Though a miniature Goldendoodle may be small, their activity level may surprise you. Having owned a Mini Goldendoodle for over 14 years at the time of this writing, I can say for sure that they will keep you on your toes. However, they are not at the same level as their standard counterparts. While they may be active, you won’t have to go out of your way too much to satisfy their physical activity needs.
Mini Goldendoodles are active dogs but they do not have the same physical needs as larger Goldendoodles. They do not make great running or exercise partners but do require daily exercise and playtime. They make great dogs for apartment living since their activity needs can be satisfied easily with short walks.
The size of a Mini Goldendoodle can vary with some weighing as little as 15 pounds. The smaller the dog, the easier it will be to satisfy his or her physical needs. No matter the size, they are generally healthy and active and will keep you on your toes. Even though you won’t have as active of a dog on your hands as you would with a larger Goldendoodle, you can still expect a fairly active dog. This is especially true in the younger years. As with any dog, the older the dog gets, the less active they will be.
Are Mini Goldendoodles Hyper?
Sometimes a smaller dog can lean more towards the hyper side. This can also be the case for larger breeds but small dogs are often highly energetic and display an undesired hyper attitude. Is this the case for a Mini Goldendoodle?
A Mini Goldendoodle is usually calm and well-mannered but can have a hyper and anxious temperament. While it’s common for a puppy to be hyper, as a Mini Goldendoodle ages, he or she should become less hyper and have a calmer demeanor.
It’s important to note that because a dog may be active and energetic, they won’t necessarily be hyper. My Mini Doodle is active and has always had lots of energy but she has never been a hyper dog. She was a handful as a puppy but only during playtime.
After playtime was over, she has always been a lap dog that would rather chill with her mom and dad. She is not over the top with her energy level to a point that it causes any problems.
Only thing is, our dog has a protective personality and often barks for no reason other than to alert us of some invisible force. It could be a passing person or a passing leaf blowing in the wind. Whatever it is, she is on top of letting us know about it. She often barks excessively when others are around which can be an undesired behavior.
This is not to say that all Mini Goldendoodles are this way but they do tend to be well-behaved dogs overall.
5 Ways To Exercise Your Mini Goldendoodle
1) Walking Your Mini Goldendoodle
The best way to exercise a Mini Goldendoodle will be to take it for long walks. These walks should be brisk but not too fast for their little legs to keep up. Depending on the size of the Doodle, it may have a difficult time with fast walks or slow jogs. You’ll need to be mindful of this as you walk and make sure they are not falling back and having a difficult time. Your Mini Doodle will likely be like mine and be one step ahead of you the entire time.
This was true when my dog was younger but as she has aged, she has gradually slowed down and has become a great walker. I can always expect her to be right by my side as we walk and she only pulls ahead when I allow her to by releasing her extendable leash. She listens for the release and when she hears it, she runs ahead of me and enjoys her freedom for a few minutes.
At 14 years old, she can still go on a 3-mile brisk walk and still have lots of energy after we are finished. She is in great shape and has stayed active her entire life so she is used to these kinds of walks.
In general, Mini Goldendoodles should go on walks every day. This will depend on the energy level of your dog but is usually a great way to keep them active and healthy.
2) Playing Fetch With a Mini Goldendoodle
If your Mini Doodle is anything like mine, it won’t care a thing in the world about playing fetch. You can throw something but you will likely never see it again unless you go pick it up yourself. She will go get it but she will run off with it and expect you to chase her rather than bringing it back to you. I can’t speak for all Mini Goldendoodles but mine is not a fetcher.
If your dog does like to play fetch, it’s a great way for them to stay active. This is great to play outdoors or indoors and offers some exercise no matter where you are. If you are in an area where you can play outdoors, your dog can get quite tired from running and bringing back whatever you are throwing. This is a great way to satisfy the physical needs of your Doodle.
3) Hide & Seek
Although my dog does not care for playing fetch, she loves to play hide and seek with me. We have a fantastic time inside playing this daily. She runs throughout the house trying to find me as I sneak off and hide. I usually whistle and make noises to give her a hint about which side of the house I am on. She does a great job at finding me but it usually involves her running around the house and up and down the stairs before she realizes where I am.
Of course, with her high intelligence, she has discovered almost all of my hiding spots and checks on each one of them every time I hide. I’m running out of places to hide but it is still fun to hide from her and watch her wander around curiously about where I am at. She gets great exercise doing this and it’s a great way to keep your dog active when you can’t be outdoors. Of course, you can also play hide and seek outdoors if you have space and the obstacles to hide behind.
4) Playing With Toys
Playing with toys can be a fun way to keep your dog active. My dog runs to her toybox in the evening expecting me to get her a toy out and play with her. She usually takes the toy and runs around the house expecting me to chase her. Since she does not fetch, I have to be the one to run around with her trying to take her prized possession from her. She loves doing this and also gets great exercise from it. She will run around the house, jump up on the couch, chairs, and other areas in an attempt to get away from me.
If I quit playing with her, but she still wants to play, she will gently bring her toy to me and push it up against my leg wanting me to continue playing with her. This is a great exercise for her and sometimes for me as well. If you have multiple dogs, they can satisfy some of their energy needs by playing with each other.
There are many toys that are designed to keep your dog busy physically as well as mentally.
5) Agility Training
Perhaps one of the best ways to add additional activity to an active dog’s life is through agility training. Agility training is great for stimulating the mind and it’s also a great workout for dogs and humans alike. Not only that but it’s also a great way to bond with your dog and train them to be obedient to your voice and commands.
Agility courses don’t have to be anything fancy. You don’t need to set up a professional course in your backyard. In fact, you don’t have to do it in your backyard. With a Mini Goldendoodle, you can set up obstacles in your home that will serve as a way for your dog to add activity and mental stimulation to their day. You don’t need anything special or expensive to do this. The video below shows how you can set up a simple agility course in your home using common household items.
An indoor agility course will work great for a smaller dog like a Mini Goldendoodle. It’s great for getting in some additional exercise without having to leave the house. It’s perfect for cold, rainy days when you aren’t able to take your dog for a walk.
Bottom Line
While a Mini Goldendoodle is an active and healthy dog, don’t expect it to be your running partner. My Mini Goldendoodle can run in short spurts with me but I’d never take her running for long distances. Her little legs are only 8 inches long and she stands at a height of 12 1/2 inches at the shoulders. A brisk walk with a few short runs thrown in from time to time is plenty to exhaust her energy reserves.
