendoodles and our miniature one hasn’t disappointed me in this regard.

I have always suffered from severe allergies and owning our Goldendoodle has allowed me to own a dog without worries of any allergic reactions. I have never been bothered one bit as far as allergies are concerned.

Like it or not, Doodles are being bred at record pace and breeders are getting better and better at breeding a consistent dog and they are likely here to stay. These different types of crossbreeds may be expensive “mutts” but they are worth every penny for those who own them and have experienced the goodness they bring to the world.

Conclusion

Goldendoodles are considered a crossbreed and are distinguished from a mutt or mongrel by being bred intentionally between two purebred dogs of different pedigrees. However, a pedigree or lack thereof is certainly no indication of a dog’s worthiness and says nothing about the actual loving qualities of the dog and how awesome of a pet they are.

I have seen a vast difference in the popularity of this crossbreed over the years. When we first brought our Goldendoodle into our lives, it seemed that we were the only ones in town who had one. Most people we encountered on our dog walks had never even heard of the crossbreed. Now you see these cute little (or big) teddy bears all over the place, not just around town but also in print ads, catalogs, and TV commercials.

While opinions vary on Goldendoodles and other designer dogs, it’s hard to say anything negative about them once you’ve had the chance to be around them. Their kind and gentle nature will win your heart over and their level of intelligence will impress you time and time again.

If you prefer a smaller dog but love the look and personality of a Goldendoodle, you are in luck with a Mini Goldendoodle. A Mini Goldendoodle is just what it sounds like; a miniature version of the popular standard-sized Goldendoodle.

Mini Goldendoodles are excellent dogs that have some of the same desired qualities as their larger counterparts. They are lap-sized, intelligent, friendly, energetic, and fun to be around. They are very easy to train and have a lifespan of 10 – 15 years on average.

Keep in mind that the lifespan is only an average and isn’t a guarantee. There are no guarantees in life but we are the proud owners of a Mini Goldendoodle and she is going on 15 years old now. She is still healthy but does have some issues that most senior dogs encounter. Her eyes are getting cloudy, hearing isn’t what it once was, and she is experiencing incontinence.

We have kept her active through regular walking and exercise but we have been very fortunate with how healthy she has been during her life.

Good Qualities of a Mini Goldendoodle

Mini Goldendoodles have all the qualities that many people look for when they are in search of a dog. Here are a few of the best qualities that we like as the proud parents of one.

They Are Perfectly Sized

Just because they come in a smaller package, doesn’t mean they are any less special than a standard dood. Their miniature size has lots of benefits and is great for those who are seeking a dog of a smaller size.

• They range from about 15 – 35 pounds. Ours is currently around 19 pounds.
• They are easier to travel with than a full-size dog.
• Easier to leave with family or friends when you need to go somewhere.
• They don’t take up as much space in the bed (us dog owners know how much space a dog steals in the bed).
• They don’t eat as much.
• They don’t require quite as much exercise as a standard-sized dog.
• Easier to groom, bathe, etc.
• They are great for people who live in apartments or small places.

This is the type of dog that you won’t mind sitting in your lap. You could call them the perfect lapdog. Of course, if you have one that is pushing the high end of the weight range, it will be more difficult. However, for those who fall towards the lower end or right in the middle, they are perfect.

Gentle and Loving Temperament

If you are looking for a dog that is gentle and loving, you will definitely find those qualities in this crossbreed. While they do have energy and love to play, they also like to relax and they enjoy laying right next to you while they do it.

Their gentle nature makes them great for families who have children or other pets.

Ours loves to cuddle and be close to us on cold winter days and she provides us with unconditional love when we can’t find it elsewhere in our lives. In the summertime, she can be a bit more distant but that’s only because she is usually hot due to her warm coat.

We have spoiled her rotten over the years, but it has been so worth it. She has given us so much love and enjoyment and has made our lives better in every way. We can’t imagine life without her.

Like most dogs, her love for us is unconditional but it’s not only with us. She is gentle and loving towards everyone she encounters. Your results may vary and a lot of behavior habits will have a lot to do with how they are raised. In our experience though, you can expect a loving and gentle dog that will make any family proud.

They Are Super Friendly

Goldendoodles are friendly with every person that they meet for the most part. The miniature version is no different in this respect. They like people and are generally treat them as part of the family as long as the family accepts this person.

They are unassuming and you likely won’t have to worry about getting bit when you encounter one. They can be somewhat protective but they are friendly with people as well as other animals the majority of the time.

They Are Easy to Groom

Though they do require grooming regularly, it is typically an easy process as long as you keep their hair brushed and from matting between grooming sessions.

Since they are smaller than the standard size doodles, you won’t have to spend as much time on them. A standard-sized Goldendoodle can take a lot of time if you intend to groom them yourself.

We find that with our mini Goldendoodle, we hardly ever have to brush her hair between haircuts. Her soft hair does tend to get matted if we don’t keep up with it but it usually doesn’t get bad until it’s time to get a haircut anyways.

They Are Healthy

They are very healthy and you will have a dog that will be generally happy and playful for many years. Our dog has only experienced minor illnesses throughout her life.

We exercise her regularly, she eats healthy meals, we spend lots of quality time with her and she has been very healthy her entire life.

The only time she has been sick is when she has had urinary tract infections, Coccidiosis, or other bacterial infections that she might have picked up while we were walking or traveling.

Of course, now that she is in her senior years, she is experiencing some of the common age-related issues. However, this is to be expected for any type of dog no matter how healthy they have been throughout their lives.

