A Comprehensive Guide for Mini Golden Retriever Owners

The Mini Golden Retriever is a mixture of Golden Retriever and Poodle. It is a small, loving, playful dog, and is an ideal pet.

History of the Mini Golden Retriever

A Mini Golden Retriever is a cross between a standard full-blooded Golden and a Poodle. Sometimes breeders mix the Golden with a Cocker Spaniel. The resulting pup is mostly Golden Retriever since breeders use 50% to 75% of the Golden's DNA and only 25% of the other parent's DNA. The result is a small version of a Golden Retriever with less shedding and a puppy that has inherited the friendly temperament of its Golden parent. Size ranges from 14 to 18 inches at the shoulder. They weigh 20 to 45 pounds.

The Temperament of the Mini Golden Retriever

This pup's temperament is similar to the large Golden, which is one of America's favorite breeds. As a proud owner of a Mini Golden Retriever, you already know that these pups have an almost perfect temperament. They are friendly, intelligent, loyal, gentle, and easygoing. Temperament isn't guaranteed because each litter of pups has a variety of puppies who could have different personalities when grown. Remember that these canines are a mix of two distinct breeds. Mini Golden Retrievers do not have a perfect 50% of the parents' qualities.

They're Intelligent and Easy to Train

These little mini dogs learn quickly. One of their qualities is a strong desire to please you. Your pup may not always want to train and learn. Minis can also be stubborn. Fortunately, they are mentally alert and ready to play and learn most of the time. They enjoy fetching a ball or toys. Tell your Mini to go get a specific toy, and it will do it with training. Research has shown that dogs can learn the meaning of up to 200 words, and the Mini Golden Retriever may have a similar intelligence as a two-year-old human.

You May Have Little Shedding with a Mini Golden Retriever

Large Goldens are known for being heavy shedders. One of the reasons cross-breeders mixed them with the Poodle was in hopes of a new crossbreed with low shedding. Mini Golden Retrievers shed far less than a Golden. They have an undercoat that sheds in the Spring. Despite the shedding, they are considered to be low to moderate shedding dogs. They aren't hypoallergenic since all dogs shed, but many people with allergies can tolerate them. Daily brushing can reduce the amount of fur in your home.

Does the Mini Golden Retriever Have Many Health Problems?

Mini Golden Retrievers may have health problems inherited from either parent, just as all breeds do. A health check of both parents before breeding will ensure that the lineage of both shows no cancer or other diseases. Dogs with any health issues should never be bred. It is more likely that healthy pups will result from two healthy parents. Before you adopt that adorable pup, ask the breeder to show you the medical histories of both parents. Problems with eyes or hips are possible in the Golden. Cancer is a leading cause of death in all dogs.

The Length of Life of Miniature Golden Retrievers

You can expect your Mini Golden Retriever to live between 10 and 15 years. He will live a healthy, long life with you.

Nutritional Requirements of the Mini Golden Retriever

This dog is very active and so they require 2.5 cups of food per day when grown. Pups are usually fed several times per day, so check with your pet's doctor for the best feeding advice. The average cost of feeding Mini Golden Retrievers is approximately $34 to $45 per month. A Mini needs high-quality, high-protein food to remain healthy and active.

Common Psychological Health Conditions in Minis

It is not unusual for the Mini Golden Retriever to bark too much or to howl when she is excited or wants attention. Positive reinforcement can be used when she does something you like. Praise her a lot, and she'll likely repeat the behavior. Ignoring it, or walking out of the room, shows your pup that you don't like a certain behavior. Eventually, she will understand that her howling is causing you to leave the room. This is not what she wants, so she will stop the negative behavior.

Stress Is a Common Psychological Health Conditions in Mini Golden Retrievers

Stress is a common psychological health condition in Mini Golden Retrievers. Your pet will let you know he is stressed with his behavior. He may feel sick and not be as active as usual. Since your pup can't tell you with words what is bothering him, you can help him by watching how his behavior is different.

Behaviors such as sudden aggression or following you from room to room may point to your Mini Golden Retriever being stressed. Any sudden change of behavior shows you that something is wrong with your pet.

