The intelligent, gentle, playful, and outgoing Goldendoodle is an easy choice when you want a biddable and friendly dog. The only question is: Small, medium, or large? Goldendoodles appear in several sizes due to the different sizes of the Poodle’s breed. While minor size differences may not seem like the most impactful factor when getting one of these adoring family dogs, they can affect how you interact with, care for, and live with your pet for many years.

When you’re willing to invest in a top-tier designer dog, isn’t it worth the extra research if it means getting the perfect pet for your home? Make the best choice for you and your family by checking out these differences between mini and medium Goldendoodles.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Mini Goldendoodle Breed Overview

Mini Goldendoodles are a cross between Golden Retrievers and toy or mini-Poodles. They stand up to 17 inches tall and weigh a maximum of 35 pounds, which is slightly larger than the smallest Goldendoodle class, the petite Goldendoodle. As smaller dogs, they are preferable for many owners because they are easier to handle, lift, and transport. Mini Goldendoodles don’t need much space and can adapt to city apartments, country homes, and anything in between as long as they get adequate exercise.

Personality / Character

Mini Goldendoodles marry the Golden Retriever’s loving, loyal, and joyous nature with the Poodle’s low-shedding coat and superior intelligence. They’re outgoing with children, pets, and strangers, with their smaller size and friendly disposition allowing for little risk in social situations. Although they are a more apartment-friendly size, the toy Poodle in them also means they’re more prone to barking.

With toy and miniature Poodle parents, these dogs have less of a working dog’s pedigree and more that of a pampered pet. Unlike their standard-sized counterparts, mini Goldendoodles can be more attention-seeking and excitable.

Alongside their more fragile bodies, a relatively high-strung and impatient nature may make mini Goldendoodles slightly less kid-friendly than larger varieties. Miniature Poodles are also more prone to separation anxiety and dog rivalry than Standard Poodles, which are traits that may be more apparent in a mini Goldendoodle.

Grooming

Although they’re low-shedders, Goldendoodles have relatively high grooming demands. Minis are often preferable because of this, bearing smaller bodies to manage and allowing for significant savings at the groomer. Depending on how you cut the hair, they’ll need frequent brushing to detangle and remove loose fur and several trips to the groomer during the year.

Breeding

Golden Retrievers are large dogs weighing up to 75 pounds and standing as tall as 24 inches. At about twice the size of the mini Goldendoodle, it takes significantly more toy and mini-Poodle influence to bring down the frame. Many breeders use multi-generational crosses for consistent sizes, as first-generation mixes between different dogs can yield unpredictable results. The price of mini Goldendoodles is often higher than medium Goldendoodles because of the effort it takes to breed them.

Suitable For:

Mini Goldendoodles are bright and active but don’t need excessive amounts of exercise, making them perfect for owners who enjoy spending time in the home. They’re light and portable, an ideal trait for older individuals. Though typically more expensive up front, mini Goldendoodles are less pricey to feed and care for due to their undersized stature. As they usually boast more Poodle genes, they’re more likely to be energetic and need extra mental stimulation during the day.

Medium Goldendoodle Breed Overview

While any Goldendoodle is energetic and upbeat, they become more physically capable as they get bigger, making breeds like the medium and standard Goldendoodle better for outdoor activity. They can keep up on runs, hikes, and other adventures without being challenging to haul around, weighing about as much as a small preschool-aged child.

Personality / Character

The medium Goldendoodle brings more of a Standard Poodle’s genetics into the mix. Many find them the perfect size for a family dog; they aren’t too big to be a significant risk to small children but not so small that they can’t handle a child’s rough play. They’re also generally calmer and gentler than mini Goldendoodles. Intelligent, trainable, and easy to control, medium Goldendoodles are popular dogs for a broad range of owners.

Grooming

Grooming needs will be greater for a medium Goldendoodle than the mini variety, costing more time and money. As with any Doodle, much of the grooming frequency will depend on the furnishing and curly coat genes they inherit from their parents. Though not as common, Goldendoodles can receive flat-coated, unfurnished genes, giving them more of a Retriever look without the thick eyebrows and mustache.

Depending on your needs, furnishings may or may not be desirable in a Goldendoodle. If you need a more hypoallergenic coat, you’ll want the Poodle look, while an unfurnished dog will have less intense grooming needs. Researching a reputable breeder’s sires and dams will reveal their coat characteristics and help you find the best fit.

Breeding

Medium Goldendoodles are among the most prevalent sizes and are a great “one-size-fits-all” Doodle. They’re easy to find and relatively inexpensive. Like Minis, these Doodles are smaller than Standard Poodles and Golden Retrievers, so breeders often use multi-generation parents to get consistent sizing.

Suitable For:

Medium Goldendoodles are a fantastic choice for first-time owners, active individuals, and families. Since they’re larger and more athletic than mini Goldendoodles, they can engage in a broader array of sports and outdoor activities, from swimming to hiking in the wilderness. They’re quick to train, eager to please, and sturdy without being overly large. They’re a perfect match for young children.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

With Goldendoodles of any size, you can be sure you’re getting exceptionally intelligent, affectionate, obedient, playful, outgoing, and energetic dogs. Minis are easier to handle and transport, while medium Goldendoodles are more laid back and athletic. All Goldendoodles offer an incredible ownership experience, but you and your dog will appreciate the extra care in making the best decision for your household.

• Related Read: Irish Doodle vs Goldendoodle: The Differences (with Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Top – SoySendra, Shutterstock | Bottom – cine-nomadic, Shutterstock