This is great news for anyone looking for a smaller dog who doesn’t need excessive amounts of exercise. Our dog enjoys her regular walks but we also find other ways to satisfy her activity needs. The items listed above are things we have tried and do regularly and suggest for others who own a dog of this size.
Senior Mini Goldendoodle – My 14 Year Old Best Friend
Who would’ve ever thought I could love a dog so much? I didn’t grow up in a family of animal lovers so it just wasn’t on my mind. Although we did have some pets from time to time, they were never seen as an important part of the family. I spent most of my early life indifferent towards dogs. I didn’t love them but didn’t hate them either.
That is, until Bailey, my F1B miniature Goldendoodle came into my life. You could say that she rescued me and she has changed my life throughout the 14 years that I have been blessed to know her.
It’s been a wonderful ride and if you are curious to know more about Mini Goldendoodles and how they are in their senior years, keep reading.
We picked our Mini Goldendoodle up when she was only seven weeks old and only weighed 2 1/2 pounds. She was just a ball of fluffy hair at the time and a bundle of joy. Fast forward 14 years and now she is one of the most important parts of our lives. She brings us so much joy on a daily basis and we look forward to being with her each day.
Over the years, we have learned a great deal about her as well as the crossbreed in general. One thing is for sure, she is the smartest dog that I have ever been around. Many people will tell you that Goldendoodles are just humans in a furry costume. This can often seem true since they are so smart and perceptive to us humans. The miniature version of a Goldendoodle is no exception. These smaller fluff balls are super intelligent and it is a pleasure to watch them grow old.
I’m grateful for being allowed to be with her through her senior years. She’s had a long, happy life and is still going strong. I’m grateful but at the same time sad that most of her life is behind her. In this article, I would like to share how our Mini Goldendoodle has aged and some of the steps we have taken, and things we do regularly to improve the quality of her life in her senior years.
I wish it were possible to push a button and take her back to being a newborn puppy again. It would be wonderful to do it all over again but we all know that that’s not how it works. She’s a senior now and we love her even more now than we ever have.
Mini Goldendoodle Pictures As They Grow
As mentioned above, our Mini Goldendoodle was 2 1/2 pounds when we first brought her home. The picture below shows her on the night that we picked her up and she finally arrived at our house. We had picked her up at a place over two hours away from where we lived and she made her first ride back with us to her new house.
She sat in her mom’s lap for the entire trip and rested her head on the center console. She slowly tried to work her way over towards me in what would become a common theme with her as she grew up.
Some of the following pictures are of her at various ages and shows exactly what you can expect if you have a similar puppy. As you can see from the pictures, her coat got lighter in color over the years as she started with much darker hair color.
Today she looks pretty much the same to us but has aged into her senior years. She doesn’t have gray hair but as you can see from the pictures, the senior age is starting to show. You may notice some cloudiness in her eyes and she’s a little lazier now than she was when she was younger, which is to be expected of a senior dog.
You can also view her entire life by looking at the images here that show her age progression. I post new images here from time to time as she grows older.
Why a Mini Goldendoodle?
At the time that we purchased our dog, we had never seen a Goldendoodle in the area where we live. We found the standard sized ones online and fell in love with them but preferred a smaller one that would be easier to keep in the house and travel with. One of the pets I owned when growing up was a miniature poodle so I knew how smart these types of dogs were and how much fun they could be. We came across the miniature versions of Goldendoodles and fell in love all over again. If you are wondering what is so special about the miniature breed, here are a few good reasons that will help you to understand.
They are mostly non-shedding.
You can train them to do nearly anything in a short amount of time.
They may live longer than larger dogs. When compared to a larger dog, a Miniature Goldendoodle may live longer.
They are healthy. Our experience with the health of our dog has been very positive. She has only experienced small, common issues throughout her life.
They are lap-sized and easy to travel with.
They are playful and a joy to live with.
They are loving and cuddly.
Mini Goldendoodle Aging Issues
A Mini Goldendoodle has aging issues just as any dog breed will have. Many of these issues are common and can only be managed rather than corrected. There are often cancers that appear as well as benign lipomas which our Mini Goldendoodle has quite a few of. We have had these tested and they are only fatty deposits that cause no harm unless they are in specific areas that may affect mobility. Our vet has done a biopsy before and determined that they are nothing to worry about.
Some of the issues that we have had with our Mini Goldendoodle in her senior years are the following.
Benign Lipomas
Warts and other skin bumps
Darkened areas on the skin
Incontinence
Cloudiness in eyes
Urinary tract infections
Another issue that you might have with a Mini Goldendoodle or any other senior dog is problems with their teeth. If proper care is not taken throughout the dog’s life, you may end up with a senior dog that has rotten teeth and may need surgical help. Fortunately, we have brushed our dog’s teeth regularly throughout her life and now in her senior years, her teeth look great. There is some small buildup on the back teeth but our vet has been impressed with how clean they are. We have never had a professional cleaning done on her teeth and have only kept up with it ourselves.
I would suggest that you take teeth brushing seriously if you want your dog to have healthy teeth and good breath when they reach their senior age. It’s easy to do if you start when they are young and make it as non-stressful as possible for them. You will get into a routine and understand how to accomplish it on your specific dog.
We prefer a three-sided toothbrush and have found a lot of success using this. It’s easy to get into her mouth and you can do all sides of her teeth at one time. The finger-style toothbrushes never worked for us as they are hard to get into her mouth and the areas well enough to get her teeth cleaned.
We have also found that if you feed them dry food, it will build up more on their teeth, making them more difficult to clean. We have always used soft foods and her teeth have stayed mostly clean throughout her life. This has made it easier to keep them brushed and clean.
9 Ways To Improve Life of a Senior Goldendoodle
If your Mini Doodle is approaching their senior years in life, there are ways that you can improve their quality of life. The eight tips outlined below have helped us to improve our dog’s life and she is thriving in her senior years.
1) Multivitamins
Vitamins are essential for an aging dog. It’s important to make sure that they are getting all of the nutrients and vitamins that they need and a great way to do this is to feed them a daily multivitamin. Multivitamins are often marketed for different age groups and senior multivitamins contain additional nutrients that an older dog may need. You will want to look for a multivitamin supplement that addresses some of the following.
