The Toy Goldendoodle: Your Complete Guide To The Miniature Marvel Of Cuteness

The adorable little teddy dogs, Toy Goldendoodles (also called Toy Groodles), are gaining popularity, and rightly so. They come from mixing the happy-go-lucky Golden Retriever and the super intelligent miniature and Toy Poodle. The result is a mix of pure curly charm and a small-bodied package to go with it. 

However, if you want to be specific, most toy Goldendoodles are really backcrossed with Toy Poodles to make an even smaller pocket-sized pup that benefits from a secure fitting harness for walks rather than a collar, as they have very delicate throats. 

These canines are the quintessential companion dog; the good news is that they may not even trigger your allergies. However, before you can google “Toy Goldendoodle Puppies for sale,” it’s essential to research the breed to know what to expect. So we consulted The Goldendoodle Handbook: The Essential Guide For New & Prospective Goldendoodle Owners for a complete guide.

Toy Goldendoodles are tiny dogs that usually come from mixing a first-generation, F1 mini Goldendoodle and a toy Poodle making most Toy Goldendoodles F1b Goldendoodles. This means they are backcrossed with a smaller poodle to make them both more petite and more hypoallergenic than the typical Miniature Goldendoodle. 

The result is a mini dog that looks and behaves more like a Poodle because this parent makes up 75% of the ancestry. Don’t worry; we will explain terms like F1 vs. F2 vs. F1b Goldendoodles below.

These dogs are much smaller than standard Goldendoodles but slightly bigger than Teacup Goldendoodles. They grow up to 16 inches at the withers and mostly have the tight-curled coats of Poodles. They are as friendly as their Golden grandparents and energetic as the Poodle.

Where Did Toy Groodles Come From? History and Origins 

You can trace Toy Groodles to the Doodle trend in the 1990s. It all began when a breeding manager for the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia, Wally Canron, mixed a Poodle and a Labrador. The resulting Labradoodle sparked the “Doodle” craze that followed, referring to Poodle mixes. 

Since then, we’ve seen several Droodles like Dalmadoodles, Cavapoos, Mini Sheepadoodles, and many others. The hypoallergenic Poodle coat and their wonderfully intuitive natures were the main driving force behind these doodle mixes. 

Both parent breeds have similar original purposes in assisting hunters in retrieving game birds. However, the Poodle is much older and believed to have been bred in Germany in the 15th century. The Golden Retriever is younger, created in Scotland in 1868 by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks. 

These dogs are gaining popularity rapidly. They have that famous, goofy, amiable Golden Retriever personality but in miniature size. A Golden Retriever and mini Poodle mix is one of the ways Mini Goldens are bred for a petite version of the famous Goldie. 

How Are Toy Goldendoodles Made?

Toy Goldendoodles are made by carefully breeding the smallest miniature Goldendoodle (a miniature Poodle and Golden Retriever mix) with smaller Poodles and selecting the smallest individuals to create a “toy” version. By definition, a toy breed is the smallest recognized group of dogs.

Understanding cross-generations in mixed breed dogs is essential because it can influence whether your Goldendoodle has more Poodle or Golden Retriever traits or health issues. The generations start with “F” for filial, and “b” means “backcross,” meaning the dog is crossed back to one of the parent breeds. In Doodles, “b” usually means the dog is backcrossed with a Poodle, but always check this with your breeder.

Briefly, these are what the Doodle generations mean.

What Do Toy Goldendoodles Look Like?

As a mixed and emerging designer breed, Toy Golden Poodles can vary in appearance. Their overall look depends on the dominant coat, where some have soft waves while others have the Poodle’s tight curls. However, most Toy Goldenpoos have a Poodle-like single curly coat because they’re 75% Poodle. 

Regarding physical appearance, most have wide-set eyes above a long muzzle and floppy ears. The ears may be haired, and some even have that signature Poodle Afro. They have a well-proportioned body, even if they’re small-bodied and are primarily lean. 

Though their coats are mostly hypoallergenic due to the dominant Poodle genetics, this is not guaranteed.

Their coats are usually cream, apricot, or red, but they also have a wide variety of colors which include:

• Cream;
• Silver beige;
• Abstract;
• Phantom;
• Tan;
• White;
• Black and white;
• Chocolate;
• Red;
• Apricot;
• Champagne;
• Black; and
• Merle. 

How Big Does a Toy Goldendoodle Get?

Toy Golden Poodles grow to be about 10 to 15 inches ( 25 to 38 cm) tall and weigh 15 to 25 pounds( 6 to 11 kg). 

General Care and Maintenance of Toy Goldendoodles

• Hypoallergenic: Most probably 
• Shedding: Mild shedders
• Exercise: At least 30 minutes of exercise 
• Temperament: Patient, gentle, friendly, curious, playful
• Trainability: Easy to train because they’re incredibly intelligent 

Energy Needs

Toy Golden Poodles are energy-filled pups, thanks to their Poodle parents. However, their small size allows them to easily meet their energy requirements with a simple romp in the garden or zoomie in the house. They are very playful, and it’s best to schedule regular playtime for their mental well-being.

