A Comparison- Mini and Medium to Standard

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

Any differences (besides the obvious size comparison) in temperment, habits, personality, intelligence?

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

I can only give a comparison between Shayna and our two boys. Some things to remember Boomer and Mariner are biological brothers. Mariner has a disability, his sight issues. Shayna is what I would call a big mini - she is about 45 pounds, her father was a 16 pound poodle.

The biggest difference is that Shayna is very protective of our property. When she is outside and wants to come in, she will just stand or sit by the door. The other two will bark to be let in.

I don't think that any of the differences are a result of her being a mini - I just think that it is just how she is.

As for intelligence, they all exhibit it differently. Boomer is the most trainable but again I think it is him not anything to do with anything else.

Shayna is the most fearless.

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

Ironic that she is the most fearless...Blake has Napolean complex too....

[2fetg28jixqki]

We toiled over getting a mini as the mini poodle temperament is quite different than the standard, and we soooo love our standard doodle's temperament. In our experience (which is limited to 1 standard, 1 mini) I do see a difference. Don't know if it's the standard/mini thing or a fluke, or a factor of being a rescue, or what. Marley our mini is very sweet, gentle and playful most of the time, but has been slower to train with all behaviors, and a little yappy and nippy at times. He is tougher than Ziggy in their play. He is sure to walk away with any toy if they play tug or fetch, even though Ziggy is faster (by far) and stronger. Ziggy is just more passive, gentle natured and possibly self assured. We love both our doodles, and they are both great pups, but I am seeing some differences. Any one else finding something similar?

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

I see it when Blake plays with larger standard doodles.....He's always trying to be alpha.....He is more aggressive in play and definitely much more vocal..........Not that he's a barker but he grunts and groans and whines while the standards are silent or they bark a little ( not much)...I guess when you're small you have more to prove......

[susan kaput]

I have a 1 yr. old mini goldendoodle, Angus (33 lbs.). My son has a 2 1/2 yr. old standard, Walnut (80 lbs.). I have a huge yard with invisible fencing and Walnut spends most days here while my son is at work. The dogs get along famously. Walnut is a big goofus; sort of a Disney dog, while little Angus can be a holy terror (to Walnut). Angus (shh) seems smarter in some ways and more in tune to things in general (other than a ball) than Walnut. Of course, I may be biased......

[2fetg28jixqki]

Looks like there may be some general differences. I'm so glad you started this discussion as I've wondered quite a bit about it. Would love to hear from a few others.

[gkce5pjesxm9]

Hello Everyone!

I find the smaller doodles more yappy, jumpy and tend to be more anxious when you leave them alone. They will either exhibit barking or whining. I also found that they will chew or do something inappropriate. This is NOT limited to ONLY small dogs, but because of my experience, I now breed only mediums. I do not use any toy breeds as I find that those 'little guy' genes are quite dominant!!!! They are cuter than anything but I find their cuteness doesn't balance out the end product. IMHO

[Jessica]

At 16" and 261bs Finn is maximum size for a miniature, but I cannot relate to any of the above comments, none apply to my puppy. Finn is the most loving, amicable, docile, obedient little dog in the world and does not to have any of the 'issues' described. I would say I've been 'lucky' but then, I did a lot of research before choosing a breeder, and made sure I chose one who placed 'temperment' way up there in her breeding programme. It seems to have paid off; I have been in touch with many of Finn's relatives here on DoodleKisses, (all minis) and I have not heard one single complaint as described.

[GAbe]

Hi, I am currently researching for a good and reputable breeder, I have my mind set on a mini, do you have any suggestions?

[Maureen W]

When I bred my girl Copper (48lbs) to 2 different males, both Miniature Poodles, there was a distinct difference between the puppies from each sire: both smaller and smart, but one of the sires is more vocal, shall we say? He lives in a Guardian home and fairly sings when he's excited to see his People! Meanwhile the other sire is not a vocal ('yappy'?) Poodle at ALL! His owner says he thinks he is human and just one of the family. His puppies are less vocal, or were, in the litter while we had them. ALL puppies will or can learn to bark if they go in a home with vocal dogs, tho. Standard Poodles are not typically known as a barking dog and have never been valued as a protective dog for that reason (or because of the haircut, I'm not quite sure). ;o)

This looks like a great group!!
I am the only one I know of, in Colorado who is breeding well-tested Miniature/Medium Labradoodles so it's nice to have you company!

[Jersey, Jasmine, Jypsy and Diane]

I only have one mini goldendoodle but my best friend has a standard goldendoodle that is a few months younger than Jersey and we spend a lot of time together with the dogs. Jersey (my dog) is more gentle. Her dog, Riley is very clumsy, I have bruises all over me when I leave. Both are very friendly and outgoing, love people and other dogs. Jersey seems to have better problem solving capibilities than Riley. They are both sweet lovable dogs. Neither of us would trade them. :-)

[Jackie]

Beckett is only 5 months old but I don't find any of the issues some have suggested that minis might have. He is a very sweet, smart puppy. He doesn't bark a lot. He jumps,etc. but he's learning not to. I think it's a puppy thing. I don't have any complaints with minis.