Australian Shepherd Weight & Growth Chart

Complete weight guide with growth charts for male and female Australian Shepherds from puppy to adult.

Male Adult Weight

40–65 lbs

Female Adult Weight

34–57 lbs

Australian Shepherd Weight Overview

Adult Australian Shepherds typically weigh between 40 and 65 pounds, with males generally being larger than females. Males average 40–65 lbs while females typically weigh 34–57 lbs.

Males weigh 50 to 65 pounds, females 40 to 55 pounds. Working-line dogs tend to be lighter and more agile than show lines. They should appear athletic and well-muscled without being bulky..

Growth Chart

When Does a Australian Shepherd Stop Growing?

Most Australian Shepherds reach adult height of 18–23 inches by 12–15 months, with full body weight of 40–65 lbs achieved shortly after. Males fill out to 65 lbs while females reach 57 lbs.

Growth rate is influenced by genetics, diet quality, and spay/neuter timing. Requires a minimum of two hours of vigorous daily exercise. Ideal activities include herding, agility, frisbee, and long hikes. Without adequate outlets, they will redirect their energy into destructive behaviors..

Is My Australian Shepherd Overweight?

Assessing your Australian Shepherd's body condition (healthy range: 40–65 lbs):

Rib check: Run your hands along the ribcage—you should feel individual ribs under a slight fat layer
Overhead view: A defined waist should be visible between ribs and hips
Side profile: The abdomen should tuck upward behind the last rib

Overweight Australian Shepherds face higher risks of Hip Dysplasia, joint problems, and shortened lifespan. Even for a medium-sized breed, excess weight significantly impacts joint health and overall wellbeing. Work with your vet to adjust feeding and exercise if needed.

Feeding Recommendation

Daily food for an adult Australian Shepherd: 0.6–1.3 cups of high-quality dry food in two meals, budgeting $62–95/month. Puppies growing toward 40–65 lbs need three to four daily feedings until around six months old. The MDR1 gene mutation is a critical concern — all Aussies should be tested before receiving certain medications. Hip dysplasia and hereditary eye diseases also require screening.—treats count toward daily calorie intake.

Weight by Age Table

Age	Male (lbs)	Female (lbs)
3 months	14.6–17.9	12.4–15.2
6 months	32.2–39.3	27.3–33.5
9 months	46.8–57.2	39.7–48.7
12 months	58.5–71.4	49.7–60.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Males: 40–65 lbs. Females: 34–57 lbs. Males weigh 50 to 65 pounds, females 40 to 55 pounds. Working-line dogs tend to be lighter and more agile than show lines. They should appear athletic and well-muscled without being bulky.. Consult your vet for a personalized assessment.

The Australian Shepherd reaches full adult size (18–23 inches, 40–65 lbs) by approximately 12–15 months. Requires a minimum of two hours of vigorous daily exercise. Ideal activities include herding, agility, frisbee, and long hikes. Without adequate outlets, they will redirect their energy into destructive behaviors.. Growth rate is influenced by genetics, diet, and overall care.

Use the body condition scoring method: ribs easily felt, visible waist from above, and abdominal tuck from the side. If your Australian Shepherd exceeds 65 lbs without exceptional muscle mass, they are likely overweight. Obesity is particularly dangerous for this breed due to their predisposition to Hip Dysplasia. Your vet can provide a precise assessment and weight loss plan.

Feeding amounts depend on age, current weight, and the Australian Shepherd's expected adult size of 40–65 lbs. Puppies under 6 months need 3–4 meals daily; older puppies eat twice daily. A high-quality puppy food formulated for medium breeds provides the right nutrient balance. The MDR1 gene mutation is a critical concern — all Aussies should be tested before receiving certain medications. Hip dysplasia and hereditary eye diseases also require screening..

Poor weight gain in a Australian Shepherd puppy warrants a vet visit. For a breed that should reach 40–65 lbs at maturity, slow growth can signal parasites (very common in puppies), underfeeding, food intolerance, or illness. Regular weigh-ins help track progress objectively. Your vet will likely run a fecal test and blood work.