Housing Requirements

Because of their small size, these dogs must live in your apartment or home with you. A secured yard with a fence is a plus, as it allows these dogs to play, sunbathe, and burn off some energy. However, they are vulnerable to cold and heat and prefer to snuggle in bed with you, sleeping on your legs.

Exercise Needs 

These dogs need about 30 minutes of daily exercise to stay mentally and physically fit. You can break down their daily walks into two sessions of 15 to 20 minutes each.. Mental stimulation through food puzzles and snuffle mats keeps their intelligent minds busy. 

Although they are tiny, toy Goldendoodles thrive on activity. They love to swim and do great in agility. Since they are high-energy dogs, if they don’t get enough exercise, they may become a bit obsessive-compulsive, and engage in behaviors like chasing shadows endlessly or excessive barking. To avoid this, try activities like agility, as shown in the video below:

Food & Diet Requirements 

Toy Goldendoodles need a balanced diet for small dogs. The diet should contain animal protein (about 25%), vitamins, minerals, and fats. Consulting your vet on a meal plan is ideal because they factor in health issues like diabetes and kidney problems.

 They also need regular portions (3 to 4) because they risk hypoglycemia. Choosing a high-quality diet is vital because their cancer risk is increased from their Retriever side. Avoid grain-free diets as these are linked to DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy), to which this mix is susceptible. 

Grooming a Toy Goldendoodle 

Toy Groodles need regular coat and teeth-brushing at least 2 to 3 times a week to avoid tangles and dental problems, respectively. They also need nail trimming, and their droopy ears need frequent cleaning to prevent infection. A gentle dog shampoo can be used every 3 to 4 weeks. 

This dog requires quite a bit of regular Grooming and frequent visits to the doggy parlor as their coat mats easily.

Health Issues in Toy Groodles

Toy Golden Poodles are less likely to have “hybrid vigor” if bred from mini Goldendoodles and mini Poodles. This makes the F1b mixes 75% Poodle and, therefore, more susceptible to Poodle issues. 

Hypoglycemia is one such issue that may affect your Toy Groodle, causing a rapid decline in blood sugar. These pups are also susceptible to orthopedic problems, even with their small sizes. 

These include hip dysplasia, when their joints and sockets don’t form correctly. Another risk is Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, where bones lack enough blood supply.

Studies have also shown that Poodles are at a higher risk of developing immune disorders like Addison’s disease. This risk is due to the prevalent overbreeding at some point in the line.

These tiny mixes can also inherit health conditions from their Golden Retriever grandparents. Research has shown that Golden Retrievers have an increased risk of cancer compared to other breeds (about 60%). 

In general, the health risks associated with Toy Goldendoodles include the following:

Severe Health Conditions 

• Hip and elbow dysplasia; 
• Patellar luxation (rotating kneecaps);
• Eye problems like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA);
• Immune problems like Addison’s Disease; 
• Heart and lung issues; 
• Cancer; 
• Thyroid problems;
• Blood clotting diseases; and
• Diabetes.

Mild to Moderate Problems

• Food sensitivities; 
• Allergies; 
• Cataracts; 
• Dental diseases; 
• Skin problems like sebaceous adenitis; and
• Obesity. 

Occasional Risks 

• Epilepsy

Toy Golden Poodle Temperament and Trainability 

Gentleness, sensitivity, and affection are the hallmarks of a Toy Groodle personality. It’s easy to fall in love with these dogs because they’re intuitive, loving, mellow, and outgoing, with another mischievous and hyperactive side. 

These dogs are highly empathetic and could make great emotional support dogs. However, their small size limits their natural ability to be great service dogs. These dogs can quickly develop separation anxiety, which you can read about to know how to cope. 

Mini Poodles display more aggressive tendencies toward outsiders than their standard-sized cousins. They may pass on this trait to the Toy Goldendoodles, making them slightly high-strung or shy. However, remember that the mix has Goldie’s happy-go-lucky genetics, contributing to a more friendly and outgoing dog. 

This mix has starling intelligence levels, making training both easy and challenging. Their intelligence means that Toy Goldendoodles can choose to be stubborn and not listen to you. They’re also very good at training their owners. However, cultivating a bond where they’ll be eager to please you and using treats will bypass the stubbornness. 

Training and socializing this dog early for proper behavior is essential. These dogs are highly sensitive, meaning you must avoid being harsh and using punishment to train them. 

Are Toy Goldendoodles Good with Children and Other Pets?

Toy Golden Poodle mixes are good with kids but shouldn’t be left alone with small children due to their small size. They are great and confident around other pets, but early training and socialization is the best way to promote peaceful relations. 

Suitable Home for Toy Goldendoodles

• Apartment living;
• Allergic households (however, remember, not every Goldendoodle is hypoallergenic);
• Newbie dog owners, due to their size and ease of training; 
• Regular schedules where you can spend plenty of time with them; 
• Sedentary lifestyles; and 
• A home without small children or adult supervision if there are.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Toy Goldendoodles are excellent family pets, although their small sizes need much care. They are mostly F1b mixes where a toy or mini Poodle is bred with a Mini Goldendoodle. These small dogs pack huge personalities and will charm you into getting one.

Meet Your Experts

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.