Why are Mini Goldendoodles So Expensive?

Since the early ’90s, Goldendoodles have been extremely popular pets to keep. As a cross between the low-shedding, peaceful poodle and the active, loyal golden retriever, Goldendoodles have long been considered the perfect family dogs. That being said, they come with a steep price tag, and their miniature varieties are even more expensive.

Mini Goldendoodles are so expensive because they are designer dogs bred to be a good companion, which contributes to their high demand. They are also considered a luxury dog breed that takes many generations to produce. This increases the costs for the breeder and owner.

If you have ever wanted to learn more about Mini Goldendoodles or wondered why they are so expensive, you have come to the right place! We have scoured the internet and spoken with professional breeders of Miniature Goldendoodles to determine why these little dogs are so expensive and what might make them the perfect pet.

The Goldendoodle: A Perfect Pet

Golden retrievers are some of the most popular dogs in America, as the “all-American family dog”, and have become a sort of icon in American pop culture. If you’ve seen Air Bud or Air Buddies, you know what we’re talking about. Golden retrievers have a fun, laid-back temperament and are known for being great with children. As “retriever” dogs, they are playful and flawless fetchers. But there are some major drawbacks to retrievers, including their prevalence of hip problems and their high-shedding coats.

Enter, the Goldendoodle. By crossing a golden retriever with a poodle, breeders were able to diminish or eliminate the shedding coat and create a dog that is prone to far fewer diseases and health issues than its purebred poodle or golden retriever parents.

This is not to mention the Goldendoodle’s perfect personality, which is a reflection of both dogs. Poodles, like golden retrievers, have long been human companions with faithful and intelligent personalities. Golden retrievers, as we have mentioned, are easy-going and good with company. Both dogs are also highly trainable and sociable with other pets. The result of crossing the two is a dog that is loyal, intelligent, friendly, and eager to please: the ideal human companion.

Why Mini Goldendoodles?

So what qualifies a Goldendoodle as mini? Most breeders consider Goldendoodles under thirty pounds to be in the “miniature” variety. Goldendoodles between seven and ten pounds fall under the “petite” variety. Some breeders even consider doodles under the standard fifty pounds to be miniature.

Mini Goldendoodles, like their regular counterparts, are not cheap. Mini Goldendoodles average well over $2500 and some petite varieties cost over $3600 per pup. This is standard for “designer breeds” that are specifically bred to be social and friendly and to have ideal looks.

Mini Goldendoodles have to be bred multi-generationally to achieve consistently small puppies. This contributes to the more stable, predictable temperament that is prized in this mini variety. Mini Goldendoodles also have a low prey drive, making them great with other pets and humans alike.

Owners prize these gentle creatures for their ability to be service dogs. Mini Goldendoodles have the intuition of a poodle that helps them sense danger. Also, because this mini variety has a great deal more poodle in it than retriever, it won’t leave hair around the house. This is ideal for people with allergies or who, let’s face it, don’t want to spend hours vacuuming dog hair out of their rugs and couches.

For people that like dogs who are friendly, gentle, who do not shed, and who are able service dogs, the Mini Goldendoodle might be for you.

Factors Affecting Price

The smaller the dog, the higher the price, and this is the case when it comes to Goldendoodles. One reason for this is the high demand. Mini Goldendoodles, while high in energy, are not the height of a full-grown man when they stand upright. The sheer size of regular Goldendoodles may be a detractor for some owners. This is not an issue with the mini variety.

Miniature Goldendoodles take years to breed, and even longer to perfect. Speaking with long-time breeders of Mini Goldendoodles has taught us that to achieve the perfect Mini Doodle you must cross a Mini Goldendoodle with another Mini Goldendoodle. A regular poodle and golden retriever won’t work.

This process is expensive for breeders. Breeders need to make consistent vet visits to keep the health of their pups in check. The breeding process can also be quite expensive and time-consuming. All these things contribute to the steep price of the final product.

It seems that breeders have reached a consensus: it takes many generations to create a puppy that won’t shed, have a teddy bear face, a sweet disposition, and have the other features that influence the cost of Mini Goldendoodles.

Is it Worth Buying a Mini Goldendoodle?

Many dog owners cherish and love their mini Goldendoodles despite the price. The life span of these doodles is anywhere from ten to fifteen years, so these pups will be in your life for a long time. Many people don’t mind spending more money on a companion that will be with them for over a decade.

Mini Goldendoodles’ gentle, friendly nature and small size often justify the cost for many owners. These factors make them great with children, even small children. A large, regular-sized doodle might scare small children. Especially one that is always jumping up and looking for attention. The mini variety may appear less intimidating to a child.

For those looking for guide or service dogs, the Mini Goldendoodle is an ideal option. With a gentle and stable temperament, these dogs make great companions for the blind and deaf. They will be especially effective if their genetics lean towards the Poodle parent. As friendly and loyal animals, they are great for people who have disabilities.

Conclusion

The joy that could be brought into a household by a Mini Goldendoodle cannot be overstated. However, due to how difficult it is to breed them and their many desirable traits, they can be quite expensive. While Mini Goldendoodles can cost a pretty penny, for many that cost may be justified in their small size and delightful temperament.