It’s important to note that all dogs are at risk of health issues. Just as humans are at risk of health issues, Mini Goldendoodles may be born with a genetic predisposition to certain diseases such as Hip Dysplasia, Cataracts, and Von Willebrand Disease.

They Are Moderately Active

Our mini Goldendoodle has been moderately active her entire life. Of course, she was more active as a young pup but she has continued to be active throughout her adult life and now into her senior years.

She still loves to play and she loves to run, go walking, chase rabbits and birds and she still gets excited over things that many senior dogs wouldn’t even care about.

Sometimes she amazes us with how fast she can run. Oftentimes when we are walking we will go through spells of running and it’s nearly impossible to keep up with her during these short spurts.

Moderately active is a good thing as this will not put stress on the owner of a dog that is more active and requires much more exercise.

The level of exercise that a mini Goldendoodle requires can be achieved by nearly anyone as long as you are willing to work with them, walk them on a regular basis, or play with them in a space where they are free to run.

They Have a Long lifespan

It has been reported that Mini Goldendoodles typically live between 10 and 15 years. However, like most dog owners, we are hoping for our dog to live much longer than this as long as she is healthy and thriving.

Smaller breeds generally live longer than larger breeds and this can be comforting for anyone interested in adopting a Mini Goldendoodle.

Losing a dog can be one of the most difficult things you will ever experience. With a dog that has a longer lifespan, you can put off the inevitable for longer than you might have to with a regular size dog.

Of course, anything can happen and the lifespan average is just that — an average. It doesn’t mean all of them will live to be between those ages.

Bad Qualities of a Mini Goldendoodle

They Like To Bark

Mini Goldendoodles love to bark! At least this is true for our dog. Due to her protective personality, she is always on the watch for people that get too close to us or people who walk by her house.

She barks at each person that she sees walking by our house in an attempt to warn us that an intruder might be near. Until she has met the person and knows they are not a threat, she will tell us what she thinks about them. She is all bark though and would never hurt anyone.

It’s hard to blame her for wanting to protect us but barking can definitely be a bad behavior that may be difficult to handle with your mini Goldendoodle.

Of course, each dog is different so not all of them will display this behavior and it will also depend upon your training methods.

Just know that there is a potential for you to have a barker on your hands. This hasn’t been too big of a problem for us because her barking doesn’t last for long and we are able to stop her when she does get going.

It’s not like she is terrorizing the neighborhood with her loud barking. In fact, her barking is rather quiet when compared to larger barking dogs in our neighborhood.

They Can Be Protective

Like most dogs that are loyal to their owners, Mini Goldendoodles tend to be a bit protective in a bad way sometimes.

Our dog is very protective of us and she is even protective of both of us from each other. If I get close to my wife. She doesn’t like it. And vice versa, if my wife gets too close to me or comes towards me fast, our dog always has something to say about it.

This is common among many dogs so it should come as no surprise but it’s important to note that this breed does like to be protective. This can be a good thing if you live alone or may have a fear of intruders. He or she will gladly alert you if anyone gets near.

Although they likely will not scare anyone away, they certainly mean well and want to protect you in every way that they can. It goes with the loyal nature of the mini Goldendoodle.

For a longer list of the good and bad of Mini Goldendoodles, you can read about the pros and cons here.

Mini Goldendoodle vs Standard Goldendoodle

The main differences between these two are size and energy needs. A Standard Goldendoodle can be upwards of 80 lbs or even more. They have a lot of energy needs and are great for people who want to exercise with them. I often see joggers with a Standard Doodle by their side as they jog.

On the other hand, the miniature version would not make a great jogging partner. While they are certainly active, they could not keep up with that type of activity unless it is done in short spurts. I am a jogger myself but I know my dog would not be able to run with me on my typical 3-mile jogs.

When looking at size, you’ll need quite a bit more space for a standard-sized dog. Whether it’s in your backyard, bed, car, or on your couch, they are just going to require a lot more room to roam and relax. The Mini Goldendoodle can fit into nearly any little spot and you hardly know they are there.

A miniature dog will likely be easier to train and control than a larger dog. If you do not train a standard-sized dog well, you could end up with your hands full as they hit their adolescent and young adult years. You may find them grabbing food off the counter, pulling you on walks, knocking children over, and doing other goofy things that large playful dogs often do.

A miniature dog will not be such a handful for those who want to live in a calmer environment.

Neither is better than the other and each person has their own idea of what makes a perfect dog. Some like them small and some like them big. One good thing about Goldendoodles is that they come in lots of different shapes and sizes so options abound.

The Best Thing About Owning a Mini Goldendoodle

After all is said and done, perhaps the best reason to own a Mini Goldendoodle is the friendship and unconditional love that you will have for as long as they are in your life.

There is no better friend than a dog as they are extremely loyal and will be there for you through thick and through thin.

If you are considering this crossbreed, you should know that they are excellent pets. They are definitely good dogs and depending on the time and effort you are willing to put in, you could end up with the perfect companion for many years to come.

Being the proud owner of a Mini Goldendoodle, I have come to love this crossbreed more and more each day. I have often written about my dog on this website and her crazy antics that keep me entertained regularly. Having owned my Mini Doodle for over 14 years now, I would like to discuss some of the pros and cons of this amazing crossbreed.

A Mini Goldendoodle is an exceptional pet that will be a loving member of any family. They fit in well with most anyone and are great for families with children or those seeking a smaller dog. They are small and less active than a Standard Goldendoodle making them great for apartment living.

