Frequently Asked Questions – Olsen Family Doodles
Your Questions Answered
We believe informed families make the best decisions. Below you’ll find answers to the questions we hear most often about Mini Goldendoodles, our breeding program, and what to expect when bringing home your puppy. If you don’t see your question here, please reach out—we’re always happy to help.
About Mini Goldendoodles
What is a Mini Goldendoodle?
A Mini Goldendoodle is a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature or Toy Poodle (or subsequent generations of Goldendoodles). They combine the friendly, loyal nature of Golden Retrievers with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of Poodles. Mini Goldendoodles typically weigh 15-35 pounds at maturity.
Do Goldendoodles shed?
Most Mini Goldendoodles exhibit minimal to zero shedding, making them excellent choices for allergy-sensitive households. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, Goldendoodles are widely tolerated by individuals with dog allergies. We describe them as “allergy-friendly.” The amount of shedding depends on coat type—curly coats shed less than wavy coats.
What size will my Mini Goldendoodle reach?
Mini Goldendoodles typically mature between 15-35 pounds. Our Ember weighs 22 pounds, and Hudson weighs 33 pounds, so we expect puppies to fall within the 15-25 pound range at maturity. Final size depends on genetics, gender (males tend to be slightly larger), and individual growth patterns. We provide size estimates but cannot guarantee exact adult weight.
What colors do Mini Goldendoodles come in?
Common colors include golden, cream, tan, red, apricot, brown, gray, and black. Our Ember should produce beautiful deep red and apricot tones, while Hudson contributes lighter cream genetics. Puppies from our pairing typically range from rich reds to soft creams with various shades in between.
What coat types exist?
Mini Goldendoodles have three coat variations:
- Straight: Less common, more shedding, easier maintenance
- Wavy: Most common, minimal shedding, moderate maintenance
- Curly: Tight curls, minimal to no shedding, requires regular grooming
Our Ember has tight curls and Hudson has a wavy fleece coat, so we expect most puppies to have wavy to curly coats with low to minimal shedding.
Are Mini Goldendoodles good with children?
Absolutely. Mini Goldendoodles are known for their gentle, patient, and playful nature with children. Our puppies are raised around kids from birth, creating confident and child-friendly companions. Their size makes them manageable for families with young children, and their temperament makes them wonderfully tolerant.
Are Mini Goldendoodles good with other pets?
Yes. Our puppies grow up with cats, dogs, and other household animals, ensuring they’re comfortable in multi-pet households. Proper introductions are always recommended, but Mini Goldendoodles generally have friendly, social temperaments that make them adaptable to other pets.
What’s the temperament of a Mini Goldendoodle?
Mini Goldendoodles are intelligent, affectionate, social, and eager to please. They’re playful yet gentle, making them perfect family companions. They thrive on human interaction and bond deeply with their families. They tend to have moderate energy—active enough for play and walks, but also happy to cuddle on the couch.
Are Mini Goldendoodles easy to train?
Extremely trainable. Mini Goldendoodles are intelligent and eager to please, making them excellent candidates for obedience training, therapy work, and more. Positive reinforcement methods work best. They respond well to consistency, patience, and reward-based training.
What’s the difference between F1, F1B, F1BB, and other generations?
The “F” denotes “filial” (generation). Numbers and letters indicate generation sequence:
- F1: 50% Golden Retriever + 50% Poodle (first generation cross)
- F1B: 75% Poodle + 25% Golden Retriever (F1 backcrossed to Poodle; minimal shedding)
- F1BB: 87.5% Poodle + 12.5% Golden Retriever (F1B backcrossed to Poodle again; ultra low-shedding)
- F2: F1 x F1 (second generation; both parents are Goldendoodles)
- Multigen: Goldendoodle x Goldendoodle of any generation
Our Ember is F1BB (87.5% Poodle) and Hudson is F1B (75% Poodle), producing puppies with high Poodle percentages for excellent coat predictability and low shedding.
About Olsen Family Doodles
What makes Olsen Family Doodles different?
We raise our puppies in the heart of our home—never in kennels or outdoor facilities. Our breeding program follows the BadAss Breeder Curriculum and incorporates Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) protocols, producing puppies with enhanced stress tolerance, superior health, and exceptional temperaments. Every puppy receives individualized attention from our entire family. We’re a small, intentional program focused on quality over quantity.
Are you a new breeding program?
