Unless you’ve been living in Siberia, you have probably heard about the Standard and Medium Goldendoodle. Some people might not know the difference between a Standard Goldendoodle vs Medium Goldendoodle. I’m here to tell you the differences! What are the pros and cons of each? And which one is right for you? Here’s everything you need to know about Standard vs Medium Goldendoodles!
Contents
What’s a Standard Goldendoodle?
A standard Goldendoodle is produced from a Standard Poodle Parent and Golden Retriever. If you want a big dog with a big personality then look no further than a standard Goldendoodle. These guys need a lot of room and a lot of exercise.
The standard size Goldendoodle is also a good choice for families who want an element of protection when it comes to their dog. The Goldendoodle is not a breed known for its ability to be a guard dog. BUT they are a large dog with a big bark and can be intimidating to someone who is trying to break into your house!
Many owners like the feeling of protection and confidence that comes from walking with a larger dog on the other end of the leash. However, it’s important to remember that no matter what size your Goldendoodle is, they are still just as likely to greet an intruder with a wagging tail as they are to bark at them.
So if you’re looking for a true guard dog, you might want to consider another breed. But if you’re just looking for a loyal companion who happens to be large and in charge, the standard size Goldendoodle is the perfect size for you!
What’s a Medium Goldendoodle?
A medium Goldendoodle can also be called a miniature Goldendoodle and is produced from a Miniature Poodle and a Golden Retriever. If you’re looking for a dog that’s just the right size, a medium Goldendoodle might be perfect for you.
These pups are also sometimes called mini Goldendoodles, and they’re the most popular size of this breed. That’s because they’re small enough to be easy to control, but not so large that they’ll intimidate people or be too big for an apartment or condo.
Medium-sized Goldendoodles also make great running companions. In general, a medium-sized female Goldendoodle will be smaller than a medium-sized male, but both sexes are typically between 14 and 20 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 30 and 45 pounds. So if you’re looking for a pup that’s just right, a medium Goldendoodle might be the perfect fit!
So what is the difference between a Standard vs Medium Goldendoodle?
So, how big do Medium and Standard Goldendoodles get? What’s the difference between Standard vs Medium Goldendoodles? Below I have created a comparison table to help you work out the differences.
Please note that, since Goldendoodles are a crossbreed their genetics are variable and there is no guarantee what their adult size will be. I have a Spaniel that is way out of breed standard despite both parents being of normal size and mine was a purebred!
| MEDIUM OR MINIATURE GOLDENDOODLE | STANDARD GOLDENDOODLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Size at shoulder | 15-20” as adults | 22” plus as adults. |
| Average weight | 35-50 lbs as adults | 55+ lbs as adults |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years | 11-15 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent and friendly. | Intelligent and Friendly |
| Energy level | High | High |
| Trainability | Moderate/Easy | Easy/moderate |
| Apartments? | Can live in apartments but a yard is preferable | No |
| Grooming | Moderate/high | Moderate/high |
Medium and Standard Goldendoodle Temperament
There is no difference in their temperament so I will treat them as one.
Goldendoodles hit the jackpot when it comes to being the ideal family dog. They are active, smart, playful, and easy to train. They get along well with kids and other dogs. However, they also crave socialization and activity; this crossbreed does not like being alone and will not be happy in small spaces. Goldendoodles can get separation anxiety. They do not do well in kennels, and, despite their high energy levels, should not be kept outdoors.
The Goldendoodle’s constant need for interaction and activity also makes them excellent service dogs. From being guide dogs to sniffing out nuts, these highly intelligent dogs are right up there with Golden and Labrador Retrievers when it comes to being ideal service dogs.
Appearance and colors
There is no difference in appearance (other than size!) or colors between medium and standard Goldendoodles.
Contrary to the name, Goldendoodles come in a variety of colors. The list includes black, brown, red, gold, cream, and apricot. Goldendoodles can have wavy coats (like a Golden Retriever) or curly coats (like a Poodle).
Health and Diseases
Standard- and Medium-sized Goldendoodles are relatively healthy dogs. They exhibit something called “hybrid vigor,” which means that the Goldendoodle has a lower chance of its purebred parents’ health conditions.