While it’s difficult to bring up anything bad about my dog, I’ll try to bring up some qualities about the breed that might be considered negative.

If you are seeking a Mini Goldendoodle or a better understanding of the breed before committing, hopefully, the pros and cons list below will give you some food for thought. These are my thoughts but they are based on my day-to-day experience with a Mini Goldendoodle that has been a large part of my family since she was 7 weeks old. She is now well into her senior years and has become one of the biggest blessings of my life.

Pros

They Are Small

Some people like big dogs and won’t even consider a smaller one. However, a smaller dog has some benefits over a larger one. Our Mini Goldendoodle weighs in at around 18 pounds and she’s the perfect lap size dog. She doesn’t always like to sit in our laps but when she does, she does so without making it uncomfortable. She will lay on your chest as you sleep and ask you to pick her up regularly. This can all be done without making it hard to breathe or throwing your back out.

Besides that, a small dog is easy to travel with, requires less food and water, has less energy, and requires less grooming as we’ll discuss next.

They Have Less Hair To Maintain

If you are concerned about maintaining your dog’s hair, a Mini Goldendoodle will make a great option. Since they are so small, their hair is more manageable than that of their larger counterparts. The larger the dog, the more hair you will have to contend with.

People often take their Goldendoodle to the groomer regularly but I have never found this to be necessary with my dog. She would be quite stressed on a groomer’s table with a complete stranger. It’s better that we do it at home regularly in a place she knows and around people that make her feel safe.

Of course, cutting her hair is one thing. Maintaining it in-between cuts is another. This isn’t difficult to do either although if you don’t keep up on it, it will develop mats and lose the shine if not bathed enough. You’ll have all of these same issues with a larger dog but with the Mini, you’ll have less of it, making it easy to work with.

They Don’t Shed Very Much

You are probably already aware of the non-shedding nature of this crossbreed. Depending on the generation of Mini Goldendoodle you have, you are likely to see a low-shedding dog or one that barely sheds at all. As an example, an F1B Mini Goldendoodle will be comprised of 75% Poodle and will inherit the non-shedding nature of that breed. An F1 Mini Goldendoodle will have 50% Poodle so it won’t inherit as much of the genetic makeup.

In this example, the F1B will likely shed less. Our Mini Goldendoodle is an F1B and I can say from experience that she barely sheds at all. She can sit in your lap or lay on your chest and you won’t have to worry about getting the lint roller out afterward. This can be great for those who have allergies.

They Are Mostly Hypoallergenic

Being a severe allergy sufferer for most of my life, I can attest to the hypoallergenic quality of this type of dog. Since there isn’t much shedding, there isn’t much dander flying around the air. This perfect for those who want a dog but suffer from allergies.

Just know that no dog is going to be completely hypoallergenic. Also, some people may be affected more than others. The more a dog sheds, the more it will create a problem for those with allergies so keep this in mind when considering the generation of dog.

They Are Active, But Not Too Active

Need a dog that will get you out of the house but won’t require you to jog for miles and miles with them? A Mini Goldendoodle has some energy for sure but they can generally work it off with a short brisk walk. They will also benefit from a fenced yard where they can go out and play.

Our dog gets some exercise chasing rabbits and birds around our back yard. She can’t catch them and I think she knows that by now but she loves to hunt for them, sneak upon them, and then take off in a full sprint towards them.

This keeps her both entertained and exercised. It also is a great way for her to make use of her instincts of hunting down prey. Between our short walks, which are usually a mile or less, and her playtime in the backyard, she is usually spent. This makes for a calmer and more well-behaved dog in the end.

They Tend To Be Very Healthy

It is well-known that crossbreeds tend to be healthier than their parent breeds. A Mini Goldendoodle is no exception and you can expect a healthy pup other than a few issues that could develop. Fortunately, our dog has been very healthy her whole life with only the smallest issues occasionally that any dog could be susceptible to.

There are a few serious problems that could show up including the following:

• Hip dysplasia
• Von Willebrand’s Disease
• Hereditary cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Addison’s disease

Fortunately, many diseases can be tested for and a breeder should always include a proper health check.

It’s also helpful to have a DNA test done on your dog if you really want to discover any red flags.

However, no matter how good the health report is on a puppy, you never know what will develop as the dog ages. That’s just a risk you’ll have to take no matter what the breed.

They Are Extremely Smart

I have written before about how smart my Mini Goldendoodle is. She almost seems human at times with the way she understands us. She is calculating and seems to think through situations and act accordingly in a way that will benefit her the most. We have always been impressed with how smart Mini Goldendoodles are and their ability to learn nearly anything you want to teach them.

Every dog will be different so my experience may not be what you will experience. However, I have never met an owner of one who didn’t brag about their intelligence level.

They Form a Strong Bond And Are Very Loyal

As with many dogs, Mini Goldendoodles form strong bonds with their families and become an integral part of it. They are loyal and will be protective of those who are part of their pack. They don’t pose much of a threat to strangers and aren’t good guard dogs but they will put themselves in harm’s way to protect the ones they love.

We have a deep bond with our dog and you can always find her near us. She follows us around everywhere we go and seems to admire us. We are her best friends and we are proud to call her our best friend as well.

They Are Great With Children

In our experience, these dogs are excellent with children. For the most part, our dog is gentle and welcoming and will bond with a child just as much as with adults. A lot of this will depend on the environment the dog is raised in. If your Mini Doodle is raised with children, they will likely be more accepting of them. On the other hand, if there are no children in your household, they may be skittish of them when they do encounter them.