Yes, we’re honest about where we are. We’re preparing for our first litter. However, being new doesn’t mean being unprepared. We’ve spent countless hours researching, completed the BadAss Breeder Curriculum, learned ENS protocols, and connected with experienced mentors. We’ve prioritized comprehensive health testing and built dedicated puppy spaces in our home.
Where are your puppies raised?
Our puppies are raised inside our Murray, Utah home in dedicated nurseries. They’re exposed to children, household sounds, other pets (cats and dogs), and daily family life from birth. This creates well-adjusted, adaptable companions ready for real-world family environments.
Are your dogs health tested?
Yes. Both Ember and Hudson undergo comprehensive Embark DNA health screening—the gold standard in canine genetic testing.
What is Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)?
ENS is a proven protocol involving gentle exercises performed on puppies during their critical early development period (days 3-16). Benefits include:
- Enhanced cardiovascular performance
- Increased stress tolerance
- Superior disease resistance
- Improved problem-solving abilities
- Greater confidence in new situations
These benefits last throughout the dog’s lifetime.
Can I visit before placing a deposit?
Due to biosecurity protocols protecting our dogs and young puppies, we don’t offer pre-deposit home visits. However, we’re happy to schedule video calls to show you our home, meet Ember and Hudson, answer questions, and help you feel confident before committing.
Do you have references or testimonials?
As a new breeding program, we don’t yet have puppy families to provide testimonials. However, we’re happy to connect you with our mentors or provide references for our education and preparation. Our first families will be the foundation of our reputation, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Pricing & Payment
How much are your puppies?
- Females: $2,000
- Males: $1,500
Prices are subject to market adjustment based on demand or exceptional traits.
What’s included in the price?
Your puppy comes home with:
- Health-certified puppy with licensed veterinary examination
- Two rounds of deworming
- First vaccination series
- Comprehensive socialization and temperament testing
- Foundation potty and crate training
- Olsen Family Doodles welcome bag (care information, comfort toy, mother-scented blanket, starter food)
- Lifetime breeder support
Why are females more expensive than males?
Female pricing reflects higher demand and potential breeding value if families choose to pursue ethical breeding in the future. Both genders make equally wonderful family pets with the same temperament, trainability, and companionship qualities.
Do you offer payment plans?
We do not currently offer payment plans. Full payment is required before the puppy goes home.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, Venmo, and major credit cards.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. The prices listed are complete. There are no surprise fees at pickup.
Is the deposit refundable?
The $400 deposit is non-refundable once placed. This protects our planning, veterinary scheduling, and commitment to your reserved puppy. However, deposits may be transferred to future litters if circumstances change (job relocation, family emergencies. We handle transfers case-by-case with open communication.
Adoption Process
How does the adoption process work?
Our process includes:
- Initial Contact: Reach out to discuss your needs
- Application: Submit puppy application (optional but recommended)
- Deposit: Place $400 deposit to reserve your spot
- Updates: Receive weekly updates during puppy development
- Open House: Meet puppies and make a selection
- Final Updates: Watch your puppy grow
- Go-Home Day: Bring your puppy home
- Lifetime Support: Contact us anytime
How long is the wait for a puppy?
The timeline depends on when you place your deposit relative to breeding and birth. Typical timeline is 8-11 weeks from deposit to go-home day. We’ll provide specific timelines based on current litter status or planned breeding dates.
Can I choose my puppy?
Yes. At 6 weeks old, families select puppies in the order of their deposits. Earlier deposits = earlier selection priority. We guide you through temperament observations and help match puppies to your lifestyle and preferences.
What if I don’t like any of the available puppies?
Your deposit can be transferred to the next litter at no penalty. We want you to feel confident and excited about your selection.
Can I take my puppy home before 8 weeks?
No. Puppies need the full 8 weeks with their mother and littermates for proper socialization, weaning, and development. Early removal can cause behavioral and health issues. This is a non-negotiable policy for the puppy’s well-being and is also required by ethical breeding standards.
Do you ship puppies?
We prefer families to pick up puppies at our Murray, Utah home for proper handoff and instruction. For distant families, we can discuss meeting points or professional transport options on a case-by-case basis (additional fees apply for transport).
Health & Guarantees
What vaccinations are included?
Puppies receive their first vaccination series (age-appropriate DHPP) and two deworming treatments before go-home day. Families must schedule follow-up vaccinations with their veterinarian according to standard puppy vaccination schedules (typically at 10, 14, and 16 weeks).
What veterinary care is required after adoption?
