Australian Shepherds are intelligent, hardworking, and energetic dogs that have their roots in Europe and are not suitable for someone with a sedentary lifestyle because of their nature.
Tracking the growth of your dog using the Australian Shepherd growth chart will ensure that they remain healthy throughout their life stages.
Australian Shepherds are medium to large dogs, and it is important to note that each dog has different growth rates.
Their health is essential, therefore, sourcing from a reputable breeder will guarantee that the puppy does not come with underlying health issues.
Continue reading to learn how you can help your Australian Shepherd maintain a healthy weight, when they should be spayed or neutered, and many more.
When DoAustralian ShepherdsStop Growing?
Australian Shepherds take a little longer to reach their adult size than smaller dogs since they are considered a medium to large-sized dog breed. So when do Australian Shepherds stop growing?
Australian Shepherds stop growing at the age of 16 months, but they will reach their adult height at the age of one year.
When it comes to mental and emotional maturity, some Australian Shepherd starts behaving like adult dogs at the age of two years while others take time and mentally and emotionally mature at the age of three years.
Some factors can affect the growth of your Australian Shepherd such as genetics, health, physical activity, and nutrition.
Australian Shepherd Size Chart
Keeping your Australian Shepherd puppy within the weight range according to their age in the Australian Shepherd growth chart will ensure that they remain healthy throughout their life.
It is normal for the weight to slightly fluctuate from time to time but if the change is noticeable, you should visit the vet to rule out any underlying health conditions.
You can track the weight of your puppy using the Australian Shepherd size chart provided as they grow. This will help in preventing cases of your dog being overweight or underweight.
At three months, the weight of a male Australian Shepherd is about 20 and 25 pounds, at six months, it is around 40 and 46 pounds, and at one year, it is between 50 and 65 pounds.
On the other hand, the weight of a female Australian Shepherd is between 15 to 20 pounds at three months, 30 and 35 pounds at 6 months, and 40 to 50 pounds at one year.
Australian Shepherd Weight Chart
| Age | Weight Male | Weight Female | Height Male | Height Female | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | 3 - 5 lbs | 2 - 4 lbs | 3 - 5 inch | 3 - 5 inch | |
| 2 Months | 10 - 15 lbs | 5 - 10 lbs | 5 - 8 inch | 5 -8 inch | |
| 3 Months | 20 - 25 lbs | 15 - 20 lbs | 7 - 11 inch | 7 - 11 inch | |
| 4 Months | 27 - 32 lbs | 20 - 25 lbs | 9 - 12 inch | 9 - 12 inch | |
| 5 Months | 34 - 39 lbs | 25 - 30 lbs | 11 - 13 inch | 11 -13 inch | |
| 6 Months | 40 - 46 lbs | 30 - 35 lbs | 12 - 14 inch | 12 - 14 inch | |
| 7 Months | 45 - 52 lbs | 35 - 39 lbs | 13 - 15 inch | 13 - 15 inch | |
| 8 Months | 45 - 55 lbs | 37 - 41 lbs | 15 - 17 inch | 15 - 17 inch | |
| 9 Months | 50 - 58 lbs | 38 - 42 lbs | 16 - 18 inch | 16 - 18 inch | |
| 10 Months | 50 - 60 lbs | 40 - 45 lbs | 17 - 19 inch | 17 - 18 inch | |
| 11 Months | 50 - 65 lbs | 40 - 45 lbs | 18 - 20 inch | 18 - 20 inch | |
| 12 Months | 50 - 65 lbs | 40 - 50 lbs | 19 - 21 inch | 18 - 21 inch | |
| 24 Months | 50 - 69 lbs | 40 - 55 lbs | 20 - 23 inch | 18 - 21 inch |
Best Dog Food For Australian Shepherd Puppies (2022)
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Dog Food (Editor’s Choice)
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Dog Food (Runner-Up)
How Big Do Australian ShepherdsGet?
Are you wondering how big your Australian Shepherd will get? On average, the weight of an Australian Shepherd is around 40 and 69 pounds with a height of between 18 and 23 inches. Females are shorter and lighter than males.
To predict the adult size of your Australian Shepherd, the first thing that you need to do is look at the parents.
If you adopted your puppy from a reputable breeder, then he/she should grant you access to see the parents of your puppy so that you can have an idea.
However, if you cannot see the parents, you can do a DNA test and predict the adult size using the results with the help of your vet.
Another way to know how big your puppy will get is to check the paws. If they are unusually large, then your Australian Shepherd puppy still has some growing to do.
Finally, you can project their final weight using the Australian Shepherd weight chart.
Male vs FemaleAustralian ShepherdSize Chart
Generally, Australian Shepherd is a medium size breed, and the females vary in size from their male counterparts. Males are taller, heavier, and longer than females.
