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Are you also looking for a perfect dog pet or thinking of buying a mini golden retriever? If yes, then we have your back. This blog will explore all the characteristics, behavior, cost, and everything you need to know about mini golden retrievers.
In this age where everyone is so busy coping with daily challenges and hustle, you need a loyal friend and partner as a pet who does not have complaints but only support and care to offer you. Mini or Miniature Golden Retriever is a new breed popular for a century. Standard Golden Retrievers have been under breeding practices for many years, and some of their breeds exist, including the Mini Golden Retriever.
What Is a Mini Golden Retriever?
A mini golden retriever is the result of cross-breeding a golden retriever, an American Cocker Spaniel, a King Charles Cavalier, and a poodle. In the late 20th century, breeders wanted to add some more appealing features related to the golden retriever’s size, health, and life span.
So, they cross-bred the golden retriever with rare dogs of another lineage, and the result was the mini golden retriever. The mini golden retriever is a small-sized golden retriever that can live in a small space, so people living in an apartment home can easily have it as a pet.
Mini Golden Retriever Characteristics
- Physical Appearance
They have off-white to cream-colored coats and lovely, attractive eyes. Mini Golden Retrievers have an outer coat that is dense and water resistant, while the undercoat is soft and light. They have compact, muscular bodies with athletic builds.
- Size & Weight
A mini golden retriever is a small dog with some additional unique features. A full-grown mini golden retriever weighs 30-50 pounds and is about 14-16 inches high at the shoulders.
- Life Span
Generally, mini golden Retrievers have a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years, but this can vary depending on their diet, care, and environment. Their life span is the same as that of the standard golden retriever.
- Temperament
Mini Gold Retrievers’ behavior makes them excellent pets; they love being around humans, especially children, and involve themselves in playful activities, as they have good stamina.
They are also popular due to their obedience. They are too loyal to their owners, making them perfect pets for families who often plan outdoor picnics.
As we discussed earlier, mini golden retrievers can be produced by crossbreeding with several dog species, so there is a slight difference among Mini Gold Retrievers from different breeders.
Moreover, the owners who put effort into training and giving attention find them more friendly and pleasing than others.
Mini Golden Retriever Personality
Loyal and Affectionate
One of the most endearing traits of a miniature golden retriever is its personality. These dogs are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their owners. They are gentle, patient, and tolerant, making them great with kids.
Playful and Active
Despite their smaller size, they are active and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, running, and fetching. They are also known for their intelligence and can quickly learn new commands and tricks, which makes training a breeze.
Mini Golden Retriever Size
Regarding size, mini golden retrievers are significantly smaller than their standard counterparts. They typically weigh between 20 and 45 pounds and stand about 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder. This makes them a perfect fit for apartment living or homes with limited space. The smaller size does not compromise their robust and sturdy build, ensuring they are active and playful.
Looks and Features of Mini Golden Retrievers
Golden Minis are just as beautiful as full-sized Golden Retrievers. They have a dense, water-repellent coat that can be wavy or straight, often in shades of gold ranging from light to dark. Their eyes are expressive and kind, with a gentle look that melts hearts. They have a well-proportioned body, strong legs, and a feathery tail that wags joyfully. Their ears are floppy, adding to their adorable appearance.
How Big Do Golden Minis Get?
The size of a Mini Golden Retriever is one of the main attractions for potential owners. As mentioned, they weigh between 20 and 45 pounds and stand 14 to 18 inches tall.
This makes them easy to manage and care for, especially for people with limited space or those who prefer a smaller dog. Despite their smaller size, they retain the exact energetic and playful nature as standard Golden Retrievers.
Alos Read: Red Golden Retriever: History & Facts With Pictures
Do Mini Golden Retrievers Shed?
Yes, mini golden retrievers shed, much like their larger counterparts. However, the amount of shedding can vary depending on the mix of breeds. Regular grooming and brushing can help manage shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny.
Brushing them at least a few times weekly removes loose hair and prevents mats and tangles. Regular grooming also helps to keep their skin healthy and reduces the risk of skin infections.
Do Mini Golden Retrievers Have Health Problems?