This does not mean that your Goldendoodle will never go to the vet. They can still get allergies and ear infections! Like many dog breeds. Goldendoodles can get several orthopedic diseases such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteoarthritis. Medium Goldendoodles are less likely to develop some of these diseases than their standard cousins as Miniature Poodles are less likely to get these diseases.
Goldendoodles also have a tendency towards Addison’s Disease—an adrenal gland issue that is rare in humans—and thyroid diseases.
Most of the diseases a Goldendoodle can get come from one or the other parent breed, so if you are concerned, take a good look at the parents. A reputable breeder will have tested their dogs for known health issues.
Life Expectancy
There are some slight differences between the life expectancy of standard vs medium Goldendoodles. Medium Goldendoodles tend to live around a year or two longer than standard Goldendoodles. This is in line with general dog breeds (eg large and giant dog breeds live fewer years than medium and small breed dogs)
Grooming
There is no difference between medium and standards when it comes to grooming! Goldendoodles shed less than other breeds but their curly fur mats easily. They require daily brushing and regular visits to the groomer otherwise they can get severe mats and may need to be shaved down completely.
Cost
Designer dog breeds are pricey. Even though the Goldendoodle is not technically purebred, expect to pay $2,000-$3,000 USD or more for a Goldendoodle puppy from a reputable breeder. Anything less, and you should probably ask questions.
The main exception is, of course, adoption. Seeking a Goldendoodle through your local animal shelter is a great option and there are reports that there has been an influx of Doodles lately due to overbreeding by some puppy mills.
Never buy from a puppy mill, beware of deals in parking lots, and always ask to see pictures of the parents. The parents of your Goldendoodle puppy should have a clean bill of health, and the breeder should have a spay/neuter contract.
Overview of the Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. They have curly coats of varying degrees, and come in black, brown, gold, and cream colors, to name a few.
But cuteness is only skin-deep, and Goldendoodles have plenty of personality beneath their plush! They are active and friendly, and very easy to train. If you blend the people-loving nature of the Golden with the intelligence of a Poodle, you get a Goldendoodle.
Along with being an adorable, intelligent, friendly dog. Goldendoodles make excellent service dogs. The Goldendoodle is famous for being a hypoallergenic dog. How hypoallergenic depends on your dog’s exact genetics. Read more about that in the section below.
Goldendoodle Genetics Guide
Goldendoodles fall into a group variously called “crossbreeds,” “hybrids,” and “designer dog breeds.” In the interest of keeping things consistent and relevant, we will use the term “cross-breed” when referring to the offspring of two pure-bred domestic dogs (no coydogs or wolfdogs allowed here). In this case, the parent breeds are the Golden Retriever and Poodle.
Goldendoodles can be produced in many ways, each with its own separate “F” designation.
Here’s a short guide: For a lengthier explanation check out my article on the generations here.
F1: Golden Retriever parent x Poodle parent = 50% poodle and 50% golden retriever Goldendoodle.
F1B: Goldendoodle x Poodle. 75% poodle and 25% Goldendoodle. These guys tend to be very low shedding with a curly coat.
F1BB: F1B Goldendoodle x Poodle. Approximately 85% Poodle, this is the most hypoallergenic of the Goldendoodles!
F2: F1 Goldendoodle x F1 Goldendoodle. Therefore they are 50% poodle and 50% Golden Retriever.
F2B: F1 Goldendoodle x F1B Goldendoodle. They are 62.5% Poodle and 37.5% Golden Retriever.
F3: Multigenerational Goldendoodles. Shedding, coat, and temperament can all be unpredictable. Anything beyond F2 is considered F3 and shedding and coat traits can be highly variable.
You can breed Goldendoodle to Poodle, or Goldendoodle to Goldendoodle, but it is not recommended to breed back to a Golden Retriever. This will undo the reduced shedding that makes Goldendoodles the perfect dog for a lot of people.
It is also important to note that the size of a Goldendoodle depends on the size of the Poodle parent. When selecting a Goldendoodle, ask if you can see the measurements or pictures of the parents. A Standard Poodle will lead to a Standard Goldendoodle, and a Toy Poodle will lead to a Toy Goldendoodle.
Summary
So now you know. Other than size there is really very little difference between standard and medium Goldendoodles! Both make great family dogs and service dogs, are intelligent, and relatively easy to train. They do require regular grooming, but what dog doesn’t?
