The Australian Shepherd is the perfect ranch dog and favorite dog breed for many cowboys. Between their intelligence, endless energy, and hard work ethic, this dog breed is not ideal for a sedentary dog owner. Despite their name, these “Aussies” have nothing to do with Australia. The Australian Shepherd breed actually has roots in Europe, and then the breed was perfected in California as a top herding dog and regular rodeo circuit helper.
To this day, Australian Shepherds remain ideal working dogs and they perform tasks ranging from herding to working as therapy dogs and service dogs. If you’re the lucky pet parent to one of these versatile dogs, you may be wondering how large will my Australian Shepherd grow and when will they stop growing?
Here's everything you need to know about Australian Shepherd growth:
- Australian Shepherd Dog Breed
- Male Australian Shepherd Growth and Weight Chart
- Female Australian Shepherd Growth & Weight Chart
- At what age is an Australian Shepherd fully grown?
- How big should a 6-month-old Australian Shepherd be?
- How much bigger will my Australian Shepherd get?
- What is the size of a full-grown Australian Shepherd?
- How do I make sure my Australian Shepherd is healthy?
- Key Takeaways
Australian Shepherd Dog Breed
Australian Shepherds are medium to large dogs with a well-balanced appearance. The following Austrian Shepherd weight numbers are estimates, so please keep this in mind when comparing your Australian Shepherd puppy to them.
Like humans, all puppies will grow at different rates. Your Australian Shepherd puppy’s health is the most important thing. If you notice that your pup is way behind or ahead of the following numbers, consult with your veterinarian so they can assess your individual puppy’s growth.
Pro Tip: Ready to be reimbursed for up to 90% of your dog’s veterinary bills whenever they are sick or injured? Compare Australian Shepherd health insurance options today. Pet insurance can save a life!
Male Australian Shepherd Growth and Weight Chart
| Age | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 mo. | 3-5 lb. |
| 2 mo. | 10-15 lb. |
| 3 mo. | 20-25 lb. |
| 4 mo. | 27-32 lb. |
| 5 mo. | 34-39 lb. |
| 6 mo. | 40-46 lb. |
| 7 mo. | 45-52 lb. |
| 8 mo. | 45-55 lb. |
| 9 mo. | 50-58 lb. |
| 10 mo. | 50-60 lb. |
| 11 mo. | 50-60 lb. |
| 12 mo. | 50-65 lb. |
| 2 yr. | 50-65 lb. |
Female Australian Shepherd Growth and Weight Chart
| Age | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 mo. | 2-4 lb. |
| 2 mo. | 5-10 lb. |
| 3 mo. | 15-20 lb. |
| 4 mo. | 20-25 lb. |
| 5 mo. | 25-30 lb. |
| 6 mo. | 30-35 lb. |
| 7 mo. | 35-39 lb. |
| 8 mo. | 37-41 lb. |
| 9 mo. | 38-42 lb. |
| 10 mo. | 40-45 lb. |
| 11 mo. | 40-45 lb. |
| 12 mo. | 40-50 lb. |
| 2 yr. | 40-55 lb. |
At what age is an Australian Shepherd fully grown?
As a medium to large-sized dog breed, Australian Shepherds can take a little longer to reach their full size than smaller dogs. Most Australian Shepherds will need 16 months to reach their full adult size, although many will already be at their adult height around a year old.
(Image Source: Pexels)
How big should a 6-month-old Australian Shepherd be?
A six-month-old female Australian Shepherd should weigh around 30 to 35 pounds, while a male Australian Shepherd at the same age will weigh between 40 and 46 pounds.
Pro Tip: Download this new puppy checklist detailing how to set up a vaccination schedule, wellness plan, microchips, things to have on hand for your puppy, and more.
How much bigger will my Australian Shepherd get?
Australian Shepherds need about 16 months to reach their full adult weight and around a year to reach their adult height. If your Australian Shepherd puppy is younger than a year old, they likely have substantial growing left to do. After a year, you can expect them to fill out a bit more until they reach their adult weight.
Another way to estimate if they’ve stopped growing is to take a look at your puppy’s paws. If their paws look oversized next to their body and legs, they are still filling out and need more time to finish growing, as oversized paws are a classic puppy feature.