Hip & joint health
Digestion
Vision
Kidney & bladder health
Cognitive improvement
I recommend Zesty Paws Advanced 8-in-1 Multivitamin Bites (NOTE: their formula and packaging changes from time to time so it may be different from the pictured item). I Can say from experience that these have been excellent for our Mini Goldendoodle. She loves the taste of these and looks forward to getting a bite every morning as a treat. We feel good knowing that we are providing her with essential nutrients and vitamins so that she can live her most healthful life. It’s comforting to know that she is thriving in her senior years and I believe that the high-quality food we feed her along with these multivitamins have helped her maintain her youthful spirit.
2) Probiotics
Another great way to increase the health of your dog is to feed them a probiotic supplement. Gut health is important for dogs and humans alike and a healthy probiotic regimen will be beneficial to your senior Mini Goldendoodle.
I recommend Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites. These are made from the same company as the multivitamins mentioned above and have been great for our dog.
One issue we’ve had with our Mini Goldendoodle over the years is her anal glands becoming full more often than they should. I became an expert at expressing them in order to remove the built-up fluid regularly. This has often been done multiple times per week over her lifetime. However, once we began using probiotics, expressing her anal glands has become a thing of the past. If you are having issues with your dog’s anal glands, you may want to try adding probiotics to their daily nutrition. I can say for certain that it has worked wonders for our dog.
She loves the taste of these probiotic bites the same way she does the multivitamin bites. We give her one every morning along with a multivitamin and she looks forward to both as her morning treat before breakfast.
3) Joint Support
We have been fortunate with our dog and she has not had any joint issues yet. At 14 years old, she still gets around and runs and plays with seemingly no issues. However, we do feed her multivitamins that have joint support in them. If your dog has joint or hip issues, you may want to consider adding some type of joint support product to their daily lives. A good place to start is with glucosamine and chondroitin.
These two are often given to senior dogs as a way to help decrease inflammation and maintain healthy movements of joints. This can make your Mini Goldendoodles life much better as a senior and give them more comfort in movement.
4) High-Quality Food
Good high-quality food is essential if you expect your Mini Goldendoodle to thrive in their senior lives. If you are not already feeding them high-quality food, now would be a great time to start. Our dog has eaten a variety of different foods throughout her life and we finally settled on a combination that seemed best for her. We generally cook her food ourselves and then add canned organic dog food to the mixture. She prefers Castor & Pollux Organix canned food. We add this food to a combination of high-quality organic vegetables and grains that we usually cook for a week’s worth.
We also include flaxseed meal for additional fiber and hormones. We give her 1/2 Tbsp each time we feed her which is in the morning and evening. Pure pureed pumpkin is also added to her food because of its many health benefits for dogs.
5) Ramp or Steps For Climbing Onto Furniture
Our dog has been jumping on and off of our bed for the majority of her life. She has had no problems in doing this but we often fear that she might break her leg as she jumps off the bed. As a precaution, I built her a dog ramp to use that allows her to climb into bed and then safely get back down to the floor. In her senior years, we want to make sure everything is comfortable for her and there is no risk of her injuring herself by jumping on and off of the bed.
The ramp that I built can be purchased but I chose to build it myself for MUCH cheaper. I do a lot of woodworking so the job was fairly easy for me to accomplish. A simple ramp like this should be easy to build if you are handy or you can simply buy a variety of different types of ramps or steps that are available on the market.
6) Less Stress
One important thing to do for a senior is to reduce the amount of stress in their lives. If your dog is high strung like ours and has separation anxiety, it can be difficult to eliminate stress. However, there are ways that you can reduce the amount of stress that they have to deal with. Our dog hates to ride in cars so we have minimized the amount of driving time that we subject her to.
She also runs and hides when it’s bathtime or teeth brushing time so these chores have been decreased some as well. Each dog is different and you should know exactly what stresses your dog out and be able to minimize the amount of time you do that. If you can simply reduce the amount of time that they have to live with any type of stress, you could potentially add more joy to the life that they have left.
7) Walking
Keeping your dog active is an important part of dog ownership. Of course, you don’t want to overdo it if they are in pain with joint issues or other problems due to aging. Although the time we spend walking our dog has decreased, we still take her walking regularly so that she gets the physical activity as well as the time to sniff all the different smells throughout our neighborhood. She still gets excited when we say the word “walking” and loves to go on our normal route around our neighborhood.
Another way that we have found to get her out of the house and allow her to enjoy the fresh air and smells is to ride her around our neighborhood on our golf cart. She is obsessed with this and goes insane when we mention “golf cart.” As with many things, we have to be careful when saying this word as she picks up on it and gets extremely excited.
This is common with a dog breed as smart as a Mini Goldendoodle is. In fact, no matter the dog breed, most dogs will pick up on words and phrases throughout their lives and you will have to be careful when you say them. There are many words that we have to hide from our dog and walking is certainly one of the main ones. We have switched it up to different words but it doesn’t take long for her to learn those too!
8) Lot’s of Attention
When your dog gets old, don’t just put them by the wayside and forget about them. This is the time when they need attention from you. This is often a time when people bring new puppies into their lives and can often be a hindrance to your senior dog’s happiness. Your senior dog probably just wants to chill and enjoy their time with you. Bringing a puppy into the family may make your senior dog feel left out and forgotten. This isn’t always the case and I’m not saying that it shouldn’t be done.
The point is to give your dog the attention that they deserve. Do the things that you have always done with them throughout their lives. Take the time to play with them if that is what they want to do. Their needs change as they grow old and we have definitely seen this with our dog. She likes to play still but her playtime is slightly different now. She isn’t engaged in a playful activity as long as she was at a younger age. We never miss out on the opportunity to play with her and her toys and see the happiness that she is experiencing. It warms our hearts to know that we are giving her the attention that she deserves.
9) Lot’s of Love
Above all else, a senior dog needs lots of love. This is not the time to forget about them and move on to the new puppy. A senior dog has lived a long life and probably has considered you the best thing that they’ve ever had in their life. They deserve your utmost respect and attention during the aging process. Don’t give up on your senior dog and be sure and love them as much as you possibly can. Hug them each day and allow them to cuddle with you and be courteous to them as they may have issues that are out of their control.
