The Miniature Golden Retriever, also sometimes referred to as a Comfort Retriever, Golden Cavalier, or Petite Golden Retriever, is a mixed dog breed. It is a cross between a Golden Retriever and, most commonly, a Cocker Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or a Poodle or Poodle Mix. This cross is meant to produce a smaller version of a Golden Retriever that retains the classic Golden look and their characteristic friendly and sweet temperament. Although a Mini Golden Retriever is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, the designer breed is recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC).
Mini Golden Retrievers tend to maintain a temperament very similar to Golden Retrievers. They tend to have a sweet, open, and friendly nature. Mini Goldens get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They don’t tend to make good watchdogs or guard dogs as they are more interested in making new friends. These dogs tend to make great family pets and can also be found working as service dogs or therapy dogs.
Due to their smaller size, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a highly adaptable dog breed. As long as they get enough exercise, they are happy in apartments as well as larger homes with yards. They’re even right at home on ranches or farms with sprawling acres! They also do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Because these dogs are so people-oriented, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they would much rather be an active member of the family.
Although some mixed dog breeds can “win the genetic lottery”, most will inherit the potential for health issues from one or both of the parent breeds. For Mini Golden Retrievers, these could include elbow dysplasia, heart issues, eye disease, and hip dysplasia. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and checking out available health clearances or tests can help allay potential health concerns.
All of the dog breeds in the cross for a Mini Golden Retriever are highly trainable. So, these dogs tend to be highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please their owners. They tend to be a good fit for dog owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. They respond best to positive training methods focused on praise, play, and reward. They can also be sensitive to tone of voice, so it’s important to be mindful of how you communicate with your Miniature Golden Retriever.
Although the aim is to have the Miniature Golden Retriever look just like a smaller version of a Golden Retriever, there will be variance in the coats because it is a mixed dog breed. You may have puppies that look identical to a Golden Retriever or you may have puppies with tightly curled or wavy coats from their Poodle or Spaniel parents.
With the Poodle in the cross, there may be a chance of a low-shedding coat, but you will want to be prepared for a dog that will shed moderately year-round and that requires regular brushing and bathing with the occasional professional grooming session.
In addition to coat care, you will need to care for your Miniature Golden Retriever’s nails, ears, and teeth. Usually, a monthly nail trimming is sufficient, but you may need to file or trim more often if your dog’s nails aren’t wearing down as much naturally. It’s also important to check your dog’s ears to make sure they are clean, dry, and free of debris. Floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear infections, but regular checks and careful cleaning can help prevent them.
Dental care for dogs is so important. But, it is often overlooked, which is why dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing your dog’s teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal for preventing the tartar buildup that leads to dental diseases like gum disease, tooth decay, or tooth loss. You can also use dental hygiene chews and even a vet-approved “dental care diet” to help supplement your efforts.
The Miniature Golden Retriever is likely to be a high energy dog that requires plenty of exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks, plus playtime and some extra activity should be sufficient for this dog. They will likely enjoy any activity that means they get to do things with you, which means they may enjoy hiking with you, taking trips to the dog park, swimming, or even training to compete in dog sports.
A fully-grown Miniature Golden Retriever usually stands 14-18 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 20-45 pounds.
A Mini Golden Retriever generally lives 12-14 years.
Dwarfism does occur in Golden Retrievers, which results in a smaller Golden Retriever and can also cause additional health concerns. However, a Dwarf Golden Retriever is not the same as a Miniature Golden Retriever. Meeting the parent breeds in person and asking to see health tests can help you verify that you have a Mini Golden Retriever.