So this week I finally tackled that Goldendoodle size question everyone keeps asking me, especially about those gorgeous red ones. Wanted to know exactly how big they get ’cause charts online are always kinda vague, you know? Like “mini” could mean anything. Figured I’d just get my hands dirty and figure it out myself.
Starting Off Totally Wrong With Charts
First thing I did was what most folks do: I grabbed a pile of “official” size charts from breeders and websites. Printed ’em out, spread ’em on the kitchen table, felt real organized. Tried lining up the weight ranges for “mini” and “medium” doodles against each other. Total nightmare. One chart said mini stops at 15 pounds, another said mini goes up to 25! Red Goldendoodles? Hardly mentioned anywhere specific. Felt like comparing apples to oranges, or worse. Ended up scribbling all over my printouts in frustration. Charts were useless. Threw ’em in the recycling bin.
Getting Actual Dogs Involved (And Their People)
Plan B: Talk to real owners with real dogs. Hit up everyone I knew who had a Goldendoodle, especially red ones if I could find ’em. Started with my buddy’s “mini” who’s actually kinda chunky. Measured him myself: 19 inches at the shoulder, pushing 28 pounds. Definitely not the tiny fluffball the breeder promised! Messaged folks in local doodle groups online – kinda embarrassing, felt like a weirdo asking “how much does your dog weigh?” for days. Collected data from 43 different dogs:
- Dogs sold as “Mini”: Ranged from a tiny 8lb “teacup” (looked unhealthy) to a solid 35lb tank. Most were between 20-30lbs.
- Red Goldendoodles labeled “Mini”: Found 6. Heights were between 14-18 inches, weights 18-32lbs. So much for “mini” meaning small.
- Dogs sold as “Medium” or just “Red Goldendoodle”: Bigger range! Heights from 17 inches to a whopping 24 inches, weights from 30lbs to over 60lbs. One owner was stunned her “medium” girl hit 55lbs.
My notebook looked crazy. Numbers everywhere, no clear pattern. Spent nights staring at it, got coffee stains all over the pages. Felt like I was measuring fog.
The “Oh Duh” Moment & My Rule
Was complaining about this mess to a friend who breeds working spaniels. She just shrugged and said, “Forget fancy names. How tall is the dog?” Blank stare from me. “Seriously,” she said. “At 8 months, measure from the floor to the top of their shoulder blades. That’s mostly it for how big they feel in your house. Weight wobbles more.” Why didn’t I think of that? All that weighing was stressing me and the dogs! After looking back at my disaster notebook data:
- Small/Comfortable Mini Red Goldendoodle: Usually under 17 inches tall at the shoulder by 8-10 months old. Good for apartments or folks not wanting a giant dog. Weight is wildly variable but often 15-25lbs if healthy.
- True Medium/Standard Red Goldendoodle: Usually 18-22 inches tall at the shoulder by 10-12 months. Don’t be surprised if they hit 45-55lbs easy. They take up space.
- Big Red Goldendoodle? Yeah, if the Poodle parent was large. Saw one at 24 inches and 65lbs. Basically a small horse disguised as a teddy bear.
Forget the label “mini”. Measure the height at 8 months. That “mini” doodle sold as “15lbs max”? If he hits 17 inches at 8 months, he’s likely gonna be a sturdy 25-30lb dog, not a purse pup. The red color doesn’t magically make them smaller or bigger either. Just go see the parents if you can, but even then… measure the pup later! I wasted weeks chasing the wrong thing.
Why did I even bother with this? My neighbor got totally screwed. Paid “mini” premium for an adorable red Goldendoodle puppy last year. Breeder swore he’d stay under 15lbs. Sweet pup, right? Guy’s now 20 months old, 22 inches tall at the shoulder, clocks in at 48lbs. Neighbor’s tiny studio apartment is basically a dog bed now. He’s happy, but pissed about the “mini” lie. Wish I’d done this whole measuring thing sooner so I could’ve told him: It’s the height at the shoulder around 8 months that tells the tale, not the breeder’s magic words or the puppy weight. Save yourself the headache and skip the charts. Grab a measuring tape instead.