Our Mini Goldendoodle has become incontinent at around 14 years old. She wears diapers most of the time now when roaming the house as a precaution but there are times when the urine leaks from the diapers or we forgot to put the diapers on and find a wet spot. This is not their fault and is not something they can control. All you can do is be prepared for it and show them unconditional love just as they have shown you throughout their life. There is no need to reprimand or stress about a situation like this.
A senior dog is a pleasure to own. By this time in their lives, they are probably calmed down and just want to relax and be loved. Indulge them a little bit and show them how much you love them and appreciate all of the joy that they have brought to your life.
Why A Senior Mini Goldendoodle Is Amazing!
I’ll be the first one to say that our Mini Goldendoodle has been an amazing addition to our family. Now that she is a senior, she is the priority of our days and we always put her health above everything else. She has given us a lot of great years and we are proud to have been chosen to be her parents. Senior dogs are the best ones to own as they are usually settled down, well-trained and just want to take it easy.
The trustworthiness of a senior dog is one of the best qualities that they have. It’s as if they are humans and you have lived with them long enough now to know the quirks and issues they might possess. We feel comfortable leaving ours in the house at all times knowing that she is not going to get into trouble. She had fun with her mischievous ways when she was younger but understands how to be a well-behaved, obedient dog.
No matter what the breed, a senior dog is a joy to be around and makes the process of owning a dog easier. The only problem with this is that they are a senior. This means that they have lived the majority of their lives so the time that they have left is a gift that you should appreciate and enjoy.
Conclusion
If you are considering bringing a Mini Goldendoodle into your family, know that you will have many years of happiness and joy. These dogs will keep you on your toes but give you lots of unconditional love.
Be sure and treat them well and let them know how much they are loved. Hopefully, the tips mentioned in this article will help you increase the happiness of your senior Mini Goldendoodle. They have done wonders for ours and we always look for ways to make her life as comfortable as possible.
10 Reasons A Mini Goldendoodle Might Be Right For You
A Mini Goldendoodle is a Miniature version of the popular Standard Goldendoodle which is a mixture between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The Miniature version of this crossbreed is bred using a Miniature Poodle which results in a smaller dog.
I have been blessed to have a Mini Goldendoodle in my life for the past 14 years. She has been an absolute joy. She has been one of the best things that I have ever had in my life. All of the years that I have been blessed to spend with her have taught me a lot about her and the nature of the crossbreed.
I have a list of reasons why a Mini Goldendoodle might also be right for you. If you are seeking a Poodle mix and Goldendoodles or Mini Goldendoodles have crossed your mind, you might want to consider the following before deciding on whether a Mini Goldendoodle is right for you or not.
1. You Like Small Dogs – Perfect Lap-Sized
The most obvious reason that a Mini Goldendoodle may be right for you is that you want a smaller sized dog. If you like the standard breed and the hypoallergenic qualities often found in the dog but want a smaller version, the Miniature version may be right up your alley. Not everyone wants a large dog and not everyone wants a small dog. Fortunately, dogs come in every shape and size and the Mini Goldendoodle is the perfect example of a small lap-sized dog that will be a pleasure for anyone who wants a dog that is on the smaller side of the scale.
With most Mini Goldendoodles ranging from 15 to 35 pounds, this dog isn’t tiny but it isn’t large either. My Mini Goldendoodle weighs around 18 pounds and she is the perfect size to sit on my lap, lay on my chest, and keep me warm on a cold winter day. She is small enough to pick up and pack around with no issues. She is also too small to jump onto counters and get into mischievous trouble. However, that’s not to say that she doesn’t do any mischievous work. In her younger days, she found other ways to be mischievous and she often outsmarted me in the process.
With a large dog, you may have to be a little more in control of your countertops and spaces where a large dog could easily climb up onto.
2. You Want A Dog That Sheds Very Little
Most Mini Goldendoodles will shed very little and are often considered hypoallergenic. While I wouldn’t say that any dog is 100% hypoallergenic, the Mini Goldendoodle certainly is great for those who don’t want dogs that shed or who may have allergic reactions to pet dander.
I have always been allergic to dogs and cats and had a lot of problems with it growing up since we often had pets in our house. However, I have never had an issue with my Mini Goldendoodle so her hypoallergenic qualities have been great for me. She does not shed and leave hair all over furniture or all over your clothes. Some people don’t mind this but if you’d rather have a non-shedding pet, this crossbreed may be a great solution for you.
A Mini Goldendoodle will typically shed less than most dogs since it maintains the qualities of the Poodle. Poodles do not have an undercoat and shed very little. Their shedding consists of small amounts of hair that falls out from time to time, similar to humans.
This isn’t the case with all of them and certain first generations will likely shed more than first generation backcross doodles. Backcross Doodles have more Poodle mixed in so the hypoallergenic nature of the Poodle is often inherited with the Mini Goldendoodle.
3. You Want A Healthy Dog
The Mini Goldendoodle is generally very healthy and might only be predisposed to a few health issues. These include Von Willebrands, joint dysplasia, allergies, and ear infections to name a few. My Mini Goldendoodle has lived a long and healthy life and has only been sick a few times. For the most part, her sicknesses have been caused by vaccine reactions and she has had numerous urinary tract infections which are often common in female dogs. These are generally simple to combat with a round of antibiotics.
Another potential problem that you might have to watch out for is ear infections. Since these types of dogs have ears that flop over and cover up their ear canals, it’s often a place for bacteria to grow and cause infections. My dog had a lot of issues with her ears when she was younger but as she has aged and we understand better how to maintain her ears, she hasn’t had an ear infection in a long time. Occasionally, after a bath or other activity that might leave dampness inside her ears, she does come up with an infection but if caught in time, it’s easy to remedy the problem before it gets out of hand.
We have used various natural products to help her to avoid ear infections. Other than that, Mini Goldendoodles tend to be healthy and active for a small dog.
4. You Want A Dog With A Long Lifespan
Indeed, a smaller dog often has a longer lifespan than a larger one. A Mini Goldendoodle can usually be expected to live 15 years or more. My dog is currently 14 years old and has shown no signs of slowing down yet. I know that health problems can sometimes come on suddenly and anything can happen and I shudder to think about the time when she has reached the end of her life.