Your Dog May Also Experience Anxiety

Many full-size Goldens have separation anxiety when they are left at home alone. This is also true for Mini Golden Retrievers. Start training your pup while he is young that he will be okay if he's alone. Put him in his bed and tell him to "Stay" while you remain in the room. Other training exercises might help. Mini Golden Retrievers under 18 months of age should never be left alone for more than 2 hours. Adult dogs can stay home alone while you go to work, but the adult should not remain alone for more than 8 hours.

Calming Dog Products

An anxiety vest can calm the Mini Golden Retriever. It applies gentle pressure when it is worn. Your pet will feel safe during veterinarian visits, thunderstorms, or when you are away from home. Anxiety vests help many pets by snugly wrapping their body. Supplements, such as hemp gummy bears, can also help with this problem. Other supplements, such as over-the-counter medicines, are effective for relieving stress and anxiety for many Mini Golden Retrievers.

Common Physical Health Conditions

Mini Golden Retrievers are healthy pups, especially if the parents are also healthy. All dog breeds are prone to certain health conditions. The Mini may develop hip dysplasia, eye problems, or ear infections. This breed hasn't been around long enough for studies on his health. Most canine scientists base their findings on full-size Goldens.

Condition #1 –Hip Dysplasia in Mini Golden Retrievers

This is a condition of the hip joint and is common in dogs, especially in large breeds. If the pup's parents do not have this problem, the Mini Golden Retriever will probably not experience it. Hip Dysplasia is best treated when it first begins to develop. Treatments are effective at this stage and they may not help the problem if not treated early.

Surgery is one treatment, but it is usually the last resort. Dogs can live an active life for years with exercise and medication. Supplements are effective for the Mini Golden Retriever. Some of these are Dasuquin Chewables, available online. Your dog will likely remain active because it reduces inflammation and pain in the hips. Cosequin DS is also recommended by vets, and it is somewhat less expensive than Dasuquin.

Deramaxx is an anti-inflammatory chewable medication that reduces swelling in hip joints and also reduces pain. CBD oil has the same benefits and is available in chew treats for dogs. Your dog can be treated through water exercises and physical therapy, resulting in greater mobility and less pain for your pup.

Joint Health Options We Love

1. Hip & Joint Supplement

   

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2. Glucosamine for Dogs

   

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3. Natural Care Hip and Joint Soft Chews

   

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Condition #2 –Ear Infections in Minis

The Mini Golden Retriever is prone to ear infections. His big floppy ears may have hair inside that can cause infection. Some dogs get them frequently, while others may never develop one. Cleaning your pup's ears daily, or every 2 days, may help her not to develop this painful condition. Check your Mini's ears if you see her scratching it. She may whine or cry while scratching since the infections cause a lot of pain.

Head shaking is another sign, as is a bad smell that you will notice right away. Your Mini may not want to go for a walk or play as usual. Sometimes pups with ear infections shake their ears or heads as if they are trying to shake it out of their head. An ear infection has a bad smell that is noticeable as you get closer to the dog.

Allergies often cause ear infections. Keeping your Mini Golden Retriever strong and healthy with an immune-boosting supplement such as Wapiti's Mobility Supplement may strengthen his immune system and prevent ear infections. Ear cleaners reduce the pain and itching. Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-fungus or antibiotic medicine to heal the infection.

Ear Cleaning Solutions We Love

1. Ear Cleaner for Dogs and Cats

   

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2. Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser for Pets

   

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3. Ear Cleanse for Dogs

   

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Condition #3 –Eye Problems in Mini Golden Retrievers

A Mini Golden Retriever may develop an eye issue recently found in the United States and Canada. It's called Pigmentary Uveitis. It's helpful to be aware of this disease even though your pet will probably never experience it. This disease starts slowly and progresses forward. It eventually leads to blindness and pain. An early sign of Pigmentary Uveitis is a cyst in the eye.

Owners of Minis may not see a cyst by simply examining their pup's eyes, although some cysts can be seen. A cyst may be out of sight behind the dog's pupil. Your pet will need to have his eyes dilated to see this area of the eye. A cyst may develop over a long period, often appearing as the dog gets older. This newer disease is under study by canine scientists and veterinarians.