When choosing your Doodle, size may be a consideration (do you have a small home or yard?) but in the end, it really comes down to personality. Pick the puppy that is right for you and your family, and you will have a friend for life.
FAQ:
Q: What are the differences between a Standard vs Medium Goldendoodle?
A: Mostly size. Standard Goldendoodles are as big as Goldendoodles will get, reaching 22” at the shoulder. Medium Goldendoodles are 15-20” in height.
Q: Are Medium Goldendoodles better than Standard Goldendoodles?
A: Define “better.” If you are living in an apartment or small house and don’t have a lot of space, but want a Goldendoodle, you will probably have to get a medium/mini, toy, or teacup dog. These all depend on the size of the Poodle parent. Lifespan also varies with size; smaller Goldendoodles live longer than larger ones.
Q: Which generation of Goldendoodle is best?
A: This depends on your particular needs. As a rule, F1BB Goldendoodles are best if your reason for choosing a Goldendoodle is related to allergies. If you want a Goldendoodle with a particular color or coat style, F1 Goldendoodles tend to have a wavy coat with the downside of more shedding, and F1B’s have curly, Poodle-like coats.
Q: Which size of Goldendoodle is best?
A: It depends on your situation. If you live in an apartment, your landlord may have size restrictions on dogs. Goldendoodles of any size are very active, so the more space you have to work with, the better. If you are getting a puppy from a reputable breeder, be sure to ask for images of the parents (especially any Poodles in the family!) so that you have an accurate idea of your Goldendoodle’s adult size. Even better if you can meet the parents.
Q: Do Goldendoodles bark a lot?
A: No. They are generally fairly quiet dogs unless people come to the door.
Q: What is a Large Goldendoodle?
A: “Large” is another term for “Standard.” “Standard” is as large as Goldendoodles get.
Q: Are StGoldendoodles hypoallergenic?
A: Yes and no. Goldendoodles are often bred to not shed. If shedding or dander is what triggers your allergy, a Goldendoodle can be considered hypoallergenic. However, if your allergy is triggered by saliva or some other aspect of dogs, not shedding will not fix the problem. Furthermore, the breeding of your Goldendoodle affects how hypoallergenic the dog is; therefore, it is wrong to say “all Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic.” If allergies are the reason you want a Goldendoodle, ask to see the puppy’s pedigree, and stress your motivation.
Q: How much does a standard Goldendoodle weigh?
A: 50-80 pounds.
Q: Do Standard Goldendoodles have shorter lifespans than Mini Goldendoodles?
A: The lifespan of a Standard Goldendoodle (10-15 years) is a little shorter than that of a Miniature Goldendoodle (12-16 years), which is shorter than a Toy Goldendoodle (13-17 years).
Q: How big will my medium Goldendoodle get?
A: 15-20” at the shoulder.
Q: Where can I find a reputable Goldendoodle puppy breeder in my area?
A: There are a few websites devoted to breeding and rehoming Goldendoodles. The Goldendoodle Association of North America has a listing of approved breeders. Be sure to ask at your local animal shelter, too!
Q: Are Goldendoodles Purebred?
A: No. Even if both parents are AKC Golden Retrievers and Poodles, the Goldendoodle itself will be considered a crossbreed dog. Look at your breeder with a raised eyebrow if they claim their dogs are AKC.
Q: Do Goldendoodles like water?
A: Yes! It’s the Poodle in them. Poodles were originally bred to hunt ducks, so the more Poodle DNA that your Goldendoodle has, the more likely that your dog will want to go swimming. You might even be able to join them for a swim! But remember that safety should always be a priority and as such, you should avoid swimming in excessively deep, cold or fast-moving water. Moreover, investing in a life jacket for your dog is a great idea, especially for while they are learning to swim.
Dr. Elly has always loved animals, and she knew from a young age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. After studying hard in veterinary school, she practiced in several different countries before moving to North Carolina with her husband and young family. She currently works part time as a veterinarian while caring for her 4 busy children and writing this blog. Dr. Elly genuinely cares about the welfare of her patients. She currently has three dogs, two cats, 5 chickens and 2 rabbits (yes a bit of a zoo!)