However, it is a fact of life and none of us will escape the end of this wild ride. This is true with dogs as well as humans or any other animal that walks the earth. A smaller dog will generally outlive a larger dog as long as they are healthy throughout their lives.
Of course, there are outliers and some large dogs live very long lives. You just really never know but the only thing you can do is work with the cards that you are dealt. Keeping your dog as healthy as possible will go a long way towards ensuring that they can live as long as they can.
5. You Want A Dog With A Loving Temperament
A Mini Goldendoodle has such a loving temperament and is a very loyal breed. They inherit the qualities of both breeds from which they come from. They are cuddle bugs and some of them, but not all, love to cuddle. My dog is one that would rather be left alone but she does have her moments. She chooses the time that she wants cuddling and it’s always easy to tell when she is okay with it. After 14 years with her, it is easy to see when she has chosen to show us her loving temperament.
Either way, whether she wants to cuddle or not, her loving temperament always shows through and we know without a doubt that she loves and admires us.
6. You Don’t Need A Protective Watchdog
While a Mini Goldendoodle might inherit some of the protective qualities of a Poodle, they are generally more bark than bite. Don’t expect them to be the guard dog that is going to protect your house. They often have a loud bark but there is not much bite to go along with it.
It is often funny to watch my dog bark at things and attempt to protect us knowing that if something were to happen, she would probably depend on us to protect her instead. However, she means well and we certainly appreciate it. We know that she is not a guard dog and we don’t expect her to be. She is a large part of our family and we love and care for her and we are committed to protecting her instead.
She is very good at alerting us to noises or any other strange energies or people that might be around. In a way, this does provide us with protection as she quickly alerts us of possible problems.
7. You Want A Dog That Is Easy To Train
If you don’t have experience training a dog, you will have an easy time with a Mini Goldendoodle. Their intelligence level is off the charts and they respond to training very well. We were able to train our dog very quickly and teach her to do the basics and even more advanced commands.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that all Mini Goldendoodles will be super easy to train. After all, each one is an individual and has a different personality just like humans. No two are the same so yours may not respond to training as well as mine. In general, you can expect this breed to be easy to train in basic and advanced commands.
8. You Don’t Need A Super Active Dog
Mini Goldendoodles are active but since they are a small breed, they are not ones who will go jogging long distances with you. Their little legs can only go so fast whereas a big dog will have more energy and have an easier time with keeping up on a jog or other activity. The little legs of a Miniature Goldendoodle will not be ideal for someone who wants an active dog that will be a jogging partner.
This doesn’t mean that they are not active at all. I am an active person myself and jog often. I walk my dog regularly and sometimes we go through spurts of running. However, it isn’t very far and during the short spurts, she is able to outrun me. She gets plenty of exercise on a short walk. She runs and plays in our backyard which is plenty for her energy needs. If you have a large dog, it may be more difficult to suit the needs for them in order to release their energy. With a larger dog, you may find yourself having to go on long walks multiple times a day.
9. You Want A Dog That Can Travel Easily
Having a smaller dog typically means having an easier time when traveling with that dog. If you intend to take your dog with you, they may be able to fly with you in the airplane cabin. Driving with them will also be an easier task. A smaller dog is easier to manage and some travel restrictions require your dog to be less than a certain size.
However, just know that some dogs aren’t going to be good travelers. My dog doesn’t like to travel at all. She does not like riding in cars and it is often a stressful experience for her. We take her on trips as little as possible because it generally makes our trips more stressful. I can’t imagine how much that would be magnified if we had a dog that was two or three times her size.
10. You Want A Dog That Is Low Maintenance
A Goldendoodle does require some maintenance which includes brushing, grooming, and bathing regularly. The bigger the dog the more labor-intensive this will be. Whether you do it yourself or have it done by a professional, the process will be easier with a smaller dog.
The price of a professional groomer will be less and the amount of time that you will have to spend on the job will be significantly less as well. Either way, as long as you keep up with the hair and do not let it get out of hand, either is easy to maintain. Of course, there are always exceptions and different types of coats may require more work than others.
We have always done the grooming work ourselves for our dog. It isn’t always but I often think about how much more difficult it would be if she was a larger dog. The haircut, bath, and other routine maintenance would take a lot more time.
Bottom line
The Goldendoodle breed is an excellent breed that is generally a pleasure to own. The Miniature version is better in some ways especially if you are seeking a smaller dog but want the same qualities are often found in the big dogs.
A Mini Goldendoodle is right for you if you want a small dog that has the qualities listed above. They make great companions and I have been blessed to have my Bailey as a valuable family member for over 14 years now. I can’t imagine life without her. The joy and happiness that she has brought to my life has made any negative part of the experience worthwhile.
Dog Paw Print Impression Kit – Making A Clay Imprint
Creating a paw print impression of your pet is a great way to obtain a memento that will last a lifetime. Even after your best friend is no longer with you, you will have a lasting impression to remember them by. It’s a perfect way to make sure the memory of your pet lives on for the rest of your life.
While this can be difficult to imagine, it’s important to take care of these things while your pet is happy and healthy. You will be glad that you did once your dear friend is no longer with you.
While there are several different products on the market for creating this type of memento, we chose to use a kit that has a clay paw print impression along with a place to mount a picture.
This product is affordable, easy to work with and the end result was exactly what we were looking for.
Paw Print Impression Kit
The product that we chose has everything that you need to create a paw print impression as well as a framed shadowbox that it can be installed in next to a picture of your pet. Rather than simply giving you a way to have an impression of your pet’s paw, you have a picture of your pet that makes it even more personable.
Creating The Paw Print Impression
The first thing that you will want to do is open the clay and flatten it out using a rolling pin. The product comes with a small rolling pin but we found it easier to use a large rolling pin that we had in our kitchen. The small one that it came with just didn’t get the job done.
You will also want to make sure you are working on a surface that the clay will not stick to such as parchment paper or aluminum foil. We used aluminum foil because we were out of parchment paper at the time. Just make sure that you are using a flat surface underneath the area that you were working with.
You will want to roll the clay out to about half an inch thick or until it covers the area of the rectangle cut out that you will be using. Make sure that it is a little bit larger than this cut out so that you will be able to have a clean cut out.
With the clay rolled out to the proper size, you are ready to put your pet’s paw into the clay. This may be a difficult part depending on how well behaved your little rascal is. Our dog is well behaved so it was no big deal for us. We just grabbed her hand and positioned it where we wanted it and held it down into the clay for a few seconds. She wasn’t particularly fond of it but she is a good girl and always aims to please.