Male Aussies stand at a height of around 20 to 23 inches, weigh between 50 and 69 pounds, and have a length of between 31 and 36 inches.
On the other hand, female Australian Shepherds stand at about 18 to 21 inches, weigh between 40 and 55 pounds, and have a length of between 28 and 31 inches.
You can measure the height of your Australian Shepherd at home. First, make sure that they are standing straight on a flat surface.
Then take a measuring tape and measure from the ground to the withers, and this is your dog’s height.
The Four Stages of An Aussie’s Development
The growth of any dog is probably the first concern that comes to our minds when we decide to buy or adopt one.
This holds utmost importance as most of us want to ensure we have ample space for our newest family member in our homes; and don’t want him/her to feel suffocated as they grows in size and love.
It is also pertinent to mention that Australian Shepherds come in two different sizes – miniature and standard.
The mini Australian Shepherds are known to become fully grown in just 12 months, while the standard aussie will take up to 16 months to grow fully. So, your puppy’s growth can also depend on which type of Australian Shepherd it is.
Besides that, before adopting any dog, it is also good to educate yourself on the different developmental stages they will undergo.
This not only prepares you for what to expect going forward, but also equips you with the right information to be able to take care of your dog as he goes through each one. After all, he’s going to need you to look out for him!
Below, we discuss these stages in detail:
Puppyhood
The first and foremost stage of an Aussie’s growth is puppyhood. This will last for anywhere between 4 to 6 months.
During this time, your doggo slowly grows and develops his/her senses. Let’s walk through how this unfolds:
0-14 Days
Taste and touch will be completely developed in this stage of life, but the other senses will not have developed to that extent.
This is because the puppy still relies on his mother for all basic requirements.
14-28 Days
This stage of puppy growth is known as the transitional stage. The faculties of hearing and smell will begin to grow, as well as the eyes and teeth.
The puppy will start to stand, wag its tail, and bark. Also, it will begin to interact with its littermates more.
3-12 Week
This will be the stage when the eyesight of the puppy is fully developed. You can expect him to become more aware of his surroundings.
During this time, play becomes increasingly crucial since it is the first way for a puppy to learn important skills such as improving physical coordination, developing social boundaries, and learning the inhibited bite.
Furthermore, by the end of the sixth week, puppies should be weaned and begin eating 5-6 tiny pieces of puppy food throughout the day.
Puppies are at the peak of their puppyhood at eight weeks and are ready to leave the breeder and join their new family.
A puppy’s senses are fully developed by the time it is 7 to 9 weeks old, and house training can begin.
This is also when the pup becomes aware of the “pack” hierarchy for the first time.
3-6 months
Around the age of 4 months, a puppy begins to resemble a dog rather than a puppy. This is still the best time to train.
Play progresses as teething and chewing begin. The puppy has reached full maturity and is ready to move on to the next stage of life.
When the puppy is five months old, you can take it on short walks with you, but don’t overdo it.
Furthermore, a 6-month-old Aussie puppy will have gained around 2/3 of its adult weight and enter the teenage stage.
Its adult coat will begin to grow, and it will become more independent but also fearful and disobedient. Please note that proper training and socialization at this stage are crucial.
Adolescence
This stage starts after the first six months of your Aussie’s puppyhood. It usually lasts between 7-12 months.
7-9 Months
It is the stage in which the puppy grows gradually and becomes bigger. You will also witness that the Aussie is maturing and finally starting to look like a big dog.
As a puppy grows and gains strength, it may challenge humans as it investigates its powers. It might begin to see the rank structure in a new light.
Furthermore, watchdog qualities, reserve with strangers, and authoritative conduct are common at this age. Owners should be informed that these traits can be very, shockingly strong during this time.
Dogs who were social as puppies may begin to avoid contact with strangers as they grow older. Dogs that had never been watchdogs suddenly become so, and they might be difficult to control while doing so.
A puppy will enter the second chewing phase at seven to nine months, and if it hasn’t been spayed or neutered, it will begin to experience the initial stages of sexual activity.
If you do nothing, the dog’s relationship with you will undoubtedly change. If you enhance your training and control, the dog will stay where it belongs: beneath you in the hierarchy, an eager and compliant partner.
9-12 Months
The adolescence stage comes to an end after the Aussie is one year old.
Around 10-11 months of age, Australian Shepherds reach sexual maturity. If you own a female pet, keep in mind that it may go into heat around this time.
You might notice some change in behavior due to the developed sexual behavior.
Adulthood
When the Aussies reach adulthood, they are usually very energetic. It would help if you trained this pooch in the earlier stages.
Adult Australian Shepherds who have been properly socialized and taught can usually manage almost any challenges.
They are usually fully grown by this time and have completely developed senses. However, there are chances of them growing a little bigger.
Moreover, adult Aussies with watchdog qualities are common, but a well-trained Aussie should be able to tell when it’s appropriate to be a watchdog.
