Mini Golden Retriever: Complete Guide
A Mini Golden Retriever is a smaller Golden-type dog, typically 20–45 lb as an adult, bred to keep the Golden’s friendly temperament in a more compact size. Programs vary (Golden × Cocker Spaniel, Golden × Poodle, or selectively smaller purebred Goldens), and Mini Goldens are not recognized as a separate AKC breed. Below you’ll find size, shedding, health, cost, and where to find one and how they compare to Goldendoodles and standard Goldens.
Adult size
20–45 lb; ~14–20 in at the shoulder (varies by program/generation)
Temperament
affectionate, people-focused, highly trainable
Shedding
moderate to low-moderate; “hypoallergenic” not guaranteed
Exercise
45–90 minutes daily (walks, play, training)
Typical price
~$1,500–$5,000+ depending on breeder, testing, and region
Also called
Miniature Golden Retriever, Petite Golden; Comfort Retriever is a trademarked line
Lifespan
~11–15 years
What is a Mini Golden Retriever?
A Mini Golden Retriever is a smaller Golden-type dog with size of 20–45 lb. Mini Golden Retrievers are created by crossing Golden Retrievers with smaller breeds (commonly Cocker Spaniel or Poodle) or by selectively breeding smaller purebred Goldens. They aim to keep classic Golden temperament in a more manageable size. They’re not AKC-recognized as a separate breed. Below, you’ll find size, shedding, health, price, and where to find a Mini Golden, plus how they compare to Goldendoodles and standard Goldens.
Why people want them: Golden-like friendliness and trainability with an easier-to-manage size for families, travel, or urban living.
Size, temperament, and activity needs
Size: Most Minis finish between 20–45 lb and ~14–20 inches tall; genetics (F1, F1B, multigen) influence adult size and coat.
Temperament: Loving, social, eager-to-please; great family companions with proper socialization.
Activity: Plan for daily walks, fetch, and basic training. Mental enrichment (puzzles/obedience) keeps them calm at home.
Shedding, grooming, and allergies
- Shedding reality:
- Golden × Cocker or selectively small Goldens: usually moderate shedding.
- Poodle-influenced lines: often lower shedding, but no dog is guaranteed hypoallergenic.
- Grooming: Brush 2–3× weekly (daily during seasonal shed), bathe every 4–8 weeks, trim nails, and clean ears to reduce infections.
- Allergy tip: Meet adult dogs from the same lines to gauge coat response if you’re sensitive.
Health, testing, and lifespan
Common concerns (vary by lineage): hips/elbows (dysplasia), eyes (PRA/cataracts), skin (ichthyosis), heart disease; Cocker lines add ear/eye risks; Poodle lines can include conditions like Addison’s.
What reputable programs test: OFA hips/elbows/heart, CAER eye exams, and DNA panels (e.g., PRA, ichthyosis). Ask to see documentation.
Lifespan: Often 11–15 years with responsible breeding, good weight, and regular vet care.
Pro tip: Consider pet insurance early to lock in coverage before pre-existing conditions appear.
Breeding of Mini Golden Retriever
Breeding helps us inherit the qualities and characteristics of one living thing to another by crossing. As we are discussing, mini golden retrievers are not natural. However, they result from specific breeding to create this smaller version of the standard golden Retriever. The smaller breeds of dogs crossed with golden retrievers to birth golden minis are Cocker Spaniels and Miniature Poodles.
Cocker Spaniel
The cocker spaniel is a friendly, intelligent, and good-looking small dog. By crossing it with the Golden Retriever, it becomes smaller while maintaining the characteristics, temperament, and coat of the Golden Retriever.
Miniature Poodle
This is another small dog breed with a high level of intelligence. Mini Golden Retrievers are also crossed with Golden Retrievers to create Mini Golden Retrievers. However, their mix is also known as “miniature golden doodle.”
Mini Golden vs Goldendoodle vs Golden Retriever
Mini Golden Retriever
Golden-like temperament in a smaller package; coat straight to wavy; shedding varies by program; moderate grooming.
Mini Goldendoodle (Golden × Mini/Standard Poodle)
Usually curlier coat; often lower shedding; higher grooming maintenance (regular trims).
Standard Golden Retriever
Larger (55–75 lb), purebred standard; famously friendly and trainable; moderate shedding.
Characteristics of Mini Golden Retrievers
Now, let’s discuss the characteristics of these small golden dogs: weight, color, physical appearance, personality, and lifespan.
