How Big Does An Australian Shepherd Get?

Last Updated on February 25, 2024

Australian Shepherds are a beloved breed of dogs known for intelligence, loyalty, and energy. They are often used as working dogs and are excellent pets for families. Many people are curious about the size of these dogs and how big they can get.

Suppose you have been curious about just how big does an Australian Shepherd get—in that case, reading below may be helpful!

In this article, we will explore the growth and development of Australian Shepherds, size variations within the breed and the factors affecting it.

Understanding the Growth and Development of Australian Shepherds

Australian Shepherds increase rapidly in physical height during their first year of life but reach full height once they are 18 months old. After this point, they will continue to fill out until they are 2-3 years old. During this time, Aussies will go through growth spurts, causing temporary changes in size and weight. Genetics can also be a factor in determining the size of an Aussie.

How big does an Australian Shepherd get? In general, this is an important stage for the Australian Shepherd in terms of having proper nutrition, as a lack of such will result in detrimental growth and health problems in the long run.

For proper nutritional changes, it is essential to start the process of weaning your Aussie puppy once they are around 4-6 weeks of age; once they have switched to a more proper pup diet, you may keep up with small kibbles and alike. You may consult an animal veterinarian for a diet chart for more clarifications on their diet.

Size Variations in Australian Shepherds

There are three size variations of Australian Shepherds – Standard, Miniature and Toy. Standard Aussies are the largest, standing between 18-23 inches and weighing 40-65 pounds.

The Toy Aussies are the smallest, standing less than 14 inches and weighing 10-20 pounds, whereas miniature Aussies are larger than their toy brethren but smaller than the standard ones, standing less than 18 inches and weighing between 20-40 pounds.

How big does an Australian Shepherd get? The determining factor for the Aussie’s size in all three sizes is how they are bred and what sort of nutrition the breeder gives them.

Factors that Affect an Australian Shepherd’s Size

Several factors can affect the size of an Australian Shepherd, including genetics, nutrition, and exercise. Genetics and proper nutrition can also affect their growth and development. A well-balanced diet and regular exercise can ensure an Aussie grows to its full potential.

Some of the factors that can affect an Aussie’s growth are:

• Autoimmune thyroiditis—a thyroid disease that is easily treatable with medication
• Cancers (lymphoma etc.)
• Elbow dysplasia
• Hip dysplasia
• Allergies (related to the environment or chemicals)

As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to give your Aussie at least 60 minutes or 90 minutes of exercise daily if they have reached adulthood to ensure that they remain healthy, both in mental and physical aspects.

Average Size of an Adult Australian Shepherd

It is important to remember that size can vary significantly within the breed, especially with the diet that they are receiving. The average size of a Standard Australian Shepherd is between 18-23 inches tall and 40-65 pounds in weight. Miniature and Toy Aussies are smaller, with average weights of 20-40 pounds and 10-20 pounds, respectively.

How big does an Australian Shepherd get? The average size of any Australian Shepherd depends on how well they are taken care of and their breeding quality in terms of the people breeding them.

Measuring and Tracking Your Australian Shepherd’s Growth

To ensure your Aussie grows at a healthy rate, it’s essential to measure and track its growth. Regular vet checkups can help you track their growth and development, and keeping a growth chart or tracking their weight can help you monitor their size.

How big does an Australian Shepherd get? To get an estimate for your Aussie’s growth weight, you may use the formula – (Current weight/Age in weeks) x 52  (number of weeks in a year); if your pup is around 12 pounds at around seven weeks of age, you may input the following use the above formula.

Health and Care Considerations for Large Australian Shepherds

Large Australian Shepherds, like all dogs, need proper care to maintain good health and well-being. Some specific considerations for large Australian Shepherds include:

• Diet: A well-balanced and nutritious diet is vital to maintaining health and preventing obesity.
• Grooming: The thick double coat of an Australian Shepherd requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition and prevent matting/tangling.
• Preventive healthcare: Regular checkups with a veterinarian, vaccinations, and parasite control are essential for maintaining their health.
• Training and socialisation: Aussies are intelligent and eager to please, but they need proper training and socialisation to prevent behaviour problems.
• Joint health:Large Aussies can be prone to joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. Hence, monitoring their joint health and providing appropriate care is essential.
• Exercise: Large Aussies are very active and require daily walks and play sessions to stay healthy and fit. 90 minutes of exercise generally gives them good stimulation and keeps them happy.

How big does an Australian Shepherd get? Besides this, you may also have to focus on the food you are giving to your Aussie, as too much of the same food or food meant for humans may generally cause any dog, including an Aussie, to experience adverse side effects.

Conclusion

How big does an Australian Shepherd get? That question generally has a plethora of answers that can only be given correctly by the owner themselves, that is, by taking care of their Aussie as much as they can and ensuring that they receive great nutrition and proper health care through regular animal veterinarian checkups.

Common FAQs

Are There Variations in Size Between Male and Female Australian Shepherds?

Yes, there can be variations in size between male and female Australian Shepherds. Males typically grow more extensive and weigh more, while females tend to be smaller and lighter. In some cases, diet can also affect the growth of male and female Australian Shepherds.

How Can I Tell if My Australian Shepherd Is at a Healthy Weight?

To determine if your Australian Shepherd is at a healthy weight, you can consult with your veterinarian and perform a rib check. If you can feel the ribs with a light layer of fat, your dog is likely at a healthy weight.

How Big Does an Adult Australian Shepherd Typically Get?

An adult Australian Shepherd typically grows between 18-23 inches tall and weighs between 40-65 pounds. However, it’s important to remember that each dog is unique and may vary in size.