They belong to the herding dog category, so you must make sure that you take them for a walk. Your dog will thrive in competitive dog sports if you have the time and commitment.
Aussies require a job, and if they are not trained and stimulated, they will be dissatisfied. This is not a dog you can leave unattended in the backyard for several hours. So, make sure the exercise session is not missed.
You can try any kind of exercise you want but remember the goal should be to curb the stamina this pooch has during this stage of life.
Old Age
The last stage on our list is seniority. It is usually the time when your Aussie reaches 8-10 years. The Aussies have a lifespan of 14/15 years, and their health is majorly affected as they grow old.
There can be a variety of diseases that can affect the Aussie at this stage. You have to take proper care and make sure that it is safe. You might have to make frequent visits to the doctor and get your Aussie checked.
Some of the other changes are seen throughout these stages. Your Aussie will grow more or less like other dogs, but the significant difference will be their herding instincts.
You have to be very determined to train your Aussie. If you ignore their small aggressive moves, you will face difficulty in the future.
Will Neutering/Spaying MyAustralian ShepherdAffect HisGrowth?
Neutering is the surgical removal of the dog’s testicl*s while spaying is the surgical removal of the dog’s uterus and ovaries.
These procedures are done to help reduce aggressive behavior and marking in dogs as well as prevent pregnancy and breeding.
They should be done at the right time, otherwise, the growth of your Australian Shepherd may be affected.
This is because the reproductive hormones are responsible for closing the plates to prevent your dog from growing taller than they should.
The recommended time to spay or neuter your Australian Shepherd is between the ages of four and nine months.
Mini Australian Shepherd vsAustralian ShepherdSize
There are other varieties of Australian Shepherds including the Mini and they vary in size.
The standard Australian Shepherds are agile dogs, and the males are known to be larger than the females. Male Aussies weigh between 50 and 69 pounds with a height range of between 20 and 23 inches.
On the other hand, females weigh between 40 and 55 pounds with a height of between 18 and 21 inches.
Miniature Australian Shepherd makes loyal friends and excels in obedience training as they are loyal to their owners.
They are smaller than the standard Australian Shepherd. They weigh between 25 and 40 pounds and have a height range of between 15 and 18 inches.
Factors That AffectAustralian ShepherdGrowth
Genetics & Gender
Genetics plays an essential role in the health and growth of your Australian Shepherd puppy. The size of your puppy’s parents is a clear indication of the adult size of your puppy because physical characteristics are transferrable genetically.
If you have access to the parents, you will have an idea of how big your puppy will get.
Certain health conditions can be transferred from parents to puppies, therefore, ask for the medical records from the breeder before adopting a puppy. Typically, males are slightly bigger and taller than their female counterparts.
Nutrition
Healthy nutrition is necessary for your dog at all stages of their growth. As a puppy, your Australian Shepherd needs to be fed a balanced and complete diet that is specifically designed for the puppy stage.
As they transition to adulthood, you should change their diet to fit their nutritional needs as an adult.
Always consult with your vet when it comes to your dog’s diet to ensure that they are getting all the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.
Physical Activity & Health
Australian Shepherds are highly energetic and active dogs; hence they require plenty of exercises to stay healthy and stimulated. On average, an Australian Shepherd needs 2 hours of exercise.
Ensure that the exercise is not over strenuous to avoid damaging their bones and joints.
Australian Shepherds like to be kept busy by going for long walks, learning new tricks, and being in a competition. Keeping them fit will ensure that diseases related to weight gain will be avoided.
How Much to Feed A GrowingAustralian ShepherdPuppy?
At birth, an Australian Shepherd puppy feeds on the mother’s milk. At three and a half months the puppy feed on milk formula. By four weeks, the puppy is given ½ to ¾ cup of puppy kibble.
When the puppy is 6 weeks old, they are given 1 cup of puppy kibble thrice a day.
At the age of 8 weeks, the puppy is fed with one and a half cups thrice a day. By ten weeks the puppy gets one and a half cups three times a day and at 12 weeks the puppy gets 1.5 to 2 cups thrice a day.
From months 4-5, the puppy gets between 1 to 3 cups depending on the size. From 6 to 8 months, the puppy gets between one-third to three-quarters cups.
From 9 to 11 months the puppy eats two third to 4 cups per day and finally, from 12 months to twenty-four months the dog gets about two third to five cups a day
How To Tell If YourAustralian ShepherdIs Underweight or Overweight?
Sometimes it is hard to tell if your Aussie is not the right weight especially if the dog doesn’t look overweight.
Some of the main ways the owners can use to determine the Aussies’ weight is to take them to the vet and note their weight over time, do body checks on the dog, and take notice of their body shape.
Vet visits are one of the beneficial things to do to ensure your Aussie is at a healthy weight. It is advised to keep checking on your dog by taking note of their weight gain and doing physical body checks.
