Have you ever found yourself dreaming of a dog with the stunning looks of an Australian Shepherd but wished for the sweet, happy-go-lucky nature of a Golden Retriever? Maybe you love the idea of an Aussie but aren’t quite sure how to handle that boundless herding energy in a smaller home.
Well, dream no more! We are thrilled to introduce you to the newest designer breed on the block: the Mini Australian Retriever (also known as the Mini Golden Aussie).
At Stony Meadows, we have dedicated ourselves to developing this specific crossbreed after serious thought and research. By combining our flagship Mini Goldens with the Mini Aussie, we’ve created what we believe might just be the ultimate family dog for active households.
What is a Mini Australian Retriever?
The Mini Australian Retriever is a delightful mix of two of the world’s most beloved breeds: the Mini Australian Shepherd and the Mini Golden Retriever. While some breeders have started crossing Golden Retrievers with full-sized Australian Shepherds, we decided to take a different approach to ensure a manageable, compact size perfect for modern families.
By incorporating the Mini Aussie with our Mini Goldens, we get the best of both worlds. You get the endearing love and temperament of a Golden, combined with the striking beauty and intelligence of an Aussie, all wrapped up in a convenient 15 to 20-pound package.
This isn’t just about throwing two dogs together and hoping for a popular hybrid. This is a “designer breed with a purpose”—specifically bred to create a medium-energy companion that is family-oriented, loyal, and incredibly smart.
The Perfect Blend of Temperaments
When you look at the parent breeds, it is easy to see why the Mini Golden Aussie is such a fantastic companion. Let’s break down what each parent brings to the table.
The Mini Golden Retriever Side
The Mini Golden Retriever is renowned for its friendly nature. These dogs are famously loyal, bonding deeply with their owners and every member of the family. They are the definition of “people dogs.” They thrive on attention, love to cuddle, and just want to hang out with their humans.
One of their best traits is patience. They are often considered some of the most patient dogs around, tolerating noise, activity, and even the occasional chaos of unruly children with a wagging tail. They are highly intelligent, pick up commands easily, and are very eager to please.
The Mini Aussie Side
On the other side of the family tree, we have the Mini Australian Shepherd. These dogs are traditionally herding and working dogs, meaning they are incredibly smart and focused. They are often ranked in the top five smartest dog breeds!
Mini Aussies excel in obedience training and love learning new things. They are extremely loyal to their humans and, like the Golden, are great with children—patient, gentle, and always ready to play. However, they do have higher energy levels and require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
The Result: A Happy Medium
When you combine these two, you get a medium-energy dog that is perfect for a family environment. The Mini Australian Retriever inherits the “eager to please” attitude from both sides but often settles into a calmness that purebred Aussies sometimes struggle with. They are affectionate, extremely smart, and thrive on human companionship.
A Rainbow of Colors
One of the most exciting aspects of the Mini Australian Retriever is the variety of coat colors. Because of the Aussie influence, these puppies can come in some really cool colors that you would never see on a standard Golden Retriever.
We see puppies ranging from solid black or black and white to brown. We also see the coveted Merle patterns—both Red Merle and Blue Merle—which give the dogs that striking, speckled look often associated with Australian Shepherds.
Combine that multicolored coat with the sweet, happy face of a Golden, and you have a dog that is truly a showstopper.
Grooming and Shedding: What to Expect
It is important to be realistic about grooming. Mini Golden Aussies are considered medium to high shedders. They might or might not have the double-layered coat that a Golden Retriever normally has.
However, there is a silver lining. Because our Mini Goldens have a certain amount of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in their lineage (which is how the “Mini” Golden is created), this can often lessen the amount of shedding compared to a purebred Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd.
To keep your pup looking their best, we recommend:
- Brushing: A thorough brushing once or twice a week to remove loose fur and prevent mats.
- Bathing: You can bathe them at your discretion, usually when they start to get a bit “doggy” smelling or after a muddy hike.
Intelligence and Training
Since both parent breeds are incredibly smart, you can expect your Mini Australian Retriever to be a little Einstein. Training should come very easily to these dogs.
Your puppy will likely pick up obedience commands and tricks quickly. However, because they are so smart, they need engagement. They aren’t the type of dog to just sit in the backyard alone. Most need:
- Consistent training to challenge their minds.
- Plenty of exercise (walks, runs, bike rides).
- Mental stimulation like puzzle toys or scent games.
They will be able to keep up with your hikes and outdoor adventures, making them perfect companions for active individuals or families.
Health and Wellness
At Stony Meadows, our commitment to our puppies doesn’t end when they leave our driveway. We want to ensure they live long, happy lives.
Generally, crossbreeding can help lessen some of the specific health issues common to purebred Golden Retrievers (like certain cancers). However, we don’t leave things to chance. Stin responsible breeding practices.
We conduct genetic testing and OFA testing on hips, elbows, hearts, and eyes. We only breed healthy adults. Our goal is to continuously improve our breeding stock to bring you the healthiest, happiest puppies available today.
Is a Mini Golden Aussie Right for You?
If you are looking for a loyal, affectionate, and intelligent dog that is small enough to travel easily but sturdy enough to go on a hike, the Mini Australian Retriever might just be your perfect match. They are the ultimate family dog for a medium-to-high energy household, ready to provide years of love, laughter, and companionship.
Ready to meet your new best friend? We invite you to reach out to us at Stony Meadows to learn more about our upcoming litters. Let’s chat and see if a Mini Golden Aussie is right for your family.
Stony Meadows Puppies is pretty much and extension of your family, when you adopt one of our puppies.
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