There are many passionate dog lovers all over the world that adore the affectionate and intelligent personalities of Doodles, but are deterred by the idea of looking after a large-sized breed.
Fortunately, there’s a solution to this problem. Step forward, Miniature Doodle breeds.
From Mini Goldendoodles to Mini Jackapoos, there are a large number of Miniature Doodle breeds, all perfect for welcoming into your home.
The vast majority of Doodles are bred with a Poodle and another purebred dog such as a Cocker Spaniel or a Golden Retriever. Therefore, Doodles are typically loyal, energetic, and affectionate dogs.
This guide will take a detailed look at seven of the top Miniature Doodle breeds, including all the information you need to know about their size, temperament, and history. We’ll also look to answer some of the frequently asked questions related to Doodle breeds.
1). Mini Goldendoodle
One of the most popular dogs in the United States, the Goldendoodle is a mix between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. While the standard-sized Goldendoodle is in high-demand across the world, these Doodles also come in mini versions, weighing anywhere between 15 to 30 pounds.
Mini Goldendoodles inherit the same characteristics as the standard-sized Goldendoodles, providing bundles of energy and a lovable personality. With their excitable and playful temperament also comes a love for socializing, so they’re ideal for interacting with other pets, children, and strangers.
Moreover, if you suffer from fur-related allergies but still want to own a dog, you won’t need to worry with Mini Goldendoodles as they have low-shedding coats.
2). Mini Labradoodle
If you’re looking for a super-friendly Mini Doodle breed, there are few dogs better than the Mini Labradoodle. With loving and energetic parents such as the Poodle and Labrador, Labradoodles make for perfect family pets.
Weighing between 16 to 25 pounds, Mini Labradoodles don’t lose an ounce of their parents’ energetic and adventurous personality, so if you or your family love to go on long hikes or enjoy other physical activities, the Labradoodle is the ideal companion.
While Mini Labradoodles are adored for their sociable and affectionate temperaments, just keep in mind that leaving them alone for extended periods throughout a day can cause them a great deal of loneliness and boredom.
Therefore, if you typically have to work long hours or have a number of commitments in the evening, a Mini Labradoodle may not be the best Doodle for you.
To see how the Mini version varies from other types of Labradoodles, take a look at our Labradoodle size chart.
3). Mini Cavapoo
Used initially as Royal dogs and then later as hunting companions, Cavapoos are a combination between the Cavalier King Charles and the Poodle.
They’re one of the most loyal, loving, and playful Doodle breeds you’ll come across, so no matter how hectic or sedentary your lifestyle may be, they’ll fit seamlessly into it and provide you with huge amounts of affection.
Also, Mini Cavapoos only weigh in the region of 12-25 pounds, therefore if you have a family with young children or live in a small apartment, you shouldn’t experience any problems with the mixed breed.
Despite the numerous benefits associated with owning a Miniature Cavapoo, it’s worth noting that the mixed breed are predisposed to a number of serious health conditions that they inherit from the Cavalier parent, including mitral valve disease, addisons disease and progressive retinal atrophy.
4). Mini Aussiedoodle
Mini Aussiedoodles are a mix of Poodle and Australian Shepherd. Weighing just 20-30 pounds, they love to get as much exercise and playtime as possible, and also enjoy being mentally stimulated through training sessions.
Aussiedoodles are considered to be highly intelligent and quick-thinking dogs, with their parent, the Australian Shepherd, initially used as a herding dog. The Mini Aussiedoodle naturally inherits these qualities, making them the perfect companion for both single owners and families.
Just be mindful that because of their active and intelligent personality, Mini Aussiedoodles require a considerable amount of exercise, training, and mental stimulation. If you’re unable to provide this for whatever reason, they can often be difficult to deal with.
If you are interested to know about this lively breed of doodle, see our blog on everything you should know about Aussiedoodles to see if this is right dog for you.
5). Mini Cockapoo
These dogs are bred from a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, and are one of the most popular Miniature Doodle breeds in the world.
The Cockapoo is a loyal, sensitive, and loving dog that’ll go to any lengths to please their owner, so if you’re looking for a dog to form a close bond with, you’re in luck.
Spaniels were regularly used as hunting dogs or companion dogs during the 1800s in Spain because of their high intelligence and energy levels, so Miniature Cockapoos also inherit a fair amount of this mental aptitude.