- Complete vaccination series (schedule with your vet within 72 hours of bringing puppy home)
- Spay/neuter at appropriate age (typically 6-12 months; consult your vet)
- Annual wellness exams
- Regular parasite prevention (heartworm, flea, tick)
- Dental care as needed
Do you offer lifetime support?
Yes. We provide lifetime breeder support for training questions, health concerns, grooming advice, and general guidance throughout your dog’s life. You can contact us via phone, text, email, or video consultation at any age or stage. Your family becomes our family.
Care & Maintenance
How do I maintain a Mini Goldendoodle’s coat?
- Brush 1-2 times weekly to prevent matting
- Schedule professional grooming every 6-8 weeks
- Regular bathing as needed (typically monthly)
- Start grooming habits early to ensure your puppy is comfortable with the process
What should I feed my Mini Goldendoodle?
We’ll provide starter food and feeding guidelines. High-quality puppy food formulated for small to medium breeds is recommended. Consult your veterinarian for personalized nutrition advice as your puppy grows. Avoid grain-free diets linked to heart disease (DCM). Look for AAFCO-approved foods from reputable brands.
Are Mini Goldendoodles high-energy dogs?
Moderate to high energy. They need daily exercise (walks, playtime, mental stimulation) but are also happy to cuddle on the couch. They adapt well to their family’s activity level. Expect 30-60 minutes of activity daily—walks, fetch, training sessions, or play.
What kind of exercise do they need?
Daily walks, playtime in a yard or park, and mental stimulation through training or puzzle toys. Mini Goldendoodles enjoy activities like fetch, swimming, hiking (once fully grown), and learning tricks. Mental exercise is as important as physical exercise for this intelligent breed.
Do Mini Goldendoodles bark a lot?
Mini Goldendoodles are not excessive barkers compared to some breeds, but individual temperament varies. They may bark to alert you of visitors or unusual sounds, but they’re generally not nuisance barkers. Early training helps establish appropriate barking behavior.
Can Mini Goldendoodles be left alone during the day?
Like all dogs, Mini Goldendoodles thrive on companionship and don’t do well with prolonged isolation. Puppies should not be left alone for more than 2-3 hours initially. Adult dogs can handle 4-6 hours alone with proper exercise before and after. If you work full-time, consider doggy daycare, dog walkers, or pet cameras to check in.
Training & Behavior
When should I start training my puppy?
Training begins immediately when your puppy comes home at 8 weeks. Start with basic housetraining, crate training, and simple commands (sit, come, name recognition). Puppy socialization classes can begin as soon as your vet approves (typically after second vaccination at 10-12 weeks).
What training methods work best?
Positive reinforcement methods work exceptionally well with Mini Goldendoodles. They respond to treats, praise, and play rewards. Avoid punishment-based training, which can damage the bond and create fear. Consistency, patience, and short, fun training sessions yield the best results.
How long does potty training take?
Most puppies are reliably housetrained by 4-6 months with consistent effort. Our puppies begin litter box introduction at 3+ weeks, giving them a head start. Success depends on your consistency with frequent outdoor trips, crate training, schedule maintenance, and positive reinforcement.
Stud Services (Hudson)
Do you offer stud services?
Yes. Hudson is available for stud services to approved dams.
Service Tiers:
- Standard: $800
- Premium: $1,200
- Repeat Breeder: $700
What are the requirements for outside dams?
- Embark DNA health screening (within 2 years)
- Brucellosis test (within 6 months)
- Current vaccinations
- Veterinary health certificate (within 30 days)
- Age 18 months – 7 years
- Stable temperament and ethical breeding program
How do I apply for stud services?
Contact us with your dam’s health testing results, photos, pedigree, and breeding goals. We review applications within 3-5 business days and discuss the process, timing, and scheduling.
Contact & Next Steps
How do I get started?
Contact us via phone, text, or email to express interest. We’ll discuss your needs, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps.
Crystal & Chris Olsen
📱 (801) 661-0262 | (385) 347-6030
📍 Murray, Utah 84107
What are your hours?
We’re available by appointment. Contact us anytime via text or email, and we’ll respond within 24 hours (often sooner). Phone calls are best scheduled in advance.
Do you have social media?
We’re building our social media presence. Check our website for updated links to Instagram and Facebook where we’ll share puppy updates, family photos, and breeding announcements.
Still Have Questions?
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re curious, excited, or just want to learn more about our puppies—reach out anytime. No question is too small or too detailed.