Be sure and clean off any debris from your pet’s paw or that debris will end up in the impression.
It’s important to note that we trimmed the hair on the bottom of her paw before doing this. Since our dog is a mini Goldendoodle, she has lots of curly hair that grows on the bottom of her paws. We trimmed these the best that we could and also trimmed her toenails so that we could get a good clean impression of her paw.
Tip: put a little bit of water on the paw before you push it into the clay. We found that this made it easier to pull her paw back out without the clay sticking to it.
It’s not likely that you will make a perfect paw print or one that you are satisfied with on the first try. With this clay it’s no big deal, you can simply start over and re-roll it out and try again. It took us about five different tries before we ended up with a print that we were happy with. Some of the other ones weren’t pushed down properly in some areas or had lint or something else stuck in the impression.
This clay is very easy to work with so it is forgiving and you have lots of opportunities to get it right. You won’t have to worry about the clay drying up as long as you work within a reasonable amount of time.
We spent a good 20 minutes trying to get a perfect impression and it was fine. Each time we messed up, we would simply roll the clay back into a ball and then flatten it out again.
Drying
For drying, the product instructions recommend that you dry the front side for 24 hours and then turn it over and allow it to continue drying for a few days. We just put it off to the side and allowed it to dry over this amount of time.
This clay does not harden as you would expect. Instead, it remains soft but hard enough to maintain the paw print impression. It’s very lightweight and is still flexible after it is dried. It also has a slight smell to it that you will notice. The smell is reminiscent of sun tanning lotion that you might smell by the poolside or at the beach amongst those who are tanning.
During the drying process, this clay also tends to curl. As you can see in the picture below, our finished impression curled up on the back. We tried to flatten this out by placing a heavy book on it for a day or two but it didn’t do anything.
I’m not sure how to avoid this. It’s possible that you could heat it with a hairdryer and then flatten it out with a heavy book but we did not want to damage it so we chose not to do this. This does make the product more difficult to mount so if there is a way for you to avoid this, do it.
Once dry, it’s time for you to complete the project by installing the paw print within the frame that it came with.
Framing The Paw Print Impression And Picture
The product comes with double-sided tape but this is hardly enough to keep the clay stuck to the frame backing. You will need to use additional adhesive to make sure it sticks without falling. The paw print material feels a little oily and we had a difficult time getting the double-sided tape to create sufficient adhesion to it.
On top of the oily residue that is on the clay, the back that is curled up makes it more difficult to stick. If the product was completely flat, it would be easier to work with.
We ended up using a silicone sealant that stuck very well to the product as well as to the frame backing. We tried to use the adhesion tape that it came with at first but the paw print fell off after a day or so. With the silicone sealant, it is held on very tightly and has been that way since we finished the product weeks ago.
The hard part is getting it straight. There is no particular way to do this other than just by trial and error and eyeballing it to make sure it is straight enough for your taste.
The product itself comes with a light gray backing in the frame. We chose to add a black piece of construction paper piece over this so that the white paw print clay would stand out better.
For the picture, you will need a 4 x 6 print of your furry friend. This is easy to install and can be placed on the back of the matting board and held on with tape. You can simply tape it to the back of the picture using clear tape. Once you have the picture and the paw print in place, you now have a great memento of your pet that will last for years to come and bring back fond memories of your pet.
Paw Print Impression Christmas Ornament
Besides the framed product that we used for our pet, there are other products on the market that work great as well. We also chose to use a Christmas ornament for an additional print of our pets paw. This worked the same way as the framed impression discussed above. It’s the exact same clay so the process is the same.
One thing we noticed right away when we received it is that it was too big for our pet. Our small mini Goldendoodle that weighs around 18 pounds doesn’t have a huge paw. This product is designed for larger dogs and we didn’t realize it when we ordered it. However, this turned out to be a good thing because we were able to make multiple products with it.
The ornament cut out that it comes with measures around 5 inches in diameter. Instead of using this cutout, we used a much smaller one that fit our pet’s paw much better. With the additional clay, we were able to make a few additional impressions that were used in other ways.
We ended up with quite a few different impressions of her paw. These will be used in different ways and give us lots of different ways to remember how are pet for years to come.
I created an impression that is framed and sits on my desk in my office.
Final Words
Taking an impression of your pet’s paw is an excellent way to remember him or her. It’s a way to honor them and create a memento that will serve even better than just a picture. When you look at the impression of their paw, you realize that it is their unique handprint. It’s the same paw that walks beside you, that shakes your hand or gives you five.
Our dog has walked beside us for 14 years now. It’s hard to imagine life without her but I know that having an impression of her paw, that same paw that has walked by our side for all these years, is extra special now and will be even more special when she is no longer with us.
If you are looking for a way to create a great lasting memory of your pet, you will definitely want to go through this process of creating an impression of your pet’s paw. It’s an easy project and so rewarding once you know that you have a lasting impression of something that means so much to you. You will certainly cherish this for the rest of your life.
Are Miniature Poodles As Smart As Standard Poodles?
Poodles, whether miniature or standard, are a popular breed for good reason. They are affectionate, intelligent, easy to train, non-shedding, enthusiastic pups with a distinctive curly coat. They have a long life span and become easily integrated into the family.
Poodles are also among the smartest dog breeds in the world. This makes them even more loveable and easy to train and work with.
This dog breed comes in several types; the AKC categorizes them into three major groups, the Giant, Standard, and Miniature Poodles. If you’ve ever owned a Standard and a Miniature Poodle, you can probably agree that they have a few differences in temperament, personality, size, and trainability.
In this article, we’re going to compare the standard and miniature breeds. Although they are distinct, they share a lot in common.
First and foremost, let’s answer the question of whether Miniature Poodles are as smart as Standard Poodles?
Generally, Miniature Poodles are just as smart as Standard Poodles. Although different in size, the Standard Poodle and Miniature Poodle have a lot in common. They are intelligent, easy to train, good companions, and suitable for families with children.
How Intelligent Are Miniature Poodles?
Regardless of the size, Poodles are extremely intelligent dogs. They are quick in assessing your mood and responding accordingly. They are curious and observant by nature. They thrive on attention and need a large amount of it throughout the day. They are also quick to learn and pick up on commands and training methods quite easily.