Just remember that it is the owner’s responsibility to make sure children are not doing things that will make the dog react in a bad way.

As long as your child shows respect and love to a Mini Goldendoodle, the dog will give that love back tenfold.

They Get Along With Other Pets

Our dog likes cats more than she does other dogs but she gets along just fine with either. We often babysit other dogs in my family and they just lounge around together. Our dog is a senior so she’d rather just have her space at this point. She wants to chill and does get a little grumpy if a young puppy annoys her too much. However, for most of her life, she has gotten along well and has played with other pets with no issues.

They Live Longer

When comparing the Miniature Goldendoodle to a larger one, you will find a longer lifespan. This is great since time is so precious and it slips away so fast. The Mini Goldendoodle is expected to live about 10 – 15 years on average. This time goes by quicker than you might think. However, having longer to spend with your best friend is welcomed even if it’s just a little bit.

A lifespan is just an average and any dog can develop health issues that rob them of life. However, the opposite is also true. A dog may be so healthy that they continue to live far beyond what the lifespan would suggest. We all want our dogs to live as long as possible and a small dog will generally outlive a larger one.

Cons

Their Coat Requires Maintenance

Unlike a dog that has shedding fur and doesn’t need a lot of maintenance, a Mini Goldendoodle will require some upkeep. This was listed as a pro above since they are small and their coat is much easier to manage than a larger Goldendoodle. However, it still requires you to maintain it.

This means you will need to tackle the challenge yourself or spend money for a groomer regularly. Even though they are small and easy to manage, you must stay on top of this if you expect them to have a healthy coat.

They Tend To Be Barkers

Perhaps Mini Goldendoodles love the sound of their own voice. They like it and they want to make sure everyone around them gets a chance to hear it. Well, maybe it’s not that bad but they do tend to bark at situations a little more than they should. Our dog barks at people walking by our house, something moving in the distance, family hugs, and when we are playing.

However, it’s important to note that while our dog does bark more than we would like at times, she doesn’t bark when outside to the point where she is a nuisance to neighbors. She rarely barks when out in the back yard and we correct her when it happens. She’s also not a yapper. She has a strong, loud, ear-piercing bark that can be quite startling when inside the house or other closed areas.

They Often Have Separation Anxiety

Mini Goldendoodles bond closely with their family and don’t like to be excluded. They want to be right in the middle of it all and have a say. This can be a problem when you need to go somewhere without them. They may resort to destructive behaviors while you are gone as a way to ease their anxiety.

Our dog has never damaged anything or shown any behavior like this. She does cry a lot of the time we are gone, as we have heard while monitoring her on camera.

The real problem for us has been leaving our dog with family while we vacation. She has bonded so closely with us that even time with her grandparents doesn’t satisfy her. She misses us and cries for us the entire time we are gone. Once we return and reunite, she is back to normal and can finally relax again.

They Are Expensive

There is no doubt that this crossbreed has become very expensive. They’ll continue to get more and more expensive as long as people will keep buying them. Some pay multiple thousands of dollars for these dogs and it’s not that they aren’t worth every penny.

The real issue is that there are so many homeless dogs that go unwanted in this world. Even Goldendoodles and other mixed Poodle breeds are looking for adoption while designer dogs fetch such a steep price.

They Tend To Be Jealous

Jealousy is common in dogs especially those that bond closely to their family. They become such a part of the family that they get jealous when outsiders enter the scene. Our dog wants our attention anytime we are around strangers or other family members trying to have a conversation.

This can sometimes be annoying as she wants to be picked up, or brings us a toy and won’t leave us alone until we acknowledge her and play with her. She has to be the center of attention or she causes a fuss about it.

I often find this funny but it’s bad behavior that is best corrected at a young age.

They Don’t Live Long Enough

A small, healthy dog like a Miniature Goldendoodle tends to live longer than a larger Goldendoodle or any other large dog. However, it’s still not enough. Of course, this isn’t a negative to this type of dog alone but with any dog. Dogs are only here with us for a short while and it just isn’t fair that they have to move on so early. I wish it were not so but what can we do?

Summary

A Mini Goldendoodle makes a great family pet and will offer so many benefits for those looking for a small dog. You’ll be surprised by how smart they are and how easily they can pick up most anything you teach them. Even as a senior, our dog is still learning new things.

You can definitely teach old Miniature Goldendoodles new tricks!

If you are interested in making one of these fine dogs a part of your family, make sure you have done your homework. I am amazed at how smart these dogs are but remember that they are still dogs. You will have to train them and take the bad with the good. Raising and owning a dog isn’t an easy task and if you expect it to be a well-trained and highly-functioning member of your family, you’ll need to put in the work.

See if you can find one at your local shelter or other rescue organization before seeking out a breeder. If you choose to go with a breeder, be sure to find a reputable and honest one. There are a lot of bad breeders out there so it will be helpful if you can seek out other owners of this type of dog and get recommendations.

We picked our Mini Goldendoodle up when she was seven weeks old and immediately started training her. Our training consisted of strategies we had learned in books along with some tips that our breeder has passed along to us that were very helpful. However, the biggest help in our training efforts was the experience of actually doing it. Learning all you can is great but nothing can beat the first-hand experience.

I write this article knowing that each dog is different so they will respond differently to training. The tips I will share worked for our Mini Goldendoodle and hopefully will be of help in training yours.

