Australian Shepherd Size & Weight Chart: How Big Do They Get?
Written for general planning, not medical advice — no one at Argos Paws is a veterinarian. If something is wrong with your dog right now, call your vet or the nearest emergency clinic.
Quick answer: A full-grown Australian Shepherd typically weighs 40-65 lb (18-29 kg) and stands 18-23 in (46-58 cm) tall at the shoulder; males usually weigh 50-65 lb (23-29 kg) and females 40-55 lb (18-25 kg). Most reach their adult size by around 12-18 months.
Photo: Trickdog-Fina · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Australian Shepherds are a high-drive herding breed, despite the name actually developed in the United States. They excel at agility and herding work and need substantial mental and physical stimulation.
| Size category | Large |
|---|---|
| Typical adult weight | 40-65 lb (18-29 kg) |
| Height at the shoulder | 18-23 in (46-58 cm) |
| Full grown by | 12-18 months |
| Life expectancy | 12-15 years |
Male vs female Australian Shepherd size
| Weight | Height | |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 50-65 lb (23-29 kg) | 20-23 in (51-58 cm) |
| Female | 40-55 lb (18-25 kg) | 18-21 in (46-53 cm) |
Per the AKC breed standard. Individual dogs can sit outside these ranges and still be perfectly healthy — body condition matters more than hitting a number.
Australian Shepherd weight chart by age (lb & kg)
Estimated weights for an average Australian Shepherd puppy, based on the typical growth curve for a large breed. Males usually track toward the top of each figure, females toward the bottom.
| Age | Weight (lb) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 months | ~11 lb | ~5 kg |
| 3 months | ~18 lb | ~8.2 kg |
| 4 months | ~25 lb | ~11 kg |
| 5 months | ~32 lb | ~15 kg |
| 6 months | ~39 lb | ~18 kg |
| 9 months | ~47 lb | ~21 kg |
| 12-18 months (full grown) | 40-65 lb | 18-29 kg |
When does a Australian Shepherd stop growing?
As a medium-to-large breed, Australian Shepherds typically reach adult weight by 12-18 months. Height usually levels off first — a Australian Shepherd can look full height at 9-12 months but keep adding chest depth and muscle for months afterward.
Use the Puppy Weight Predictor below — it's pre-loaded with the Australian Shepherd's growth curve, so just enter your puppy's current weight and age.
Predict your Australian Shepherd's adult weight
Enter your puppy's current weight and age to get an estimate based on this breed's typical growth curve.
Open the Puppy Weight PredictorHow much does it cost to feed a Australian Shepherd?
A typical adult Australian Shepherd (53 lb, average activity) needs roughly 1207 kcal/day — about 0.7 lb (2.8 cups) of dry kibble per day, which works out to around $43/month at typical kibble prices. Fresh or subscription-style food usually costs more, around $483/month for the same dog. These are population-level estimates — use the calculator below for a number based on your dog's actual weight and food type, or see the Australian Shepherd feeding chart for puppy amounts by month.
Estimate Australian Shepherd food costs
Pre-filled with this breed's typical adult weight — adjust activity level and food type to get your monthly estimate.
Open the Dog Food Cost CalculatorBrowse dog food sized for a Australian Shepherd
Compare dry, wet, and breed-specific formulas — filter by your dog's size and life stage to narrow it down.
Browse dog food on Amazon(affiliate link)How old is my Australian Shepherd in human years?
The old "×7" rule doesn't hold up — large breeds like the Australian Shepherd age at their own rate, not a generic one. Use the calculator below, pre-set to this breed's size.
Convert your Australian Shepherd's age
Pre-filled with this breed's size category for a more accurate human-year estimate than a flat multiplier.
Open the Australian Shepherd Age CalculatorCommon health considerations
- Hip dysplasia and various inherited eye conditions are documented in the breed.
- The MDR1 gene mutation, common in herding breeds, can cause severe reactions to certain medications — worth knowing before any surgery or medication.
- Merle-to-merle breeding (a coat color gene) carries a well-known risk of deafness and vision problems in puppies.
This is general breed-level information, not a diagnosis or a prediction for any individual dog. Talk to your vet about health screening and preventive care specific to your dog.
Is pet insurance worth it for a Australian Shepherd?
See a typical monthly premium for this breed and whether it would likely pay off against a major vet bill.
Australian Shepherd insurance costEstimate what coverage would cost for your dog
Premiums swing widely by breed, age, and location. Our calculator gives you a realistic range in about a minute — no email, no sign-up.
Open the pet insurance calculatorJoint supplements can help support a growing Australian Shepherd
Larger breeds carry more weight on developing joints. Many owners start a glucosamine/chondroitin or omega-3 supplement during the growth phase rather than waiting for stiffness to appear.
Browse joint supplements on Amazon(affiliate link)Similar breeds
Based on energy level, living-space fit, and care needs, these breeds are closest to the Australian Shepherd:
Take our breed match quiz
Answer a few quick questions about your lifestyle and living space to see which breeds — not just the Australian Shepherd — actually fit best.
Take the Breed Match QuizFrequently asked questions
How much does a full-grown Australian Shepherd weigh?
A full-grown Australian Shepherd typically weighs 40-65 lb (18-29 kg), making it a large breed. Males usually weigh 50-65 lb (23-29 kg) and females 40-55 lb (18-25 kg). Individual dogs vary within that range depending on sex, genetics, and body condition — use the Puppy Weight Predictor above for an estimate based on your specific puppy's current weight and age.
How tall is a full-grown Australian Shepherd?
A full-grown Australian Shepherd stands 18-23 in (46-58 cm) tall, measured at the shoulder (withers). Males are typically 20-23 in (51-58 cm) and females 18-21 in (46-53 cm).
When does a Australian Shepherd stop growing?
As a medium-to-large breed, Australian Shepherds typically reach adult weight by 12-18 months. Height typically levels off a bit before this; larger breeds like this one keep adding muscle and body mass for months after they stop getting taller.
Is a Australian Shepherd a good first dog?
The Australian Shepherd isn't generally recommended as a first dog. Between the exercise, training, or handling demands, this breed tends to reward experience in a way that's harder to pick up on the fly.
How much exercise does a Australian Shepherd need?
A lot. The Australian Shepherd needs serious daily exercise — 60-90+ minutes, ideally with a job to do (training, fetch, hiking) rather than just a walk. An under-exercised Australian Shepherd is a common source of destructive or restless behavior.
Is a Australian Shepherd good with kids?
Can do fine with kids, particularly older or calmer ones, but it's more situational than a clear yes — a lot depends on the individual dog's temperament and how it was raised.
How much grooming does a Australian Shepherd need?
A moderate, manageable routine — weekly brushing covers most Australian Shepherds, with occasional baths as needed.