Throughout their lives, poodles will amaze you with their intellectual capabilities.
It can be quite surprising how smart this dog breed is. Even Poodle mixes often inherit a high level of intelligence from the breed. I see this in my Mini Goldendoodle. She is about 75% Miniature Poodle and she is smart as a whip!
I grew up with a Miniature Poodle and she was very intelligent as well. Even as a young kid, I could tell that she was smarter than some of the other dog breeds that I often encountered at friends’ houses.
Are Miniature Poodles Easy To Train?
These two breeds are extremely intelligent and easy to train. Standard and Miniature Poodles are eager and sharp. They aim to please their owner so they excel in most training situations. Poodles often make great pets for a first-time dog owner. Someone who has never had a dog before will find training a Miniature Poodle to be easy and enjoyable.
The same can be said with the standard breed. Because of this, Standard Poodles are one of the few large dog breeds that work well with first-time dog owners.
You’ll achieve the best training with these breeds if you combine fun, positive motivation, and short sessions.
Simple commands such as sit, stay, heel, and fetch are easy for a Miniature Poodle to pick up on. I was able to teach my Miniature Goldendoodle these commands and others fairly quick and easy. I attribute this quick success to her intelligence which she inherited from the mixture of Poodle and Golden Retriever genes.
What Is The Difference Between A Miniature Poodle And A Standard Poodle?
Both Standard and Miniature Poodles share a common history that dates back to about six centuries ago. Although some individuals believe the Standard Poodles were the first, miniaturization of dogs has been present for centuries. It’s most probable, these two evolved in the same period.
In the early days, Standard Poodles were used as working and hunting dogs, while the miniature breeds were mainly used as companion dogs.
Some individuals believe Standard Poodles originated from Germany since the name poodle is similar to the German name “pudel” which means splashing water. Others consider this breed to have originated from France as a descendant of the French Barbet.
Regardless of the history of these breeds, they are found in dog paintings in Europe dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. In the 18th century, Standard Poodles were the primary pet dogs in Spain. In the same period, toy Poodles were the main pet dogs among royal households in France.
Weight And Size
The obvious difference between the standard and the mini is the size of the dogs. On average, Standard Poodles are about 24 inches tall. A Poodle has to be at least 15 inches to be classified as a standard breed. This breed weighs between 48 to 68 pounds.
On the other hand, the Miniature Poodle weighs about 15lbs which is less than half the average weight of the standard breed. They are 11-15 inches in height on average.
Small breeds like the Miniature Poodle make great lap dogs and are especially good for those who live in small spaces. Apartment dwellers may find the miniature version of this breed to be the perfect companion.
Exercise
Standard sized Poodles will need more exercise than the miniature version will. Since they are larger dogs and have more energy to expend, they will need someone who is willing to walk and exercise with them regularly.
Miniature Poodles also have high energy but will not need quite as much physical exercise as the larger breed. Both types are active dog breeds and are ideal for both country homes and apartments. Both breeds enjoy long walks.
Besides exercise, these breeds require adequate mental stimulation.
You can achieve this by providing mind-stimulating toys to keep them both physically and mentally stimulated. Playing, training, and regular interaction with your poodle is essential. Teaching them new tricks or commands should be a lifelong goal since they have a high intellectual capacity and need to use it.
Lifespan
Typically, large dogs have a shorter lifespan compared to the smaller breeds, this applies to Poodles too. The standard breed has a lifespan of 11-13 years while the miniature’s live longer; 12-14 years on average.
Common Qualities Of Standard and Miniature Poodles
Although Standard Poodles are more active and larger than the miniature, both breeds are ideal for families with kids. To avoid any conflicts with these pets, it’s essential to train your kids on how to live with the poodles. For example, they should not bother them when they are sleeping or eating.
They Are Great Companion Dogs
Both standard and mini Poodles are excellent companion dogs. They are suitable for individuals who spend adequate time with pets. If you’re at work most of the time, your Poodle will remain bored and lonely. These breeds need the utmost affection, care, and attention.
I see this behavior in my mini Goldendoodle. She doesn’t like to be alone and wants to be by your side all the time. She is irritable and anxious when you leave for work or your other daily routines.
Poodles reciprocate attention with companionship and unconditional love.
Temperament
When purchasing a Poodle puppy, avoid sourcing from puppy mills since they normally produce puppies with physical and temperament issues. Generally, all Poodles are curious and non-aggressive and have an active temperament.
Standard and mini Poodles produce excellent results in obedience and agility training. Since they are extremely intelligent, they require lots of mental stimulation such as active outings, playtime, and frequent interactions with family members.
Miniature Poodles are highly emotionally sensitive. For example, if you come home bored, your Poodle will probably follow suit. These dogs also don’t respond well to loud noises. In extreme cases, they may get irritable. They may be easily frightened by noises.
Health
Although Poodles are known to be fairly healthy breeds, miniature dogs often have a healthier life than larger dogs do. They are both susceptible to some common issues with eyes and hips. They may also be at a higher risk for von Willebrand’s Disease which is a blood disorder.
Grooming
Both breeds are fantastic family pets for an active family who can stand the grooming needs required for this breed. Although these breeds are low-shedding, they’re demanding when it comes to grooming. They need regular brushing in addition to regular trimming of the coat.
If not taken care of, the hair of a Poodle can become matted or tangled making it more difficult to work with.
Some people choose to maintain a short coat for their Poodle since it’s more comfortable for them and easy to groom. This is most suitable during the warmer months. Our dog inherited the curly Poodle hair and we generally keep it short during the summer. You can always tell that she appreciates it and feels much better having it cut short.
As you’ve seen in the above text, standard and mini Poodles have much in common although they also have a few differences, including size. They come in a variety of colors. Due to this, you have a wide selection to choose from.
Miniature Poodles are smart just like their larger counterparts are. Their intelligence, as well as their loving temperament, make them a popular dog breed for dog lovers all over the world. The only question is whether you prefer a small dog or a large one.
No matter which way you go with a Poodle, you are certain to have a dog with a high level of intelligence.
If you are looking to bring a mini Goldendoodle into your family, you will probably be surprised to learn that there are a few different types and generations of this amazing cross-breed. This article will explain what an F1B mini Goldendoodle is.