Our Mini Goldendoodle was our first puppy. As a newly married couple who had no idea what we were doing, we had to learn as we went. This was our first test and there was no time to mess around. We were thrown right into the fire and had to learn quickly. We read books, watched training videos, and talked with other dog owners all in an effort to gain an edge in the process.

We learned through trial and error. In the end, our dog became a well-trained and obedient family member. Perhaps it was our training or maybe it was her high intelligence and pleasing temperament. We’ve had lots of years with her now that she is a senior dog and it has been a learning experience her entire life. However, if we were to do it all over again, it would probably go a little smoother knowing what we know now.

While it’s inevitable that mistakes will be made, there are some things you can do to ensure the best possible outcome for how well-trained and obedient your dog becomes. Dogs generally respond well to training when they are young puppies and the earlier you start, the better off you will be.

I have put together some tips that I feel were crucial in training our puppy the way we did. If I could go back and give advice to us, these are some tips that I would share.

1) Start As Early As Possible

As mentioned earlier, our puppy was 7 weeks old when we brought her home and we immediately began training her. We started with the basics such as potty training, leash training, walking without pulling, and just basic obedience. We also began early with the task of teaching her to do common tricks such as sit, shake hands, and give five. It didn’t take her long to learn these things.

As with any puppy though, it can be challenging. They are like a toddler and are just experiencing the world for the first time. They want to explore, play, and often find themselves getting into something that they shouldn’t. Positive reinforcement is needed to help them understand exactly what you want them to do.

Your efforts will be greatly rewarded if you start as early as possible, taking it seriously and truly understanding that what you do in their earliest years will either harm or help your efforts in training your Doodle.

2) Be Patient

When you begin the adventure of training a Mini Goldendoodle, patience is going to be a key virtue that you’ll have to develop. Your dog will be able to read your emotions. They have a way of picking up on your frustration and will not respond well during these moments of frustration. If you are more patient in your approach, they will respond more positively and feel your calm, reassuring energy. It will help them to retain the teachings that you are trying to get through to them.

On the other hand, if you lose your patience with your dog and get mad at them, yell at them, or even worse, hit them, you’re asking for a negative result. A dog that experiences this may develop scars from such actions that they will carry with them the rest of their lives.

From the beginning, you’ll want to be as patient as possible and show your dog a calm and reassuring leadership style. It will take time for your puppy to respond to commands. Each dog is different so don’t expect yours to fit into some pre-defined length of time that it will take for them to do specific things. You can use general timeframes as a guideline but don’t lose your patience if your Doodle doesn’t learn commands within a given timeframe.

3) Start Leash Training Early

Leash training is a VERY important part of training a dog. A leash is a primary way you have to control your dog when on walks or out in public. If you don’t take this training seriously, you could end up with a dog that pulls, chokes itself, and becomes a handful when out in public.

You see this all the time when people are walking their dogs. The is especially true with a large breed but even a small dog like a Mini Goldendoodle can become challenging if not trained properly. This takes time and a lot of patience. Our Mini Doodle pulled like any other dog in the beginning but we often corrected her with commands and a slight tug here and there.

Because we started young, she became good on a leash and has continued this trend for most of her life. The best way we found to leash train our Mini Goldendoodle was to take her on walks consistently. Rather than just letting her run free, our focus was on keeping her by our side at all times. We also practiced around the house and gave rewards with treats when she did what we wanted her to do.

Start this process early and you’ll end up with an adult dog who will be well-disciplined on its leash rather than an embarrassment out in public.

4) Use A Potty Training Bell

This is one of the best things that we ever did. Our breeder suggested that we make use of a bell so that our dog would have an easy way of letting us know she needed to go outside and potty. We gave it a shot and it has been super convenient for our Doodle to let us know that she needs to go outside. You can read more here about our process of training our dog to ring a bell to go outside.

Many people are amazed when she goes over to ring her bell to go outside. However, it’s a simple training that can be done by any dog, especially if you start them out young. If you haven’t considered this, I highly suggest it! It’s a great way for them to notify you of their needs. Rather than walking around crying, they can ring a bell and you can hear it all over your house.

Any dog that I ever have in the future can expect to have bell training incorporated into their potty training. It’s easy to do and a Mini Goldendoodle has no trouble learning it. It’s just a matter of ringing the bell for them each time you let them outside. Eventually, they will catch on that every time they go outside, the bell needs to ring. They’ll begin doing it on their own.

5) Use Healthy Treats

Giving small treats to your Mini Doodle as they obey your commands is an easy way to let them know that they have pleased you. It signals to them that what they have done is worthy of a reward so they are more likely to do that in the future.

If you are going to train your dog like this, you will go through lots of treats throughout a training session. Using healthy, low-calorie treats for this is a must. Not only will your dog enjoy receiving the treat but it’s a great way of beginning your dog on a life of health and enjoying treats that are healthy for them.

Our favorite was baby carrots which we cut up into small pieces as we were training her to do different things. She loved the crunch and taste of them and now 14 years later, they are still among her favorite foods. We have used them as treats her entire life.

You can also give them small fruits like blueberries, or small apple pieces. Just make sure not to give them anything that might harm them. Here is a good list of foods that should be avoided.

If you just purchase boxes of treats and commence to giving these as training rewards, you might see them gain weight if you are not careful. If not now, at least later on in life since they are going to be conditioned to eat these types of processed treats. It’s better to get them started down the path of liking healthier options that have almost no calories. You can still include the commercially made treats but these healthy options will give you an additional way to reward them.

