

Larger size dogs generally have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones as its thought that they age faster.īoth the standard and Miniature Goldens face the risk of inheriting various genetic diseases such as joint dysplasia and eye problems.Īlways check that your breeder can provide proof of the good health of the parents before you buy a new puppy. The expected lifespan of the Miniature Golden Retriever is between 10 and 15 years while standard Goldens can expect to live between 10 and 12 years. Miniatures, however, usually weigh between 20 and 45 pounds and measure between 14 and 20 inches in height.Įxact sizes will differ depending on the proportion of genetic matter they inherit from their parents.ĭogs who inherit a higher proportion of Golden genetics will likely be a little bigger, while those that have more Poodle genes will probably be at the smaller end.

Standard Goldens usually weigh somewhere between 55 and 75 lbs (with females at the lighter end and males at the heavier) and measure between 20 to 24 inches in height. There’s no breed standard for the Mini Golden Retrievers, but there is enough breeding activity at this point to accurately gauge some sort of average across the dogs. This should be expected if you account for the Mini also having some Poodle characteristics. While the aim of Miniature Goldens was simply to create a dog that was a companion-sized version of the standard Golden, there are a number of differences and similarities between them. How Do Miniature Golden Retrievers Compare with Standard Goldens? This usually translates to puppies sold already neutered, microchipped, with an ID tag and a health certificate.Īs with any breed of dog, it’s imperative that you choose to buy from a reputable breeder in order to ensure the good health and longevity of your new pup. Responsible breeders are clearly committed to working towards the recognition of the breed and the enforcement of best breeding practices for Mini Goldens/ small golden retrievers.

Miniature Golden Retrievers are not a member of the American Kennel Club but a certain mix of them is recognized by the Designer Dogs’ Kennel Club – the Golden Retriever x Goldendoodle. Are Mini Golden Retrievers Officially Recognized? The latter is actually the trademarked name for the puppies bred by Kathy Burgess, who claims to have created the first Miniature Golden.īurgess’ Mini Golden Retrievers are so popular and well known that their trademarked name has now become synonymous with the breed. Miniature Golden Retrievers are also known as Petite Golden Retrievers and Comfort Retrievers. The idea is to create puppies that have the same wonderful character and temperaments of a normal Golden, yet in a smaller size. This specialist breeding is designed to create a dog matched as close as possible with a standard Golden – usually between a 50 and 75% genetic match.

Some breeders also mix in Cocker Spaniels, although this can result in some less than desirable characteristics, which we’ll discuss later. The breeds used to create the Mini Golden Retrievers are usually either a Golden Retriever and Poodle, or a Golden Retriever and a Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever x Poodle mix). This is different to the Mini Husky, for instance, which is just a smaller version of the Husky. They are a cross mix of different dogs instead of just a size variation on the breed standard. What are Miniature Golden Retrievers?ĭespite what their name suggests, Miniature Golden Retrievers aren’t simply pedigree Golden Retrievers selectively bred to be smaller. Let’s find out more about these Miniature Goldens. The Miniature is one of the latest ‘designer breeds’ that are taking the canine world by storm as would-be owners seek out their favorite dogs in a package better suited to their lifestyles. Sounds pretty good, right?Įnter the Miniature Golden Retriever, a dog who is exactly that. Imagine everything you love about a Golden Retriever – their friendly temperament, absolute loyalty, and loving playfulness – but in a smaller size.