As the owner of an F1B doodle, I’ll explain what one is and also try to give you a first-hand account of what you can expect from this type of dog.
First of all, what is an F1b Mini Goldendoodle?
An F1b mini Goldendoodle is a cross-breed that has been bred between a standard Goldendoodle and a miniature Poodle. This generation of Mini Goldendoodle often results in a smaller dog that is more hypoallergenic than other generations.
People choose a small dog like this because of their size and also because of the hypoallergenic qualities that they possess.
This type of mini Goldendoodle is said to be 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever. You will likely notice more traits of the Poodle and I can vouch for this as our F1b mostly displays the temperament of a Poodle.
Although both breeds are affectionate, loyal and intelligent, our dog is very alert and protective and has also been known to get vocal at times which is often seen in Poodles.
On a funny note, our mini is definitely not a retriever. She will go and fetch things that you throw but she will not bring it back to you. She enjoys the thrill of keeping you from getting it back once she has taken possession of the item that you have thrown.
She has never been the retrieving type and has always gotten a kick out of stealing things and running away with them.
Let’s look at some of the benefits of owning this type of dog.
Benefits of Owning an F1b Mini Goldendoodle
Beyond the obvious reasons for owning any dog such as having a loyal companion and a true friend that offers unconditional love, and F1B doodle has other benefits that you may be interested in as a potential owner. Some of the main benefits that we have been excited about are written about below.
Great For People With Allergies
When we were searching for a dog, one of the most important factors at the time for us was finding a dog that would be acceptable for my severe allergy problem. I grew up with bad allergies and was allergic to nearly anything that walked.
Whether it was a cat or a dog, anytime I went around an animal, I began to sneeze, itch, get headaches and feel horrible.
The only type of dog that I was not allergic to were poodles. My family had a miniature poodle when I was younger and it did not cause an issue with my allergies.
As an adult, I knew that in order to have an allergy-free relationship with an animal, it would probably need to be a poodle or a poodle mix.
Not only are they great for those with allergies but also those who want a dog that sheds very little.
Healthy & Playful
If you are looking for a playful dog, then a mini Goldendoodle might just fit the bill. We have had so much fun over the years playing with our dog and she is even more playful now than ever at 13 years old.
We have taken her walking regularly since she was a puppy and we continue to walk good distances with her consistently throughout the week. She has no trouble keeping up and it is often us who is chasing after her.
She has the energy of a puppy but the experience and wisdom of a senior. What could be better?
Smart
Our F1B doodle has always been super smart and we realized this soon after bringing her home. We realized that we had a very intelligent puppy on our hands that would be easy to train and would make a great companion for years to come.
We were correct in this prediction as she has shown us over and over throughout the years just how smart she is. Sometimes it almost seems like we have a little human on her hands with some of the things that she does. She is not only smart and intelligent, but she can also be somewhat cunning in her ways.
Her intelligence level is off the charts for a dog and she ranks as one of the smartest dogs that I have ever been around.
Small, Lap-Sized Companion
If you want all the cuddliness of a Goldendoodle but you want it in a smaller package so that it can sit in your lap comfortably, an F1B will make a great choice.
With their small size, they will be able to wedge into a tight spot beside you or on your lap and you can enjoy their company without the weight of a large dog sitting on top of you.
Our dog usually finds her way on top of our chest as we are laying on the couch, especially in the wintertime. Although, as she has gotten older, she tends to spend more time in a small space of her own on our couch.
Easy To Maintain
Besides regular grooming and other essential duties that are required for most dogs, F1B doodles do not require much else. We regularly groom our dog including brushing her teeth, clipping her toenails, brushing and clipping her hair, bathing and yes the dreaded anal gland expression.
Other than that her small size makes it easy to work with and she also doesn’t eat us out of house and home with a large appetite that a bigger dog would.
Other notable benefits of being a parent of an F1b.
Easy to train Have the potential to be great service dogs Obedient Get along well with other pets Most are great around children
How Big Do F1b Mini Goldendoodles Get?
An F1B can generally expect to grow to the size of about 15 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Ours weighs around 18 pounds. She weighed 2.5 pounds at her first vet visit when we first brought her home at 7 weeks old.
The size will depend upon the parents since the sizes of a standard Goldendoodle can vary as well as the size of a miniature Poodle.
Living With An F1b Mini Goldendoodle
I can’t think of a more exciting thing than bringing a new puppy home. Those cute puppies grow up though and sometimes leave you scratching your head about what you got yourself into.
This was not the case with us since our dog has been a joy since day one.
I can say firsthand that living with an F1b mini Goldendoodle is a pleasure. Our dog has become our best friend, our little cuddle buddy and is like a child to us. As nearly any dog owner would say, we love our dog with all our hearts and would do anything for her.
She is our little angel and she rescued me at a time when I needed it most.
She brightens our day and makes the hard times easier. She is always there to provide unconditional love to us and she is in tune to know when we need it most.
Most days with our mini Doodle are spent being lazy around the house. She loves to lay by our side and spend quality time with us. It doesn’t matter what we are doing, she wants to be right in between us.
She doesn’t like to be ignored so if she is, she will grab a toy or make lots of noises so that we have to notice her. She is the center of attention in our house and she gives us a reason to smile each day.
She is super protective and is always on the watch for anything that seems out of the ordinary. A sound outside will cause a growl and alertness and sometimes a soft bark to get our attention.
Living with our F1B has been one of the greatest experiences we have ever had. If only we could push a button and start all over again from when she was a puppy, we would.
Unfortunately, we all get old and dogs are no different. We have been fortunate that she has grown into her senior years and is still in great health. Living with her now is a pleasant experience and she is well-behaved, extremely smart and as loyal as ever.
We couldn’t have asked for a better dog and most of the mini Goldendoodles I have seen are similar to this. They are great dogs and living with one will be one of the most wonderful experiences you will ever know.
Final Thoughts
No matter what type of Goldendoodle you bring into your home, you will be happy sharing your life with this great cross-breed. Of course, personalities vary so you may experience something different if you have one.
An F1B mini Goldendoodle is great for someone who is looking for a small companion and wants the added benefit of having a low-shedding dog that doesn’t cause as much of a problem for people with allergies.
This cross-breed will keep you on your toes but it will also steal your heart and be by your side no matter what.