6) Make Use of a Crate

A crate was our first method of making sure our dog was contained in an area so that she did not mess up in the house. Crates are a great way to give your puppy their space and since they don’t want to soil the small area they live in, it’s a great way to teach them when it’s time to potty.

We used our crate to train our dog and keep her in it when we were gone for small amounts of time. She would generally fall asleep in her crate and curl up with the pillows and toys that we had left for her. As a puppy, she found comfort and shelter in her crate. She often ran to it with her treat and ate it there so that no one would bother her.

I worked from home and would often keep her in a crate in my office as I worked. She would fall asleep and I didn’t have to worry about keeping an eye on her. This is very helpful for a puppy who hasn’t fully comprehended potty training yet or likes to be mischievous.

I would suggest using crates sparingly and only when you are in those moments when you can’t supervise your Doodle. Never use a crate as a place for punishment. Doing this will make a crate a negative place. Learn more about crate suggestions for a Mini Goldendoodle.

7) Make Use of a Gate

Gates are a great way to keep your Mini Doodle out of an area that you don’t want them to be in. If you have an area that is not carpeted, a gate can be a great way to make sure they stay in an uncarpeted area which makes it much easier to clean up if they have an accident. It also allows you to get them on a routine without them messing up throughout your house on carpets and rugs.

Just a simple gate that opens and holds itself together pushing against the wall on each side is what we used. The following gate is similar to ours and is very cost-effective.

8) Develop a Strict Routine

Having a routine will help your Mini Goldendoodle to become used to the training that you are trying to get across. Get up at the same time each morning, go to bed at the same time at night, take them out to potty at the same times each day, and take them to the same locations when they potty. All of these routines combined will help to build the connections in their brain needed to become a well-trained dog.

9) Touch Their Feet And Mouth Often

When our Doodle was a puppy, we made sure to clean her feet off each time she went out and came back in. This had multiple purposes.

• To keep her from tracking dirt into the house. We didn’t want dirt, mud, or water tracked into the house so we made sure to have a cleaning rag near the door at all times.
• Condition her to allow us to touch and mess with her paws. Many dogs don’t like for you to touch their paws and this a great way to get them used to it. She got to where she would automatically pick each foot up for us as she knew we’d be wiping them off.

Doing this has helped with being able to clip her toenails, trim her paw hair, and inspect for other issues regularly. She gives us her paw like it’s no big deal and we are able to do what we want with it.

We also did the same with her teeth. We often looked inside her mouth and messed around with her teeth to get her used to it. I started brushing her teeth when she was young and this has all helped to maintain her teeth over the years. She doesn’t love getting her teeth brushed but she doesn’t fight it very much either. We have no issues opening up her mouth and inspecting areas, and cleaning areas that need to be cleaned. I brush her teeth regularly and starting young was a key to making it possible.

10) Go To Obedience Training

We did not do this and decided to DIY the entire process. However, it would have probably been better to opt for this type of training from a professional. We are self-learners so we chose to learn on our own. I feel like we did a great job but the process is easier when you seek a professional who knows what they’re doing.

If you have a location in your area that offers basic obedience school, which can often be done with a group of people (and their dogs), then sign up for it. There will be a fee to pay but it will give you a good start and a foundation to grow from. Not only is it good for the dog but it will also help you to be the human and leader that your dog is looking for. It will give you the tools you need to become a great parent to your Mini Goldendoodle.

You can usually find classes like this at your local pet store or from a professional dog trainer in your area. If you are a first-time dog owner, it’s a great way to learn the basics. It will definitely give you a leg-up with being able to communicate with your dog.

Conclusion

Training a Mini Goldendoodle is not a difficult process but you can certainly mess some things up if you don’t take it seriously. You can’t just assume that they’ll learn things on their own. You need to be intentional about the process and make sure everything you do around them is thought out and you are at least aware of how it might affect them in the future.

If you have a Mini Goldendoodle that you are training, you are in for a fun ride and will hopefully end up with a best friend that is well-trained and a complete joy to be around just like mine is.

Blueberries are one of the healthiest fruits for humans and they make a great snack nearly any time of the day. This amazing berry is loaded with antioxidants and other healthy nutrients that make it a great part of a healthy diet. They are great for sprinkling into oatmeal, salads, desserts, or just eating by themselves. There is no doubt that a healthy serving of blueberries daily can do wonders for the human body.

But what about your Goldendoodle? Can a Goldendoodle also eat and enjoy blueberries?

Yes, a Goldendoodle or any other dog breed can eat blueberries and they are a healthy option to offer as a low-calorie treat. However, you will need to make sure that you are not feeding them excessive amounts since they do contain a lot of sugar.

We often feed them to our Mini Goldendoodle at feeding time. We simply add them in with her food and she loves them! It gives a little bit of variety to her meal rather than just eating a bland meal day in and day out. We also give a few to her often as treats throughout the day along with other vegetables, and standard commercial dog treats. She loves the fresh, cold, sweetness of a blueberry and it goes right along with her taste for crunchy carrots as well.

Our dog has eaten fruits and vegetables like this all of her life. She has enjoyed them since she was a young pup. In fact, we used treats like this to help train her when she was a puppy. Whether it was small bits of fruits, such as blueberries, or small pieces of carrots, these make great low-calorie alternatives to the standard, high-density, high-calorie treats that are on the market.

When used in conjunction with those types of treats, fruits like this can help satisfy your dog’s cravings while keeping the calorie count low.

