Are there such a thing as a miniature golden retriever?

The first Comfort Retriever was created by a Golden Retriever breeder who had wished for years that there was a smaller variation of Golden Retriever so that even owners that preferred smaller dogs could enjoy a Golden Retriever. In 2003 the first litter was produced. This breeding was done by Kathy Burgess in Kentucky. The first two litters were composed of Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel. When temperament issues occurred the Cocker Spaniel was discontinued from the breeding program. All further litters were composed only of Golden Retriever and Poodle.

The Miniature Golden Retriever is not a purebred; rather, it is a specific type of mixed-breed dog or crossbreed. As such, it is not accepted for registration by recognized registries of purebred dogs.

Miniature Golden Retrievers composed only of Golden Retriever and Poodle can be registered with the Designer Dog Kennel Club (DDKC). They registered the first Miniature Golden Retriever July 21 2009.

Since the first Miniature Golden Retriever was produced and registered other breeders have started calling their dogs Miniature Golden Retrievers, despite the dogs having different breed combinations from the original Miniature Golden Retriever. Breeders have found other hybrid registries that will register their dogs as Miniature Golden Retrievers.

Miniature Golden Retrievers composed of Golden Retriever and (an unknown cross) can be registered with the Dog Registry of America (DRA)..

Miniature Golden Retrievers composed of 50% or more a golden retriever, up to 25% poodle, American Cocker Spaniel or other spaniel breed can be registered with the Certified Pet Registry (CPR).

Please be aware that since the registries have different definitions for Miniature Golden Retrievers any potential owner should ask what the hybrid is composed of. A dog registered with CPR could have no poodle and therefore none of the poodle intelligence, temperament, hypo-allergenic and reduced shedding attributes. The dog would also be composed of one or more types of spaniel. The types of spaniel used in the breeding should be researched so the potential owner will understand the impact of the dog's intelligence, temperament, health issues and other attributes. Please research those breeds.