 

 Eye Supplements We Love

1. Vision Supplement for Small Dogs

   

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2. Eye Care for Dogs Daily Vision Supplement

   

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3. Eye Support for Dogs

   

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Take Care of Your Pet's Oral Health

Prevention is the best way to make sure that your pup does not develop gum disease. If you begin a toothbrushing routine when your Mini Golden Retriever is very young, the pup will eventually accept it. Brushing keeps the teeth clean and the gums healthy. Gum disease occurs when there is plaque around the gums. Tartar forms if you don't brush his teeth and can be difficult to remove at home once it forms. As tartar accumulates on the teeth, gum disease eventually occurs. A sign of tartar on your pup's teeth may be a yellowish deposit near the gums. Severe gum disease leads to bad breath, or fallen teeth in severe cases. Brushing should be done daily, and it's important to brush all the teeth in your Mini's mouth. Focus on the top teeth on the sides facing the cheeks.

IKO Brands have been comparing an untested toothbrush with one that has already been tested in their scientific trial. The result of the tests will show if one toothbrush or dental care product is superior to the other. Other products made by large companies and approved for oral care range from dental chews, treats, plus toothbrushes and toothpaste. These are made by Hills, Nestle, and other businesses that provide oral care products for dogs. Your Mini Golden Retriever's teeth will stay clean and healthy when you use them.

Oral Health Options We Love

1. Dog Toothbrush and Enzymatic Toothpaste

   

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2. DENTASTIX Large Dog Dental Treats

   

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3. Advanced Oral Care Dog Water Additive

   

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Each Dog Breed Has Special Needs

The Mini Golden Retriever needs exercise to stay healthy. There are many toys and accessories made to play games and exercise your dog. A flirt pole is a device made of a pole, string, and chew toy. You can train the dog while stimulating his mind by teaching him to stop, go, or wait. Mini Golden Retrievers like to also play other games, like Hiding when you wait for your pet to find you. Next, it's his turn to hide, and you find him. Minis also love to play Tug of War with a rope.

Meal-Time for Your Pup

Feeding your dog too much food can lead to obesity. It's the biggest health problem in the Mini Golden Retriever breed. Your pet needs to be fed according to his weight and activity level. Ask your veterinarian what amount of food your dog requires each day. To promote the Mini's diet, you may want to supplement his food with multi-vitamins. Mini Golden Retrievers require vitamin C, B-Complex, and other vitamins. Remember to count the calories your dog gets from snacks and treats during the day, as well.

Grooming Your Mini Golden Retriever

Grooming your Mini Golden Retriever can be a fun time for you and your pet. Start when she is young so she will learn that grooming is a normal activity. Train her not to bite your hand and the brush. The weekly schedule for a puppy should include first brushing her. Mats can cause pulling of her skin and they are painful as she moves. They can also become infected underneath if they are wet. Ear cleaning and plucking hair from the underside of the ears should also be completed. Nail clipping and shaving her belly and backside may be needed. A quick clipping of her nails will finish her grooming.

Minis have a soft undercoat and an outercoat. The undercoat will begin to shed as the weather warms. Brushing her coat every day will help control fur from the undercoat. During daily brushing, it may be easier to use a dog shedding brush or a dog undercoat rake. These tools make grooming the undercoat much easier to do. Many grooming aids can be purchased online, along with shampoos with coconut oil and aloe vera, and dry bath sprays. Other products for grooming, such as nail clippers, combs, and other supplies are also sold for your Mini Golden Retriever.

Top Product Picks for the Mini Golden Retriever

The Mini Golden Retriever can use some of the same things that other dogs use, but there are some items designed specifically for the Mini.

Food for Your Mini

Your Mini Golden Retriever will enjoy almost any food. It's the pet owner's responsibility to choose the best food for their dog. Some pet owners think that raw food is best, while others cook their dog's food, believing that it contains the best ingredients. Grocery stores sell premium dog food, so you will need to get it from the pet store. Supermarkets sell dog food that is often low in nutrients and not healthy for the Mini Golden Retriever. Even the vet's office may not sell the best food for your pet. Always check the ingredients first to be sure you are providing the best option for your pet. An active Mini Golden Retriever puppy needs about 2-1/2 cups per day. Food should be divided into 2 or 3 feedings since the puppy needs to eat small amounts throughout the day. Check with your vet to be sure that you are not overfeeding your dog. Obesity is a huge problem with this breed. Without proper exercise, the Mini has a strong chance of gaining weight.