Benefits of Blueberries for Dogs

Blueberries are considered a superfood that contains important vitamins and nutrients. Below are just a few of the benefits that are to be found by feeding blueberries to your dog.

• Antioxidants. Perhaps the thing that blueberries are most prized for is their rich amount of antioxidants. These antioxidants can be protective to humans and dogs alike in keeping the oxidation process from damaging cells. This may be beneficial for reducing the risk of diseases, including cancers. Learn more about how antioxidants may be beneficial for your dog.
• Vitamins and minerals. The primary vitamins found in blueberries are Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Besides vitamins, they also contain trace amounts of various minerals, including manganese. Just like with humans, these vitamins are essential for dogs and anything you can do to increase these numbers is going to be beneficial.
• Fiber. Since you shouldn’t feed a dog very many blueberries at a time, the fiber content won’t be substantial. However, even small amounts of fiber can be beneficial, especially when added as part of an overall diet that contains other high-fiber foods.
• Low-Calorie. It’s easy for a dog to gain weight if they are constantly consuming high-calorie treats. Blueberries are a great way to satisfy a treat craving while adding only a small amount of calories to their daily diet. There are only about 5 calories in a tablespoon of wild blueberries, according to the package that I generally purchase. This is the amount that is generally given to our dog at feeding time. A tablespoon worth of these berries gives her the benefits listed above without adding a lot of calories.

Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Blueberries?

Blueberries are safe and can be an enjoyable snack for your dog. However, there are a few things you should be aware of before you decide to feed them to your dogs.

• Don’t give them too many. Keep it at a minimum and only offer them as an occasional treat. You can also add them to their daily food. In fact, many food brands include blueberries in their mixture. We use Castor & Pollux Organix canned dog food and some of the varieties that our dog eats have whole blueberries added into the mixture.
• Feed real blueberries. Stay away from artificial foods that only mimic the flavor of blueberries. Stick with whole foods only that contain only one ingredient; blueberry. There are many products that may say blueberries but also have other ingredients like sugar and artificial flavors. Stay away from these and opt only for whole, raw blueberries. I prefer to purchase fresh organic blueberries, give them a good washing, and then give them to our Doodle a little at a time.
• Supervise your dog while eating them. Since blueberries are small, they may present a choking hazard to some dogs. It’s best that you watch them as they eat to ensure that nothing gets lodged in the wrong pipe as they scarf them down.

While blueberries are safe for your dog in moderation, there are several foods that are not safe. Here is a good list of foods that you should avoid feeding your dog.

4 Ways to Feed Blueberries to Your Doodle

Raw Blueberries

Raw blueberries that come directly from the package or are picked directly from the bush are great for feeding directly to your dog. You can simply wash them off and give a few as a treat or add to their meal.

Treats Made With Blueberries

Many dog treats are made with blueberries that don’t contain all the other bad ingredients. You can also find many recipes online that make use of them along with other fruits such as bananas, apples, mangos, etc. Try these if you are looking to make a homemade treat that will be delicious to your dog.

If you prefer to purchase pre-made treats, these Blueberry Wiggle Biscuits from V-Dog are our favorite. Our Mini Goldendoodle loves these biscuits and you can really smell the blueberry packed into them.

Added to Their Food

A great way to add the healthy benefits of blueberries to your dog’s life is to drop a few in their food each day. You can simply add a few to their bowl with the rest of their food and they will enjoy them along with their meal. It’s a great way to add some variety and increase the nutritional content of the foods that they are consuming.

Frozen

We purchase organic wild blueberries and often add them to our Doodle’s food. The blueberries that we purchase are much smaller than the conventional ones your purchase fresh in the store. This is a cost-effective way to buy them and they last a long time. You can add a little warm water to a few of them in a bowl to let them defrost and then easily add them to your dog’s food. This is a great way to maintain the benefits of blueberries year-round when you are unable to find fresh blueberries.

Bottom Line

Not only are blueberries delicious but they also add some much-needed antioxidants and other nutrients to your dog’s diet. Blueberries provide a healthy snack for humans and dogs alike. If your dog is like ours, he or she will eat nearly anything you are eating. Our Mini Goldendoodle stares at us as we eat and will gladly accept anything we give her.

We are careful with what we actually give her but blueberries have become something that we won’t hesitate to feed her. She loves them and we love for her to eat them knowing that it is doing her body some good.

It’s a healthy superfood that can help supplement your dog’s diet and boost the amount of nutrition they are receiving. Blueberries should be consumed regularly by us humans and they should always be in our fridge or freezer. Making them a regular part of our diet will not only benefit us but will also help out our beloved dog when we slip a few to them from time to time.

Scientists have yet to discover the real reason why small dogs age differently from large dogs. However, the calculator above considers the dog size in order to determine a more accurate age. It uses a standard chart and here is an example for reference.

It’s important to note that this calculation should be used as a rough estimate only as there is no way to determine an exact age comparison between dogs and humans. However, scientists have come up with this fairly accurate calculation and it will give you a good idea.

Standard Goldendoodle Lifespan

A Goldendoodle is mostly a healthy cross-breed that comes from two healthy pure breeds: Poodle and Golden Retriever. In general, you can expect a standard Goldendoodle to live between 10 – 15 years. While this is a general age range, you can help to increase their chances of living longer by utilizing some of the tips later in this article.

