Miniature Golden Retriever

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 10-15 years
The Miniature Golden Retriever is a cross between the Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and Poodle, with varying ratios of the three breeds. Some Miniature Golden Retrievers are only Golden Retriever/Poodle mixes, but in either case, they are bred to look and act mostly like the Golden Retriever, so this will typically be the predominant breed in the mix. Like all hybrid dogs, the Miniature Golden Retriever is less prone to genetic health issues than his purebred counterparts, but there is still a possibility that he will experience health problems common to his parent breeds.

The Miniature Golden Retriever may experience joint issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Hip and elbow dysplasia are degenerative conditions caused by malformed joints and lead to discomfort, pain, and limping. In more severe cases, arthritis or even lameness can result, and surgery may be necessary. Although hip dysplasia is hereditary, it can be triggered by excessive weight gain or injury, such as falling on a slippery floor or jumping excessively on still-developing joints. Patellar luxation occurs when the knee joint slides easily into and out of place, resulting in dislocation of the kneecap. This condition can also lead to lameness in particularly serious cases. Responsible breeders do not breed dogs with hereditary joint problems, so ensure that your prospective puppy’s parents have no history of these conditions.

Von Willebrand’s Disease, a blood clotting disorder, may also affect some Miniature Golden Retrievers. Von Willebrand Factor is a platelet protein that aids the blood clotting process, and this disease occurs when insufficient amounts of this factor are present, resulting in excessive or uncontrollable bleeding even from minor injuries. Although von Willebrand’s cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed. Precautions will need to be taken to prevent injury as much as possible with affected dogs, and surgical procedures will likely require blood transfusions, medications, or intravenous clotting factors.

Gastric torsion, or bloat, may be an issue for the Miniature Golden Retriever. Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas, fluid, or food, expanding dangerously and putting pressure on other organs. In some cases, the stomach also twists, which traps blood in the stomach and prevents it from flowing to the heart and other critical areas. Bloat can be fatal, so take your dog to the veterinarian if you notice symptoms like pale gums, rapid breathing, failed attempts to vomit, pacing, or a swollen stomach. Your veterinarian may relieve the stomach pressure with a tube or a hollow needle, and your dog may also require steroids, antibiotics, or intravenous medication. If the stomach is twisted, emergency surgery will be necessary.

Other potential health problems for the Miniature Golden Retriever include allergies, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism, a thyroid condition that can lead to obesity, infertility, lethargy, and hair loss if not treated with daily medication.

The average lifespan for a Miniature Golden Retriever is 10-15 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

The Miniature Golden Retriever was bred with the intention of creating a dog with the appearance and personality of a Golden Retriever but not the massive size. Although some Miniature Golden Retrievers are a combination of Golden Retriever, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel, many breeders have stopped including the Cocker Spaniel in the mix to prevent aggression or nippiness in this hybrid breed. The average Miniature Golden Retriever is friendly, extremely affectionate, happy, and energetic. He is also a gentle, intelligent, and loyal dog who makes an excellent family companion.

The Miniature Golden Retriever is an active dog who enjoys games, walks, jogs, runs, and swimming. He needs at least thirty minutes of exercise and playtime daily. He also excels at agility, search and rescue, drug detection, hunting, retrieving, and obedience. The Miniature Golden Retriever can overdo it when it comes to exercise and play, so do not let him overexert himself. He can live in an apartment if he is adequately exercised and well-trained. The Miniature Golden Retriever adores human companionship and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. He may bark frequently, and he will likely need to be taught a “Quiet” command.

The average Miniature Golden Retriever is great with children and good with other dogs and smaller pets if properly socialized. He does need socialization from a young age, so introduce him to a variety of sights, sounds, people, pets, and places from an early age to ensure appropriate behavior. Some Miniature Golden Retrievers who are mixed with Cocker Spaniels have been known to bite or nip on occasion. He does make a good watch dog who will alert his family to potential danger.

The Miniature Golden Retriever can be a good choice for a first-time dog owner because he is intelligent and relatively easy to train. He is also eager to please and responds well to praise and encouragement. Be firm and consistent but remain positive. Use positive reinforcement like extra playtime or favorite treats, and never be overly harsh or critical.

Grooming

The Miniature Golden Retriever is a low to moderate shedder, but brushing 2-3 times a week is needed. He should shed less than the average Golden Retriever due to being bred with the Poodle.

Bathe your Miniature Golden Retriever only as needed and trim his nails when they are long enough to reach the floor. Check his ears regularly for signs of infection like redness, tenderness, and odor, and brush his teeth at least 2-3 times weekly to maintain good overall health and avoid bad breath.

Diet

The average Miniature Golden Retriever should eat 1.5-2.5 cups of high-quality dry dog food daily. He does have a tendency to become obese, so do not overfeed him.

Take preventative measures against bloat by ensuring that your dog does not eat too rapidly. Also do not allow him to drink excessive amounts of water immediately before or after eating, and enforce a minimum one-hour waiting period between eating and exercising. Do not use a raised feeding bowl unless instructed otherwise by your veterinarian.
 

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Cost

The cost of a Miniature Golden Retriever varies widely, with reported prices ranging from $700-$6,000. You are likely to find prices averaging around $2,500, but this will vary according to breeder location, gender, and other factors.

If you can adopt a Miniature Golden Retriever, plan to pay up to $175 in adoption fees.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. The Miniature Golden Retriever ranks a 1.5. He is an excellent family dog who tends to get along with people and pets alike, and he is easy to train, making him a good choice for most first-time dog owners. He does have moderate exercise needs, but he can live in an apartment. Just be sure to teach him a “Quiet” command, because some Miniature Golden Retrievers tend to bark a lot.

 

Golden Retriever

Cocker Spaniel

Poodle

Labrador Retriever