Mini goldendoodles are adorable canine companions that continue to grow in popularity thanks to their loyal behavior, fluffy coat, and favorable genetics. While they’re smaller than their larger standard goldendoodle counterparts, you’ll find that they share similar personalities, and unfortunately, health issues.
If you’re worried about what health problems might impact your mini goldendoodle, don’t worry, we have you covered. Read on to learn everything you need to know about mini goldendoodle health issues.
What Is a Mini Goldendoodle?
A mini goldendoodle is a relatively new breed that exploded onto the scene over the last few decades. Like the standard goldendoodle, this breed is the result of mixing a golden retriever and a poodle.
However, mini goldendoodles are golden retrievers mixed with mini poodles, which is why they’re smaller than standard goldendoodles. For this reason, mini goldendoodles tend to be 25-35 pounds and 14-17 inches at the shoulder.
Common Mini Goldendoodle Health Issues
Mini goldendoodles tend to be healthy breeds, but there are some common health issues you need to be aware of. While you’ll have to keep an eye out for issues that impact most breeds, like allergies, bloating, and other general ailments, there are some risk factors associated with this breed you should be aware of.
Learn more about them below.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Unfortunately, mini goldendoodles have a heightened risk of developing Von Willebrand’s disease due to their close relationship with poodles.
This condition needs to be monitored regularly due to how dangerous it can be because it impacts the blood’s ability to clot.
Symptoms include frequent bleeding, especially from the nose, urinary tract, ears, and other open orifices.
Hypothyroidism
As your mini goldendoodle begins to age, keep an eye out for hypothyroidism. This condition tends to rear its ugly head at around the three-year mark, but sometimes symptoms won’t be noticeable until your pup is five years old – or even older in some cases.
The result of this condition is symptoms like weight gain and lethargy. Fortunately, this condition can be managed with proper diet, medication, and exercise.
Hip Dysplasia
A common issue for both parent breeds, hip dysplasia impacts mini goldendoodles from a young age. It’s a condition that results from a malformed hip joint, which causes pain, discomfort, and trouble moving.
While the condition may cause discomfort and pain, it can be manageable, and with a proper diet and trips to your vet for the necessary medication, your mini goldendoodle will live a happy and healthy life!
Luxating Patella
A common condition for golden retrievers and poodles is luxating patella. This condition results in the knee slipping out of place, which is painful and difficult to manage for mini goldendoodles.
Unfortunately, it can happen suddenly and tends to impact the hind legs of medium-sized breeds, but due to the mini goldendoodle’s genetics it’s a risk for this smaller breed. Luckily, it’s a manageable condition with proper care.
How to Prevent Mini Goldendoodle Health Issues
The best way to prevent mini goldendoodle health issues is to catch them early and inquire about their health history from the breeder, shelter, or person you’re purchasing/adopting from. This is your first line of defense against health issues and a great way to know what you’re walking into so you can treat them from a young age.
Another way to prevent and manage health issues is to bring your mini goldendoodle to the vet for annual checkups (if healthy) and six-month checkups if they have any of the conditions we mentioned earlier.
Last but not least, make sure you’re feeding your pup the best dog food for mini goldendoodles to ensure that they’re getting the right amount of nutrients and have happy and healthy guts; this guide can help you find the best fit for your pup.
Stay on Peak of Mini Goldendoodle Health Issues
Staying on top of any health issues that impact your mini goldendoodle is essential. Before you buy or adopt, request a copy of the dog’s medical records to be prepared when you bring them home.
That said, it doesn’t stop there, and you need to bring your mini goldendoodle to the vet, help them get the necessary exercise, and of course, feed them a healthy diet of the best food for mini goldendoodles.
Overall, most health issues are manageable if you catch them on time and focus on treating them.