Mini Goldendoodle Lifespan

A Mini Goldendoodle may have a longer lifespan than a standard Goldendoodle. You can expect a Mini Goldendoodle to live between 12 – 15 years or longer. My F1B Mini Goldendoodle is currently 14 as I write this and is still in great health. Just as any dog owner would be, I am hoping that she lives way longer than the typical lifespan. I’m going to do all that I can do to help her along the way.

I try to keep my dog as healthy as possible by making sure to always do a few basic things. Let’s look at those below.

6 Ways To Help Your Dog Live Longer

While there are many things that are out of your control when it comes to your dog’s lifespan, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. There are some simple ways you can ensure you are doing all that you can to make their life as long and happy as possible. These things are easy to do but they are also easy NOT to do which is why many people put them off.

1) Regular Checkups

I will admit that I don’t take my Mini Goldendoodle in for checkups as often as I should. She has usually gotten a good bill of health on her checkups so I often go longer between them than I should. Ideally, you want to take your dog in each year for a checkup. This should include the standard physical and should address any other issues of concern.

As your Goldendoodle ages, they may have more and more issues pop up and a regular checkup will become even more important. Checkups can help with the early detection of problems so that you may be able to catch something before it gets out of hand. This could potentially save years on your dog’s life if a life-threatening illness is caught and treated early.

2) Regular Exercise

This should go without saying but still, many people rarely exercise their dogs. I have neighbors with a large dog and I never see them taking it for a walk. It breaks my heart to know that a high energy large dog is in their house not getting the exercise that it craves. It’s no wonder that he runs around the backyard and barks with lots of energy when they let him out.

Most dogs need regular exercise in the form of walking and even more than that if the dog is large or a high energy breed. A large Goldendoodle has a lot of energy so it should definitely be walked each day. Even a senior dog still needs exercise as long as they do not have any issues that cause pain or discomfort.

My senior Mini Goldendoodle doesn’t go walking every day but I do take her multiple times per week. We have slowed down a bit as she has aged but we both look forward to our walks. If dogs don’t get enough exercise, they may gain weight, lose muscle mass, and just become unhappy in general. My dog perks up when she knows it’s time to go walking. It’s just good for them and not only allows them physical exercise but also to get fresh outdoor air and stimulate their senses with all the smells in the air.

3) Feed Them High-Quality Foods

Your dog deserves to eat a high-quality balanced food. I believe in keeping my dog’s food interesting and have changed it up many times throughout her life. I always cook a variety of foods for her and often combine it with commercial foods. She gets tired of the same foods and switching it up gets her excited again and gives her something to look forward to. I have gotten many pointers over the years from my vet and other experts and have figured out formulas that work for her.

Rather than buying the cheapest food you can buy, spend a little more for higher quality. This also might include any supplements or vitamins that may be necessary for them to thrive. An aging Goldendoodle might benefit from a daily multivitamin and other supplements that may help their joints.

4) Give Them High-Quality Filtered Water to Drink

Just like food, a dog needs to have access to a high-quality water supply. I have always given my dog filtered water just like I drink. I personally don’t like to drink tap water that may contain contaminants in it. Chlorine and Fluoride are among the ones I avoid as well as other environmental chemicals that may have leached into the water.

Instead, I drink filtered water from a reverse osmosis system. I use the AquaTru which is a countertop system that removes a large amount of these contaminants. My rule of thumb is that if I won’t drink the water, my dog isn’t drinking it either. I prefer to be cautious about such an essential part of their life. Giving your dog clean, pure water is an easy choice to make that can help keep them healthy.

5) Keep Them at a Healthy Weight

If you are doing the first four tips above, your dog is probably at a healthy weight. However, if you are not exercising your dog nor feeding them healthy and portioned meals, you may have a dog that is overweight. A dog with a healthy weight will be happier, be able to move around better, and breathe better. It will also be easier on their joints and organs throughout their body and will be beneficial to them in the long run.

There are lots of issues that a dog might take on if they are overweight so it’s essential that you keep them at a healthy weight. It’s no different than staying at a healthy weight as a human. When you become overweight, you open yourself up to problems with your health that healthy people may avoid. If you have ever been overweight and then dropped back down to a healthy weight, you know how great it feels.

6) Keep Their Teeth Healthy

Brushing your dog’s teeth and keeping them squeaky clean will go a long way towards helping your dog to thrive. If you neglect this, your dog’s teeth will build up with plaque which will cause bad breath, rotten teeth, and other health problems.

Bad dental hygiene can be a cause of heart disease in dogs so this is a concern that shouldn’t be ignored. If your Doodle is still young, start brushing their teeth regularly and making sure to continue this throughout their life. You’ll not only be rewarded with a dog that has clean teeth and pleasant breath, but you may also ward off other potential health problems in the process.

7) Give Them Lots of Love

Above all, dogs need love and attention and deserve to feel like a valuable member of your family. Many people become indifferent towards their dogs as they age and other life events get in the way. However, this is the time when they need you the most. An aging dog deserves your love more than ever and needs to feel like they are part of the pack. Be sure not to neglect your dog as they get into their later years. Give them the love, comfort, and respect that they deserve.

Conclusion

Now that you know the approximate human age of your Goldendoodle, you can compare it to humans in the same range. It’s difficult to see a dog age so fast and be at the same age as an older human, yet still a baby. To think that a 10-year-old dog can be compared to a 60-year-old (or older) human seems so unfair. It really starts to sink in as you watch your dog grow and then you wonder where all those short years have gone?

Young or old, hopefully, the calculator above will give you a general idea of your Goldendoodle’s age.