1. Size and Weight
As the Mini Golden Retrievers are smaller in size, their height is about 15 to 18 inches, which is smaller than the size or height of a standard Golden Retriever, which is almost 21 to 25 inches tall. Due to its smaller size, the weight of the Mini Golden Retriever is about 20 – 40 pounds. In contrast, the standard Golden Retriever weighs between 50 to 80 pounds. As they’re smaller in size, they are usually compared with the “comfort Retriever,” the smaller breed of dog formed to inherit the qualities and characteristics of a Golden Retriever.
2. Personality
Mini Golden Retrievers (small golden dogs or tiny Retrievers) are known for their friendly and loyal nature. They are very loving family dogs due to their lovely behavior with children and other pets. They are also brilliant, which makes them highly trainable. Mini Golden Retrievers are also socially friendly small dogs who love to stay in between people.
3. Lifespan
The lifespan of a Mini Golden Retriever is about 12 to 15 years, which is quite similar to the standard original Golden Retriever. Although proper care, nutrition, and veterinary check-ups can help them have a longer and healthier life. We hear many questions people ask about “How long do Golden Retrievers live?” which has a straightforward answer, which is enough for both Mini Golden Retrievers and standard Golden Retrievers is care and nutrition. With good care and nutrition, your little Retriever can live a healthy 12 to 15 years old.
4. Appearance
The mini golden Retriever has the same beautiful double coat appearance as the standard. You can see mini golden retrievers in shades of gold, light cream, white golden Retriever, and deep golden or reddish. Their eyes are very expressive and cute-looking small golden dogs, also known as golden minis.
Some breeders also use selective breeding and dwarfism methods to produce small dogs. However, regardless of their methods and approach, their priority should be to avoid health and genetic issues. Owners who want to buy Mini Golden Retrievers should seek out ethical breeders who prioritize the health of their dogs before anything else.
Full Grown Mini Golden Retriever
People also ask, “How does a full-grown Mini Golden Retriever behave?” the answer is that their characteristics and loving qualities remain the same as when they were puppies. They look as cute as they were when they were puppies due to their small size. Full-grown Mini Golden Retrievers also need regular exercise and nutrition to stay energetic and healthy. The fully grown tiny goldens are also easy to manage due to their small size and social friendly behavior.
Suppose you’re looking to buy a fully-grown Mini Golden Retriever. In that case, you must submit your query along with your city address to help us arrange a Mini Golden Retriever of your choice.
Golden Retriever Colors
Golden Retrievers and Mini Golden Retrievers or miniature golden Retrievers come in various colors:
These colors are available in the Mini Golden Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, helping owners choose their favorite available colors.
Mini Golden Retrievers as Hunting Dogs
Mini Golden Retrievers are primarily bred as companion dogs. Still, they also inherit the hunting instinct from the big Golden Retrievers family. Although they’re less good at hunting than the standard golden Retrievers due to their small size, they can also be trained for hunting. If you do the proper training for your tiny golden dog, it may also prove a good hunting companion.
How much does a Mini Golden Retriever cost?
The price of Miniature Golden Retriever ranges between $1,500–$5,000+ based on breeder reputation, health testing, generation, and geography.
But on average, you must pay $1,500 to $3,000 for Golden Retriever puppies. We suggest you look for a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health of tiny goldens and other dogs/animals.
- What’s often included: Age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, microchip, health guarantee, early socialization, and a starter kit.
- Red flags: No proof of health testing, pressure to wire money, unusually low pricing, no contract, no video calls, or no references.
Golden Retriever Puppies
Golden Retriever puppies and Mini Golden Retriever puppies are known for their cute expressions, playful behavior, and intelligent nature. You must start training early if you want your tiny golden to behave well. You also need to know how to train a puppy, give house training to your dog, and give obedience training before you take responsibility for raising a puppy.
Golden Retriever Puppies Ohio
Are you looking to buy golden Retriever puppies in Ohio? If yes, follow these guidelines to get tiny golden puppies with good health and genetics.
- Search for a Reputable Breeder
- Visit Breeder to Ensure the Ethical Breeding Practices they’re following
- Check the Health & Nutrition they’re providing
- Are they providing well-socialised puppies
You can also follow the same process and guidelines when buying a dog.
Golden Retriever’s Owner Reviews
Conclusion
Mini Golden Retrievers are the best choice for dog lovers who want a small dog with golden Retriever qualities. They are smaller in size, intelligent, social, loyal, and loving. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly dog, a hunting companion, or a Mini Golden Retrievers are the best choice for dog lovers who want a small dog with golden Retriever qualities. They are smaller, intelligent, social, loyal, and loving. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly dog, a hunting companion, or a small dog with a big heart, a mini golden retriever is the best option.