Whether you own a Miniature Goldendoodle or plan to get one soon, you must know about its lifespan and health concerns. That way, you’ll know what to expect with your dog’s health in the long run.
Fortunately, the Miniature Goldendoodle has a long average lifespan of between 10-15 years, given their size and parent breeds genetics. The Mini Poodle and Golden Retriever mixed breed are healthy dogs.
That said, these dogs are still prone to certain health conditions that can affect their lifespan.
Let’s look at these health issues to prevent and treat for your Miniature Goldendoodle to live a long and happy life!
The Mini Goldendoodle Lifespan
As mentioned, the Mini Goldendoodle’s average life expectancy is about 10-15 years. We based this number on the lifespan of the Golden Retriever and Miniature Poodle.
A Golden Retriever should live for 10-12 years, while a Miniature Poodle can live for 12-16 years, maybe even longer. While these age ranges are averages; your pet’s life span will be a singular case.
The average life expectancy will still depend on the following factors:
Genetics
The Mini Goldendoodle is a mixed dog breed, so there are significant differences between the parent dogs’ lifespans. That’s why you should expect the predominant parent genes to influence the mixed breed’s lifespan significantly.
If the mixed breed inherits most of the Poodle genes, then the lifespan will be longer. But if the Mini Goldendoodle inherits the Golden Retriever genes, then the lifespan may go on the lower range.
Genetics also play a role in what diseases the Mini Goldendoodle may be susceptible to in the future. That’s why it’s essential to purchase from a reputable breeder who can show you the health clearances and documents of the Miniature Poodle and Golden Retriever parents. Never buy from a backyard breeder who raises his animals in inhumane conditions for the sake of making a quick buck!
Gender
It’s widely believed that female dogs live longer than their male counterparts. That’s true for the Mini Goldendoodle, too!
A female Golden Retriever Poodle Mix would live longer than a male one, but the lifespan difference is usually negligible.
Size
Smaller-sized dogs usually live longer than bigger ones. Because the Mini Goldendoodle is in the smaller-sized range, you can expect this mixed breed to live longer.
Just make sure you help your dog maintain a healthy weight to prevent obesity!
Mini Goldendoodle Common Health Issues
The Mini Goldendoodle, like many mixed breeds, experiences hybrid vigor, so they are less susceptible to conditions in their parent breeds are at risk of in the long run.
But that doesn’t mean that the breed is completely free from physical and mental health issues. While you can manage a few of these problems with proper veterinary and medical care, others can cause shorter lifespans.
Here are the Mini Goldendoodle health conditions to watch out for:
Von Willebrand’s Disease
This blood clotting disorder results in a dog not having enough plasma protein to allow blood clotting. Because of that, your dog is prone to excessive bleeding, even if it gets a tiny cut. Unfortunately, this disease can be life-threatening.
Malnutrition
A dog’s diet is a significant factor that can make or break your dog’s life. When feeding your dog, ensure that it consumes all the vitamins and minerals for proper growth and development.
If not, your dog can suffer from malnutrition, making it susceptible to many health problems.
Also, if you feed your dog too much food, this can lead to obesity, which has subsequent consequences.
That is why it’s essential to feed your dog the adequate dog food necessary for his health. It would be best to feed your dog in proper amounts to prevent overfeeding or underfeeding.
Poor Mental Health
A study shows that dogs’ brains are like those of humans. That means dogs can suffer from mental health conditions, influencing their overall health.
Poor mental health can occur if owners leave their dogs alone for long periods. Dogs left alone without mental stimulation or exercise are prone to depression or separation anxiety.
Gastric Dilations Volvulus (Bloat)
Bloat occurs when a Mini Goldendoodle’s stomach fills with food, fluid, or gas, thus expanding. As a result, the expansion puts pressure on the organs, making the dog appear bloated.
It is a severe disease that can cause death within an hour if not treated immediately.
Bone and Joint Issues
As your Mini Goldendoodle grows older, it’s likely to experience bone or joint issues. Arthritis is common in dogs over eight years old, but it’s also common in younger puppies because of inbreeding.
Other issues like patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia are common in this breed, too.
Ear Infections
While ear infections don’t shorten the dog’s lifespan, they can cause severe hearing problems when left untreated.
Cancer
Golden Retriever have the highest rate of cancer-related deaths. Unfortunately, many Mini Goldendoodles are at risk of passing from this killer sickness.
Senior Mini Goldendoodles are more likely to have cancer, but younger dogs may also have it. The more common types of cancer in Miniature Goldendoodles are:
- Skin cancer
- Lymphoma
- Mammary gland tumors
- Mast cell tumor
Heart Disease
Heart disease is a commonly reported cause of Miniature Goldendoodle deaths.
The Miniature Goldendoodle is prone to weight gain, especially when free-fed. As a result, obesity may occur, putting your dog at risk of health conditions, such as mild heart diseases.
Trauma
Mini Goldendoodles are miniature breeds, and unfortunately, many of them pass away because of injuries from physical trauma, especially while they are young.
The trauma may happen if someone accidentally trampled on the Miniature Goldendoodle, fell from a high distance, or hit by a vehicle.
Keeping Your Mini Goldendoodle Healthy
While the Mini Goldendoodle may inherit specific health issues from its parent dogs, a balanced diet and regular exercise can help it live a healthy life. Make sure you give your dog quality food with high protein sources to maintain its health and energy level.
Besides that, you must take your dog to the vet for regular health checks and groom it adequately. Regular coat brushing, bathing, and teeth brushing are a must! We emphasize dental hygiene for oral health because few pet owners regularly brush their dog’s teeth!
And, of course, do not forget your dog’s mental health. Make sure you give your Mini Goldendoodle the love, social interaction, and positive reinforcement he needs to stay happy and healthy. Daily interaction ensures a loyal friend and family pet with fewer risks of destructive behaviors.