It's best to buy food whose first ingredient listed is chicken, turkey, or beef. Never buy dog food with the first ingredient of grains. It may not have proper nutrients for your pet. Ingredients on dog food bags list ingredients according to those that make up the highest amount in the bag. So, if chicken is the first thing listed, it is probably good food for your dog. Grains are not all bad if there are small amounts in the food. Peas, potatoes, and other vegetables have replaced grains in some foods. These vegetables block Taurine in the Mini. Without it, dogs develop heart problems, resulting in eventual death. Always check with your vet to ensure that your pet is getting the best food for him.

 

 Dog Foods We Love Based On Age

1. Life Protection Formula for Puppies

   

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2. Life Protection Formula for Adult Dogs

   

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3. Life Protection Formula For Senior Dogs

   

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A Crate for the Mini Golden Retriever

Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and have room to move in his crate. It should be small enough that the Mini can't use one side as a toilet and the other side as a bedroom. The Carlson Blue Secure & Compact Single Door Metal Dog Crate is perfect for a small dog. Your Mini Golden Retriever will soon enjoy resting in his special place.

A crate makes potty training easy. Some dogs go in them to get away from lots of people in a room, or just to take a nap. Some crates have a cover to create a quiet space.

Crates We Love

1. Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate

   

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2. Folding Metal Dog Crate

   

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3. MidWest Life Stages 24″ Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate

   

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A Bed Your Pup Will Love

Your Mini Golden Retriever needs a bed while she is still a puppy. She can learn not to chew on it and what "bed" means. An inexpensive bed is good while she is still in the teething stage. An orthopedic bed is best for your Mini when she is full-grown and not chewing things. This breed tends to have hip and joint issues. The support of an orthopedic bed can help her be more comfortable and sleep better. Experts generally recommend waiting until your Mini Golden Retriever is out of the chewing phase before investing in this type of bed. Individual parts could easily be destroyed by a feisty pup. The Fusion Dog Bed has a 4-inch orthopedic memory foam pad. A wrap-around bolster supports her neck. A non-skid bottom makes sure that it stays in place when she moves.

Orthopedic beds do not need to be expensive. The dog bed voted the Best Value dog bed by Hepper.com has a 9-inch pad and is oval shape. Another highly recommended orthopedic bed is the Big Barker Pillow Top bed with a 7-inch orthopedic foam mattress. This bed is sold for larger Mini Golden Retrievers, but it may be available for small to medium dogs like the Mini.

 Beds We Love

1. Two-Tone Faux Fur and Suede L-Shaped Chaise Egg Crate Orthopedic Dog Bed

   

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2. 18L-Inch White Fleece Pet Bed

   

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3. The Original Calming Donut Pet Bed

   

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4. Ultimate Dog Bed Orthopedic Memory Foam

   

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Choose the Best Harness for Your Pup

Your pup needs a harness for walks. It can give you control of your pup as you wiggle out of a harness with the proper fit. The Authentic Puppia Rite Fit Harness with Adjustable Neck is great for your puppy since it can be made smaller or larger. As your pup grows, you can loosen the neck to make it larger. A harness made especially for a puppy or small Mini Golden Retriever is the Metric USA Comfort-Fit Step-In Dog Harness. It is easy to put on a wiggly puppy because he only needs to step into it.

 

 Harnesses We Love

1. Step-In Air All Weather Harness

   

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2. No-Pull Pet Harness with 2 Leash Clips

   

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3. Step-In Air Dog Harness w/ Leash

   

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4. Step-In Air Dog Harness

   

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   by Voyager 

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Other Products to Consider

Car seats, portable exercise pens, and grooming tools make life easier for pets and owners. Combs, brushes, treats, and other doggie equipment are available online. You'll find leashes, collars. and you can buy tee-shirts, mugs, and stickers featuring adorable Mini Golden Retrievers.

Other Resources

Some resources where you can register your Mini Golden Retriever or find additional information are the following:

https://shop.akc.org/

Health & Research

https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/hybrid-crossbreeds

https://www.dogregistryofamerica.com/dogregistry/dogclubsregistries.htm

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