While their sensitivity and lovable temperament is ideal for some owners, it does mean that Cockapoos don’t respond too well to harsh treatment. This is why it’s essential to train and socialize Cockapoos from a young age in order to avoid them becoming aggressive whenever they feel scared or threatened.
6). Mini Bernedoodle
Cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, this mixed breed is becoming increasingly more popular.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are large-sized dogs, so be mindful that “Mini” Bernedoodles may not be quite as small as some of the other Miniature Doodle breeds on this list, as they grow up to 25-49 pounds.
In terms of their temperament, Bernedoodles are calm and affectionate, as well as being incredibly loyal and protective of their families. They also love to participate in activities, so it’s a good idea to provide them with plenty of exercise and playtime.
As is the case with the vast majority of dogs, it’s important to socialize Mini Bernedoodles from puppyhood. This ensures that they know the correct way to behave around other animals and people.
7). Mini Jackapoo
The final Miniature Doodle breed on our list is the Mini Jackapoo, a cross between the Poodle and the Jack Russell Terrier. The Jackapoo inherits both the energy and playfulness of the Jack Russell as well as the loyalty and intelligence of the Poodle to form the ultimate all-round package.
Due to the fact that Jack Russells were initially bred for hunting during the 1800s in England, this mixed breed needs a fair amount of exercise, otherwise there’s every chance they may exhibit some destructive behaviors.
Moreover, the Jack Russell is renowned for its aggressive demeanor around other animals, so it’s essential that you socialize and train a Mini Jackapoo as early as you can.
Owning A Mini Doodle
Before getting yourself a Mini Doodle, there are a number of factors to take into account. Giving thought to the following three areas will ensure that you’re fully prepared for the challenge.
Activity
If you’re not particularly active and live a largely sedentary lifestyle, then looking after a Mini Doodle may be too much of a challenge. Listed below are some of the typical exercise requirements you need to fulfill when owning an active dog like a Doodle.
- Take them outside for regular walks
- Participate in physical activities such as fetch and frisbee
- Take them to dog park to socialize and play with other dogs
All of the above exercise requirements enable your Mini Doodle to release their built-up energy and enjoy important mental stimulation.
Responsibilities
If you’re under any kind of illusion that owning a dog is a simple task, then think again. It takes a significant amount of work and commitment, especially during the first six months. Listed below are some of the responsibilities you’ll have when looking after a Mini Doodle.
- Meet basic requirements such as providing them with sufficient food, drink, and exercise
- Make sure they don’t urinate or poop anywhere they shouldn’t
- Groom their coats, brush their teeth, and clean their ears on a regular basis to prevent infections
- Train and socialize them to behave correctly around other animals and people
- Give them a bath every month or so
The points above are just a few of the many responsibilities you’ll have to take on when owning a Mini Doodle. It’s a lot of work, but you should be able to manage it, so long as you’re fully dedicated to the process.
Expenses
As is the case with all dogs, Mini Doodles require a fair amount of financial investment if you want to take care of them properly. Some of the common expenses include food, medicines, dog toys, veterinary expenses, grooming sessions, and so on.
While these costs may seem pretty insignificant on the face of it, they can quickly build up. So, if you’re not prepared for them, it can be daunting at first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Doodles Healthy Dogs?
Yes, in a general sense, Doodles are healthy dogs. This is because they’re mixed breeds, so often the recessive genes that carry the health issues are buried. For this reason, they’re also more resilient than their purebred counterparts, meaning a better quality of life.
Which Is The Calmest Doodle Breed?
The calmest Doodle breeds are usually those that mix Poodle with laid-back, friendly breeds. For example the Cavapoo (Poodle mix with Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) and the Maltipoo (Poodle mix with Maltese) are calmer Doodle breeds – although we do have a Cavapoo and she does still get the zoomies.
Are Doodles Hypoallergenic?
Poodles are one of the most hypoallergenic breeds of dog, so Doodles are a popular choice for people who often suffer from allergies. Whether you decide to choose a Labradoodle, Cavapoo, Goldendoodle, or any other Doodle cross, your allergies shouldn’t be too much of a concern.
What Is The Smartest Doodle Dog?
Considering that Doodles inherit the intelligence and quick-thinking qualities of a Poodle, the vast majority of Doodles are smart and easy to train. Perhaps the most intelligent breed of dog is the Border Collie, meaning the Bordoodle is right up there as one of the smartest Doodle breeds.
Conclusion
Doodle dogs are adorable thanks to their teddy bear looks and lovable personalities. And when you breed these dogs in a miniature size they are even more pawgeous!