Mini Aussies are a beloved breed, and understanding their size and growth stages is essential for any potential owner. They typically weigh between 13 and 18 pounds and stand between 12 and 14 inches tall.
Their small stature is one of the many reasons people adore them. Mini Aussies are a toy version of the Australian Shepherd breed.
As they grow, Mini Aussies go through several distinct stages. They're born weighing around 8 ounces and measuring 6 inches in length.
Mini Aussie Growth and Development
Mini Aussie growth is a unique process that can be hard to predict.
These dogs tend to grow at a decently fast rate, almost reaching their full size by six months.
However, because they're smaller dogs, they don't grow as fast as larger breeds.
You can expect them to stop looking and acting like puppies around six months, but some may continue their mental and physical growth beyond that.
The weight and growth speed of Mini Aussies can vary widely, making it hard to predict their adult size.
At four months, a Miniature Australian Shepherd typically weighs about 15-20 pounds, but this can range from 10 to 25 pounds or more.
Their size at four months isn't a reliable indicator of their adult size, as they can continue growing until they're 1.5 years old.
Dogs of all colors will grow at the same rate, so don't worry about that myth.
By six months, Mini Aussies usually weigh between 20-40 pounds, with most of their weight gain happening before this point.
At this age, they may appear a bit skinny, but this is normal as they gain height before weight.
Most Mini Aussies will reach their full height by six months, but may need to bulk up a bit after that.
For more insights, see: Size Bit
Mini Aussie Weight and Size
At six months old, a Miniature Australian Shepherd can weigh anywhere from 20-40 pounds, with most of their weight gained before this point.
By the time they reach six months, most dogs have already reached their full height, but may appear a bit skinny due to uneven weight and muscle development.
Their growth slows down significantly after the 9-month mark, with most dogs only gaining another pound or two.
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When Grown?
Miniature Australian Shepherds reach their full weight at anywhere from 9 months to 1.5 years.
Their growth is extremely slow after the 9-month mark, with most only gaining another pound or two after that.
You can pretty much assume your dog has reached somewhere close to their adult size at nine months.
They may still be developing mentally and continue to act like a puppy for some time after they reach their full weight.
Many Mini Aussies only calm down once they are 2-3 years old.
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Puppy Weight Calculator
At this age, the mental development of a Miniature Australian Shepherd varies widely. Some may be ending their puppy phase and starting to calm down, while others may act like a puppy for another year.
Miniature Australian Shepherds typically weigh between 20-40 pounds at six months old. They tend to gain much of their weight before reaching this age, so you should have a pretty good idea of your dog's final size at this point.
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Puppies may appear a bit skinny at six months, but this is normal. Most dogs gain height before weight, so it may take some time for their muscle mass and fat to match their height.
Dogs usually reach their full weight between 9 months to 1.5 years old. They may continue to grow slowly, but it's rare for them to gain more than a pound or two after the 9-month mark.
Miniature Australian Shepherds can still be developing mentally even after they reach their full weight. They may act like a puppy for some time, but some may be ending their puppy stage at this point.
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Mini Aussie Size and Growth Concerns
At six months old, a Miniature Australian Shepherd's weight can vary widely, ranging from 20-40 pounds.
Most dogs will not gain much more weight than they already have after six months, and you should notice a significant slow-down in their weight gain.
Puppies may appear skinny at this point, but this is normal, as they tend to gain height before they gain weight.
Most Miniature Australian Shepherds will weigh about 30-40 pounds, which is considered small-to-medium.
However, their weight can vary considerably, and some may weigh as much as 60 pounds, which doesn't really make them "miniature."
Breeders Were Not Happy
Australian Shepherd breeders were not thrilled about the development of Mini Aussies, as they felt it would negatively impact the standard Australian Shepherd breed.
They couldn't understand why a smaller version of the breed was necessary, and some saw it as a threat to the development of the standard Australian Shepherd.
The Mini Aussie breeders responded by pointing out that different-sized breeds, like the Dachshund, can coexist without harming the original breed.
For another approach, see: Size Crate for Standard Poodle
How Big Will My Pet Get?
Miniature Australian Shepherds are small but mighty dogs, but just how big will they get? Most will weigh about 30-40 pounds.
The size difference between males and females is mostly genetic, with no significant physical difference between the two. However, their weight can vary considerably, and some may be much smaller or larger than expected.
It's not uncommon to find Miniature Australian Shepherds that weigh as little as 20 pounds, which puts them nearly in the toy category. On the other hand, some may weigh as much as 60 pounds, which doesn't really make them "miniature" anymore.
This breed has a large genetic pool, which makes them healthier than many other breeds. Their size and physical characteristics can vary more than other breeds, but this doesn't necessarily mean they're less predictable.
Additional reading: Miniature English Bull Terrier Size
Sources
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/miniature-american-shepherd/
- https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/miniature-australian-shepherd
- https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/miniatureaustralianshepherd.htm
- https://spiritdogtraining.com/growth-chart-calculator/miniature-australian-shepherd/
- https://www.dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/miniature-american-shepherd.html
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