Mini vs Standard Goldendoodle Puppies in Los Angeles
Quick Overview
Picking between a mini or a standard Goldendoodle might sound simple—just choose the size you like, right? Well, not quite. There’s a bit more to it, especially if you live in Los Angeles, where lifestyle, space, and traffic (don’t even get me started) play a big role in daily life.
As longtime Goldendoodle breeders here at Windsong Doodles, we’ve helped a lot of Southern California families decide which pup is right for their home. If you're searching for Los Angeles goldendoodle puppies, we’ve got your back—and we’re happy to share what we’ve learned.
Table of Contents
Size: The Most Obvious Difference
Personality and Energy Levels
Space and Lifestyle in LA
Grooming Needs
Cost Differences
Table: Mini vs Standard at a Glance
Which One Is Right for You?
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Size: The Most Obvious Difference
Let’s start with the basics. Size.
Mini Goldendoodles usually weigh between 15–30 pounds and stand about 13–17 inches tall at the shoulder.
Standard Goldendoodles often weigh between 50–90 pounds and stand 21–24 inches tall.
If you’re living in a cozy apartment in West Hollywood or Santa Monica, a mini might feel more manageable. But if you’ve got a backyard in Pasadena or the Valley, a standard might fit right in.
Personality and Energy Levels
Here’s where it gets interesting.
Both minis and standards are friendly, smart, and playful. But their energy can differ a bit. Mini Goldendoodles tend to be spunkier and more energetic, sometimes needing extra playtime to burn it off. Think: zoomies through the hallway at 8 PM.
Standard Goldendoodles, while also active, usually have a calmer vibe overall. They’re great for bigger families or folks who want a more relaxed companion for long walks or hikes.
Of course, every dog is unique—just like people. These are just common traits we’ve seen across hundreds of pups.
Space and Lifestyle in LA
Let’s be real: LA is big, but your square footage might not be. That’s why space matters.
If you’re in a small space or don’t have a yard, a mini might be the better fit.
If you’ve got more room to roam, or you’re already an early morning Runyon Canyon regular, a standard doodle can thrive with you.
Also, think about traffic. If you plan on bringing your pup everywhere, a mini is much easier to pop into the back seat during your daily LA grind.
Grooming Needs
No matter the size, Goldendoodles need regular grooming.
They don’t shed much (yay, allergies!), but their curly or wavy coats need brushing a few times a week and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks.
Mini or standard, that doesn’t change—but here’s the difference: more dog = more hair = longer grooming sessions and usually higher costs.
Cost Differences
Mini Goldendoodles may cost slightly more due to higher demand and smaller litter sizes.
Standard Goldendoodles sometimes cost less upfront, but long-term expenses (like food and grooming) are usually higher.
According to a source, a study by Synchrony found that owning a dog costs about $1,270 to $2,803 each year. If your dog lives around 15 years, and you include everything from buying the dog to vet visits and end-of-life care, the total cost can be anywhere between $19,893 and $55,132 over their lifetime.
Table: Mini vs Standard at a Glance
Feature
Mini Goldendoodle
Standard Goldendoodle
Weight Range
15–30 lbs
50–90 lbs
Energy Level
High, playful
Moderate, gentle
Space Needed
Apartment-friendly
Better for larger homes
Grooming Needs
Medium
Medium to High
Good with Kids?
Yes, with supervision
Yes, very affectionate
Car Travel
Easier to transport
Needs more space
Cost to Maintain
Moderate
Higher (food, grooming)
Which One Is Right for You?
Ask yourself a few simple questions:
Do I have space at home and in the car?
How much time do I have for exercise and grooming?
Am I looking for a lap dog, a hiking buddy, or both?
There’s no bad choice—just the one that works best for you. We’ve helped many LA families adopt both mini and standard pups, and every home is different.
At Windsong Doodles, we raise both sizes and help families choose based on their lifestyle. If you’re looking for the best goldendoodle breeder in Los Angeles, we’d love to be part of your journey—er, puppy search. (Too cheesy? We’ll allow it.)
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Q1: Are mini Goldendoodles good for apartments?
Yes! Their smaller size makes them perfect for apartments—as long as they get daily walks and playtime.
Q2: Do standard Goldendoodles need a big yard?
Not necessarily, but they do need space to stretch their legs. A yard helps, but regular walks or park visits work too.
Q3: Which size is better with young kids?
Both sizes are great with kids. Standards are more sturdy, while minis need gentle handling with toddlers.
Q4: Are minis harder to train than standards?
Not really. Both are super smart and eager to please. Consistent, positive training works wonders for both.
Q5: Do mini Goldendoodles bark more?
Some do—they’re a bit more alert and vocal. Early training helps keep barking in check.
Q6: How long do Goldendoodles live?
Minis live around 12–15 years, and standards 10–14 years, depending on health and lifestyle.
If you’re still torn between a mini or a standard, don’t worry—we’re always here to help you figure it out. Give us a shout at our website, and let’s find your perfect pup match. Whether you’re in LA, Orange County, or anywhere in SoCal, we’ve got happy, tail-wagging friends waiting to meet you.