Alternatively, if you purchased your Australian Shepherd from a breeder, you can contact them about your Australian Shepherd puppy’s estimated adult size. They will have your puppy’s parents’ adult size, along with their previous litter numbers, and should be able to give you a more precise estimate of your pup’s adult size.
What is the size of a full-grown Australian Shepherd?
Per the American Kennel Club Official Australian Shepherd Standards, an adult male Australian Shepherd should weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. An adult female Australian Shepherd will weigh significantly less at 40 to 55 pounds.
In terms of height, an adult female Australian Shepherd will stand at 18 to 21 inches tall, while her male counterpart will be slightly taller at 20 to 23 inches tall. Both male and female “Aussies” should appear well-balanced and slightly longer than tall.
(Image Source: Pexels)
How do I make sure my Australian Shepherd is healthy?
Our Australian Shepherd puppies are cherished family members, and we want the best for them regarding both their health and happiness. One way we can help them live a healthier, longer life is by taking them to regular veterinary appointments. Prevention is always better than treatment. Regular veterinary exams offer your veterinarian a chance to screen your Aussie for genetic diseases that many purebred dogs, such as Australian Shepherds, are prone to.
According to the Australian Shepherd Club of America, Australian Shepherds are more prone to inherited diseases like cataracts, elbow dysplasia, cancer, and epilepsy. Since cataracts are usually a hereditary eye disease in Australian Shepherds, they tend to form bilaterally, meaning that they will likely occur in both eyes, though not necessarily at the same time. Cataracts can cause a dog to go completely blind, but they can often be treated via surgery performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist. Other genetic diseases, like elbow dysplasia and cancer, may require surgery to treat, while some genetic disorders, like epilepsy, may need lifelong medication to treat.
Veterinary treatment and procedures can easily cost thousands of dollars. For example, cataract surgery costs $2700 to $4000 on average and is the primary treatment for this hereditary condition that many Australian Shepherds suffer from. Out of over 20,000 pet parents surveyed, only 19.8% said they would be able to cover a $5,000 veterinary expense out-of-pocket. This leaves the rest of those pet parents in a scary situation where they are stressed out about their pet’s wellbeing and how to cover the cost of providing high-quality veterinary treatment to their beloved pup. Pet insurance alleviates the financial stress of giving your dog top-notch veterinary care should the worst happen.
Pet insurance works by reimbursing you for up to 90% of out-of-pocket veterinary costs should something happen to your beloved pet. The most common form of pet insurance is accident/illness plans, which cover injuries and most pet illnesses, such as cataracts or epilepsy. Wellness plans are also available to help you pay for regular veterinary expenses, like veterinary exams, x-rays, dental cleanings, and more!
Like us, our dogs are living longer lives, which creates an even greater need for regular veterinary care so that your dog can have the best quality of life. Pet insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that your pet is covered should the worst happen. If your Australian Shepherd has an accident, develops an illness, or is injured, you and your veterinarian can focus on providing your puppy with the best care without worrying about the cost!
Final Considerations
Unfortunately, we never know when the worst could happen to our beloved pet. Set up a safety net for your dog’s long-term health by using Pawlicy Advisor to compare the best Australian Shepherd pet insurance plans side-by-side today!
Remember your Australian Shepherd’s health plays a large part in their everyday enjoyment and happiness. Don’t wait for something terrible to happen. Act now and immediately feel at peace knowing you have your Australian Shepherd covered!
Pawlicy Advisor’s personalized recommendations can help you save up to 83% on insurance costs over your dog’s lifespan.
Key Takeaways
- Australian Shepherds grow for about 16 months until they reach about 50-65 pounds (males) or 40-45 pounds (females) on average.
- A mature Australian Shepherd stands approximately 18-23 inches tall, classifying the breed between medium- to large-size dogs.
- These working dogs are highly energetic, but are prone to certain health conditions, such as cataracts and cancer.
- Pet insurance is a great way to offset the cost of veterinary bills to ensure your Aussie gets the gold star treatment they deserve in order to live a happy, healthy life.