Mini Golden Retrievers show similar health characteristics as the standard Golden Retriever. Although breeding standard Golden Retrievers with others has reduced the percentage of health problems in them, their small size sometimes can be a problem in maintaining health. The following are some issues that are observed in the Mini Golden Retriever.
- Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a disorder of the hip joint in which a socket of the hip joint does not completely fit into the ball, leading to severe pain and an inability to move. A dog with this issue will usually not show any signs as long as it starts moving, so you, as a pet owner, can identify if your pet has dysplasia, probably at one year of age.
- Heart Diseases
Sub-valvular Aortic stenosis (SAS) is a congenital heart disease that the Mini Golden Retrievers inherit. In this condition, there is an obstruction of blood flow, leading to other cardiovascular disorders.
- Eye Problems
Eye problems are common in Mini Golden Retrievers, and genetically transmitted diseases in Standard Golden Retrievers. Cataracts are the most common eye disease, and a dog can lose its vision completely.
Observing its moves during playful activities lets you identify whether your pet has this disease. A Mini Golden Retriever will not be able to catch the ball or will bump into things if it is not able to see.
- Bloat
Bloating is a serious life-threatening disease that kills a 30% chance of death of Mini Golden Retrievers. In this disease, a gas is generated in the abdomen due to digestive issues or unhealthy food habits; this gas prevents the blood flow towards the heart, leading to the dog’s death.
Care & Grooming of Mini Golden Retriever
Miniature golden retrievers have a striking cream-colored coat that needs regular care and maintenance. They shed their hair excessively during seasonal changes, so regular brushing and bathing are necessary to keep them clean and their coat free from tangles.
But keep one thing in mind: a standard golden retriever was bred with spaniels and poodles for many reasons. One of them is less shedding, as these breeds have no or little shedding, so shedding is reduced in mini golden retrievers as compared to the Standard ones.
Other care considerations are also important, such as bathing them with dog-specific shampoo and trimming their nails at least weekly. Moreover, the Mini Golden Retriever has floppy ears, so it develops ear infections easily, so keep great care of it, too.
Exercise Requirements
Miniature golden retrievers require at least 40 to 120 minutes of exercise per day to keep them healthy and active. Due to their small size, their exercise requirement is less than that of standard golden retrievers, but they should be trained regularly.
Engage them in games and other healthy activities like fetch and obedience training. Mini Golden Retrievers require proper socialization and care from an early age; otherwise, their brain remains unstimulated, so taking them with you on family picnics is a better option to give them space so they can express themselves.
Last but not least, consult your veterinarian for proper guidance about their exercise and training and join training centers for better grooming and training.
The Benefits of the Mini Golden Retriever
Manageable Size
Owning a mini golden retriever has numerous benefits. Its smaller size makes it more manageable for many people, including those living in apartments or smaller homes.
Travel-Friendly
They are easier to travel with and often require fewer exercise needs than their larger counterparts. Despite their size, they retain all the beautiful traits of Golden Retrievers, including their friendly and loyal nature.
Hypoallergenic Coat
They are also great for people with allergies, as their coats can be less allergenic, especially if mixed with a Poodle.
Bringing a Mini Golden Retriever Home
Preparation
When bringing a Mini Golden Retriever home, preparing your space and gathering all necessary supplies is essential. Ensure you have a comfortable bed, appropriate food and water bowls, and toys to entertain them. Puppy-proof your home to prevent accidents and create a safe environment.
Training and Socialization
Introducing them to their new surroundings gradually and providing consistent training and socialization will help them adjust quickly and become well-mannered members of your family.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mini Golden Retriever is a delightful and versatile breed that offers all the best qualities of a Golden Retriever in a more compact package. They are friendly, loyal, and intelligent, making them ideal companions for various households. Their smaller size makes them easier to care for and manage, especially for those with limited space or who prefer a smaller dog.
Despite their more diminutive stature, they retain the playful and energetic nature of their larger counterparts, making them a joy to have around. Owning a Miniature Golden Retriever has numerous benefits, including easier grooming and less shedding, fewer exercise needs, and the ability to adapt well to various living situations. Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them great with children, seniors, and other pets. They are also ideal for therapy and emotional support roles due to their loving and patient demeanor.