You can also check your dog by feeling the body.
You should be able to feel the ribs of your Australian shepherd when you rub over them but not see them. If the ribs are seen it means that the Aussie is underweight. If you can’t feel the ribs, then the puppy is overweight.
What Are the Most Common Conditions To Be Aware Of In GrowingAustralian ShepherdPuppies?
Even though the Australian Shepherd is known to be a healthy and energetic dog, there are health conditions that may affect them as they are growing that you need to be aware of.
The most common condition is hypothyroidism where the thyroid gland produces less thyroxine hormone causing a dull and thin coat, lethargy, increased weight, and excessive shedding.
Another common condition is Idiopathic epilepsy which causes seizures in dogs. Hip Dysplasia also affects growing Australian Shepherd puppies, where their hip joint does not fit properly into the socket.
Regular visits to the vet will ensure that you catch these conditions at an early stage and provide treatment where possible.
DoAustralian ShepherdsExperience Growing Pain?
Some Australian Shepherds experience growing pain which is mostly related to hip problems. Hip dysplasia is a common issue but other illnesses that may cause pain are Panosteitis and Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy.
Panosteitis is temporary and primarily affects the front legs and the long bones in the legs. It mostly affects growing puppies and causes lameness, limping, and swelling.
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy causes inflammation in the long bones which causes pain and discomfort in puppies.
If you notice that your Australian Shepherd puppy is showing any of the signs mentioned above, take them to the vet for a medical check-up.
What To Do If MyAustralian ShepherdIs Not the Right Weight?
Your Australian Shepherd is not the right weight when they are overweight or underweight. Therefore, to ensure that they are at a healthy weight it is important to give your dog a healthy and balanced diet.
Provide your Australian shepherd with food rich in proteins and ensure there have supplements for minerals and vitamins, following your vet’s recommendation.
Also, keep your dog’s meal schedule in check to make sure they do not overfeed or underfeed. This will help maintain their metabolism.
Consult your veterinarian to get guidance on how you can keep a healthy Australian shepherd.
How To Help YourAustralian ShepherdLose Weight If He Is Overweight?
Lifestyle, exercise, and diet are three of the most important things that can help your Australian shepherd lose weight.
A mixture of proper diet and exercise usually helps overweight dogs to drop pounds quickly. It is crucial to remove food that causes weight gain and give your dog decent portions of food.
However, before you try anything that helps your Aussie lose weight, visit the vet first.
The vet will check if your dog has health problems that make them gain weight and will suggest the best methods to help them lose weight.
Some owners give their Aussies human snacks which are high in calories, hence causing weight gain quickly. So, switch to snacks that help them lose weight such as carrot slices, green beans, and cooked lean meat.
The following ways will help your dog lose weight:
Break up mealtimes will help your dog digest meals better and give them several small portions to prevent them from going hungry. Controlling the intake of treats will also help them lose weight.
Consistent exercise like walking is beneficial towards your Aussie’s weight loss as well as playing with other dogs at the park.
Making homemade food is also beneficial because you will provide your dog with the nutrients and ingredients they need. Lastly, give your dog lots of water to aid in digestion and keep them hydrated.
How To Properly Weigh and Measure MyAustralian Shepherd?
Usually, when you take your dog to the vet for a checkup, the vet has a pet scale and will measure your Aussie.
However, one may want to measure their pet at home, and this is how it goes.
Weigh yourself on the scale first without the dog and then weigh yourself when holding the dog. The difference in weight would be the weight of your Australian shepherd.
Australian ShepherdGenetics and Common Health Problems
The Aussies are susceptible to genetic diseases that can affect their quality of life. These disorders are often preventable and treatable. Preventive medical treatment ensures that your dog has a long life.
The following are genetic and common health conditions that affect the Aussies:
A cataract is a potentially debilitating condition that makes the lens cloudy in one or both eyes. If not treated immediately it leads to impaired vision or sometimes blindness.
Symptoms usually appear when they are about 1-3 years old and can appear even at 7 years.
Collie Eye defect is a condition that affects the Australian shepherds and Collies. This condition can lead to retinal detachment and blindness. This condition is prevented through surgery.
However, the damage mutation does cannot be reversed. Other eye defects include coloboma which affects the dog’s irises.
Hip and elbow dysplasia is a condition that causes the thigh bines to fit improperly into the hip socket. The socket wears down with time causing pain, lameness, and general discomfort.
Final Words
Ensuring that your Australian Shepherd is healthy throughout their life comes down to keeping them at a healthy weight by feeding them healthy and balanced meals and providing enough exercise.
Regular vet visits and keeping an eye on our Aussie growth chart are also recommended so that any health condition can be caught at an early stage. A healthy Australian Shepherd is a happy and friendly companion.
