Blue Heelers — also known as Queensland Heelers or Australian Cattle Dogs (ACDs) — are persistent, intelligent herding animals. With their compact, muscular build, it’s no surprise the breed is related to Australian Dingos, the legendary wild dogs of the outback that have been around since ancient times.
Blue Heeler puppies are notable for their high energy, loyalty, and alert nature. If you’re the lucky pet parent to one of these wily but wonderful pups, you may be wondering how big do Australian Cattle Dogs get and when do they stop growing?
We'll cover both those topics in more in our Blue Heeler size comparison, or click on a link below to jump to specific information about the average Blue Heeler weight and growth rate:
- Blue Heeler Size Chart: Growth by Weight & Age
- How much does a Blue Heeler weigh?
- How big do Blue Heelers get?
- When do Blue Heeler puppies get their color?
- How big should an Australian Cattle Dog be at six months?
- Are Blue Heelers medium-sized dogs?
- When do Australian Cattle Dogs stop growing?
- How much bigger will my Australian Cattle dog get?
- How to Take Care of Your Blue Heerler Puppy
- Australian Cattle Dog Veterinary Costs
- Key Takeaways
Blue Heeler Size Chart: Growth by Weight & Age
| Age | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 mo | 3 - 5 lb |
| 2 mo | 5 - 11 lb |
| 3 mo | 10 - 15 lb |
| 4 mo | 15 - 19 lb |
| 5 mo | 20 - 25 lb |
| 6 mo | 23 - 27 lb |
| 7 mo | 24 - 29 lb |
| 8 mo | 26 - 31 lb |
| 9 mo | 27 - 33 lb |
| 10 mo | 28 - 35 lb |
| 11 mo | 29 - 37 lb |
| 12 mo | 30 - 45 lb |
| 24 mo | 35 - 50 lb |
Please be aware that these numbers are estimates of the average Australian Cattle Dog weight by age. If your Blue Heeler puppy weighs more or less, don’t worry! All pups grow at their own unique pace.
How much does a Blue Heeler weigh?
According to the American Kennel Club Official Breed Standards1, the average Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler weight is between 35 and 50 pounds for healthy adults.
How big do Blue Heelers get?
The full-grown Blue Heeler size in height is between 18-20 inches for males, 17-19 inches for females.
When do Blue Heeler puppies get their color?
The Blue Heeler color change occurs in puppies around four-weeks of age.
How big should an Australian Cattle Dog be at six months?
Around the six-month mark, most Australian Cattle Dogs weigh between 23 and 27 pounds. Male Australian Cattle Dogs tend to be slightly larger than females, so you may want to consider your pup’s gender when approaching these averages.
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Are Blue Heelers medium-sized dogs?
Weighing under 50 pounds and standing below two-feet tall at maturity, the Australian Cattle Dog is classified as "medium-sized" on the spectrum of breeds.
When do Australian Cattle Dogs stop growing?
Medium-sized dogs like Blue Heelers typically stop growing around 12 months old. Your puppy should be close to full-weight by their first birthday, but most pups will continue filling out their chest for a bit longer until they reach maturity between 18 and 24 months of age. Since males tend to be larger, they can require close to two years to finish growing.
Compared to toy breeds that reach full-size by nine months old, the Australian Cattle Dog growth rate is much slower — though not as slow as the large and giant dog breeds that can continue to put on healthy weight for more than twice that time, well over two years.
If you're not sure about your puppy's progress, refer to the chart above for a Blue Heeler size comparison by age, so you can see if they've gained weight at a reasonable pace.
How much bigger will my Australian Cattle Dog get?
There are three ways to predict the size of an Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler at maturity:
- Age. Australian Cattle Dogs are usually close to their adult weight around their first birthday but will require another six to 12 months to finish filling out their chest. If your Australian Cattle Dog is less than a year old, they are most likely still growing and gaining muscle to reach their adult size.
- Paw Size. Paw size can help you assess if your Australian Cattle Dog is still growing. Although it is not an exact science, if your pup’s paws are oversized next to their legs and body, they are probably still filling out since oversized paws are a classic puppy feature.
- Genetics. If you bought your Australian Cattle Dog through a breeder, you might be able to reach out to them and inquire about a more exact height and weight estimate. Based on your puppy’s parents and previous litters, your breeder should be able to provide you with more precise information on your pup’s final size.
How to Take Care of Your Blue Heeler Puppy
Unfortunately, like many purebreds, Blue Heelers are more prone to certain health issues. While this is heart wrenching to think about, it’s vital that we do our best to prevent and minimize future health problems our dogs may experience.
The results of an Australian Cattle Dog Club of America health survey3 found that the top health concerns among Australian Cattle Dog breeders and owners included orthopedic issues, cancer, deafness, eye disorders, and progressive rod-cone degeneration. Out of these issues, orthopedic issues, which included both elbow and hip dysplasia, were a concern from 83% of the survey participants. Deafness concerns followed closely behind at 77.4%.
While we can’t change our dog’s predisposition to certain conditions, we can regularly take them to the veterinarian. Regular veterinary visits allow your veterinarian to screen your Blue Heeler for health problems, along with providing you with personalized recommendations for keeping your pup as happy and healthy as possible.
Australian Cattle Dog Veterinary Costs
Australian Cattle Dogs are more prone to certain conditions, including hip dysplasia, which can leave a dog in significant pain, and even lame if left untreated. Hip dysplasia is frequently treated with surgery, which can cost anywhere between $3,500 to $7,000 per hip. If both of your dog’s hips are affected, surgery and the pre-surgical prep work, such as bloodwork and anesthesia, can cost up to $14,0005.
That's why many pet parents decide to enroll their four-legged family members in a health insurance plan. Pet insurance can provide you with a financial safety net should your Australian Cattle Dog develop a condition like hip dysplasia or cancer that requires expensive, long-term care. Your insurance plan can reimburse you up to 100% for covered veterinary costs, such as hospitalizations, surgery, and diagnostic tests for health issues that may arise after enrollment.
Pro Tip: Enrolling in a pet insurance plan can help you save thousands of dollars on veterinary expenses! Compare Australian Cattle Dog health insurance options today so that you can feel at peace knowing your pup will have access to gold-standard veterinary care for anything that comes up tomorrow.
Key Takeaways
- Australian Cattle Dog height: Male 18-20 in (46-51 cm), Female 17-19 in (43-48 cm)
- Average Australian Cattle Dog weight: 35-50 lb
- Our Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler size chart estimates your puppy’s growth by weight and age until they reach maturity around 18-24 months old.
- Blue Heelers puppies are genetically predisposed to certain hereditary health issues, but pet insurance can provide a financial safety net for veterinary expenses throughout their life.
References
- American Kennel Club, “Official Standard of the Australian Cattle Dog” Accessed Aug. 17, 2021.
- Australian Cattle Dog Club of America, “Results of ACD Health Survey” Accessed Aug. 17, 2021.
- Memphis Veterinary Specialists & Emergency, “Surgery for Hip Dysplasia in Dogs” Accessed Aug. 17, 2021.
