What is a Mini Golden Retriever? (2026 Guide)
Last updated October 2026 · By Reagan, Golden Raes, Lehi, Utah
A Mini Golden Retriever is a smaller, Golden Retriever–type family dog, usually 20 to 45 lb as an adult, created by crossing Golden Retrievers with smaller breeds such as the Cocker Spaniel or Miniature Poodle. It is not an AKC-recognized breed. Golden Raes' multi-generation red Minis currently weigh 25 to 36 lb as adults.
Where did Mini Golden Retrievers come from?
According to Dog Academy, the first known Mini Golden was bred by Kathy Burgess in 2003, who crossed a full-size Golden Retriever with a Poodle and called the result a Comfort Retriever. Her goal was simple: everything families love about a Golden, in a smaller dog.
Today most Mini Goldens start with a Golden Retriever crossed to a Cocker Spaniel or a Miniature Poodle, two breeds chosen for their smaller size, friendly nature and intelligence. Programs then breed Mini to Mini over several generations so size, coat and the Golden look become more predictable.
Is a Mini Golden Retriever a purebred?
No. Mini Golden Retrievers are a crossbred, and they are not recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club. You will see two broad types:
- First-generation (F1) crosses, a Golden bred directly to a smaller breed. Size and coat vary more from puppy to puppy.
- Multi-generation Minis, Mini Goldens bred to Mini Goldens over several generations. These breed truer to size and look, which is the approach Golden Raes takes.
Because the mix varies by program, the honest answer to "what's in my dog" is a DNA test. Every Golden Raes puppy goes home with its own DNA report showing its breed makeup.
How big is a Mini Golden compared to a regular Golden?
| Mini Golden (typical) | Golden Raes Mini | Standard Golden Retriever | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult weight | 20–45 lb | 25–36 lb (our dogs) | 55–75 lb |
| Height | About 14–20 in | Up to 19 in (George, our December sire) | 21.5–24 in |
| Coat | Straight to wavy, depends on mix | Deep red, likely low shed or no shed | Golden double coat, sheds heavily |
| AKC recognized | No | No | Yes |
| Lifespan | Not well studied yet | Not well studied yet | 10–12 years |
Standard Golden figures come from the AKC breed standard and PetMD. Mini ranges come from Dog Academy and Small Golden Retriever's breed guide. Read more in our Mini Golden size guide.
What makes a Golden Raes Mini Golden different?
Golden Raes is a small, in-home program in Lehi, Utah, run by Reagan. Our foundation girl, Nike, comes from lines that combine a Mini Golden background with red Golden Retriever lines, which is where our deep red color and smaller frame come from. Every dog in our program is red, between about 25 and 36 lb, Embark DNA tested and OFA evaluated, and bred for a lower-shedding coat. Our puppies are likely low shed or no shed.
Meet the next Golden Raes litterNike and George's December 2026 litter is reserving now, $5,000, home around Valentine's Day.
Apply for a puppyThe complete Golden Raes Mini Golden guide
- Looking for a Mini Golden breeder in Utah?What to look for in any breeder, and how Golden Raes works.
- How big do Mini Golden Retrievers get?Adult weight, height and when they stop growing.
- Do Mini Golden Retrievers shed?Coat genetics, DNA tests and the truth about allergies.
- How much does a Mini Golden cost?2026 prices, deposits and first-year costs.
- Mini Golden vs GoldendoodleSize, coat, grooming and which fits your family.
- Mini Golden vs standard GoldenWhat's the same and what's different.
- What is a red Mini Golden?Where the red color comes from.
- Are Mini Goldens good family dogs?Temperament, kids, babies and exercise.
- What health testing should a breeder do?The four clearances and the DNA panel to ask for.
- Bringing home a Mini Golden puppyYour first-week checklist and vaccine timeline.
Mini Golden FAQ
Are Mini Golden Retrievers good family dogs?
Yes. They carry the Golden Retriever temperament, loyal, eager to please and gentle, in a 20 to 45 lb dog that is easier to handle around kids.
Do Mini Golden Retrievers shed?
Yes, but how much depends on their genes. Minis with low-shedding gene variants, which a DNA test shows, shed noticeably less than a standard Golden. Golden Raes puppies are likely low shed or no shed.
How much does a Mini Golden Retriever cost?
Published 2026 prices from Mini Golden breeders run roughly $2,900 to $5,500, with national guides citing a wider $1,500 to $5,000 range.
Keep reading: Do Mini Golden Retrievers shed? (2026 Guide), How much does a Mini Golden Retriever cost? (2026 Price Guide), Looking for a Mini Golden Retriever breeder in Utah? (2026). Or see the next litter.
- Dog Academy, Mini Golden Retriever breed guide
- Small Golden Retriever, Mini Golden Retriever guide
- AKC Official Standard for the Golden Retriever
- PetMD, Golden Retriever breed guide
Last updated: October 2026 · Golden Raes, Lehi, Utah · @golden_raes