At Beechwood, we have had such fun creating all different sizes of Goldendoodles for our fur families. The needs, wants and desires vary wildly from person to person whether it's wanting a puppy a size to be able to fly in cabin, pick up and put in the car, or maybe the biggest floof ball possible so you can snuggle up into that shaggy, warm fur with a latte on a cozy winter night.
So, once you're won over by the Goldendoodle popularity and its mix of the intelligence of Golden Retriever with the hypoallergenic coat of Poodle, the next thought is...how BIG? And before I delve into this post if exploring the different Goldendoodle sizes to help you find the perfect match for your home, let me say on behalf of ALL Goldendoodle breeders this one thing: we cannot promise size. We are darn good at getting it really close though. The downside of designer dogs is many times there are sizes in the pedigree that can be quite a bit different than the parents and even grandparents of your future pup. But we are good with making the best educated guess from the parent and grandparent sizes, combined with sizes in past litters produced by the same parents, or sizes produced by the parents. In addition, we know the middle-of-the-road sizes in a litter often reflect closely to the parents' sizes, with outliers pulling in those more distant size genes. That said....
Standard Goldendoodle
The Standard Goldendoodle is the largest of the three main sizes. At Beechwood, we follow the sizes suggested by the Goldendoodle Association of North America. Standards would have a height of over 21 inches (53cm to 63cm) at the shoulders, and are typically 51 or more pounds. This size is perfect for families with plenty of space, as they enjoy running and playing outdoors. They are friendly, energetic, and loving, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. Here at Beechwood, we typically don't have Goldendoodles over 55 pounds, so offer the smaller standard size.
According to a survey of Goldendoodle owners, over 75% reported that their Standard Goldendoodle is a social dog that thrives on interaction and exercise, making them ideal for active households.
Medium Goldendoodle
Medium Goldendoodles fit between Standard and Miniature Goldendoodles, with a height over 17 inches but under 21 inches (43cm to 52cm) at the shoulders, and typically weigh 36-50 pounds. Their size makes them a charming mid-range option. They work well for families and individuals living in smaller homes or apartments, as daily walks and playtime can meet their exercise requirements.
Medium Goldendoodles are often more adaptable than larger Goldendoodles, able to coexist comfortably in urban environments while still enjoying outdoor activities. An interesting statistic is that about 60% of Medium Goldendoodle owners report these dogs are incredibly friendly and easily get along with other pets.
Miniature Goldendoodle
The Miniature Goldendoodle is the smallest of the group, typically with a height over 14 inches but under 17 inches (35cm to 42cm) at the shoulders, and 26-35 pounds. Their compact size makes them ideal for families with limited living space, such as apartment dwellers. Miniature Goldendoodles are known for their playful nature and affectionate demeanor, which makes them excellent companions for adults and children alike.
Miniature Goldendoodles generally require less exercise than their larger counterparts; however, it is essential to keep their minds engaged through play and training.
Petite Goldendoodle
The petite is similar to the mini, but the height is below 14 inches, and these cuties are typically 25 pounds or less.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Size
First, I have to chuckle when I think of numerous husbands and wives that have reached out to us here at Beechwood with a conversation that goes something like this.
Wife: I want a mini. I can manage that size better, especially with the kids.
Husband: I really don't want a little lap dog. I want to hike and jog with him.
OR Macho Husband: I'm not getting up in the morning and taking a tiny fru-fru dog for walks.
So let me say, if it's possible to post a video on a blog, I'll put up one of our little petite Max. He's 21 pounds, a perfect model of a petite and has earned his name Maximus Decimus Meridias, commander of the armies of...blah, blah. You get it! No fru-fru here. He is about as athletic as they come, could train with you for a marathon, outlast you at frisbee, and take on any hike. Goldendoodles of any size are a super athletic powerhouse.
Okay.That aside. When deciding which Goldendoodle size is right for you, consider your living situation, family needs, and how much exercise you can provide. Each size offers unique characteristics suitable for different lifestyles:
Space: Larger Goldendoodles need more room to move around, while smaller ones can thrive in tighter spaces.
Exercise Requirements: Standard Goldendoodles require more extensive exercise, whereas Miniature Goldendoodles need moderate activity.
Understanding these factors can help ensure that the Goldendoodle you choose fits well into your home and life.
Why Goldendoodles Make Great Pets
Regardless of size, Goldendoodles are favored for their friendly and social nature, and really can adapt to so many different environments. We have had buyers living in apartments that opt for the larger sizes. Regardless of size they typically get along well with children, making them perfect family pets in any size. And, of course, their hypoallergenic coats come in all the sizes, so also appeal to people with allergies, but keep in mind that no dog is entirely hypoallergenic.
Additionally, aside from size, all Goldendoodles are highly trainable due to their intelligence. Whether you opt for a Standard, Medium, or Miniature Goldendoodle, you can expect a dog that eagerly learns and responds well to training. Many owners report that their Goldendoodle can learn basic commands within just a few weeks of consistent training.
Picking the Right Goldendoodle Size for Your Life
Ultimately, choosing a Goldendoodle size—Standard, Medium, Miniature or Petite—depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Each size has its own set of advantages and challenges, ready to match your family dynamics or living conditions.
Take the time to evaluate your home, your activity level, and your future plans. No matter which size you choose, a Goldendoodle will surely bring joy and love to your life.
Final Thoughts
Goldendoodles come in four primary sizes—Standard, Medium, Miniature and Petite—each serving as wonderful companions for various lifestyles. Understanding the differences in size and corresponding needs can help you make an informed decision when welcoming a Goldendoodle into your home. We, here, at Beechwood can help you think through this.
Rest assured, regardless of the size you select, these dogs embody a loving nature and adaptability that make them a great addition to any family. With proper care, training, and companionship, a Goldendoodle of any size can offer years of happiness and loyalty to you and your loved ones.
In your quest for the perfect dog, I'm so happy you're consider adopting a Goldendoodle, and we would be incredibly honored to walk this journey with you. With their diverse sizes, Beechwood can help you find a litter that will have the size that suits you just right!
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