Australian Shepherd Growth Stages – Monthly Size & Weight With Pictures

The Australian Shepherds path to maturity will be a whirlwind of biting, chewing, cuddling, snuggling, scratching, licking, jumping, and loving cuddles. While their lifespan is longer than some larger dog breeds, they still only live around 12-15 years. On their journey from puppy to adult, there will be several key Australian Shepherd growth stages with exciting milestones for owner and dog to look forward to. They will make their way through several different levels of development as they grow taller and get heavier month by month.

Australian Shepherd Growth Stages:

This complete guide will will walk you through all of the growing stages providing you details and neat tidbits from their beginning as a 1 year old to their completion as an adult at 3 years old. It will include fun facts and even a cuteness factor!

Month 1: (Puppy Growth Stage)

During month 1, an Aussie goes from newborn to adorable little tyke. This is the first step in the ladder of Australian Shepherd growth stages. Their adventure begins as they go from a newborn pup sleeping and suckling on mommy’s teats, to one month old crawling around out of curiosity. The little buggers are only a few inches tall at this point and totally dependent on mom.

Cuteness Factor: Ball of fluff!

Height:

Male: 3 – 5 in (8 – 13 cm)

Female: 3 – 5 in (8 – 13 cm)

Weight:

Male: 3 – 5 lbs (1.5 – 2.5 kg)

Female: 2 – 4 lbs (1 – 2 kg)

Milestones: Ears and eyes start to open at around 2 weeks although they won’t reach full vision until month 2. Grunts and whines also begin. They go from crawling to walking though not very stable and may wobble around. Towards the end of the first month, they will be able to go potty on their own without the mother’s assistance. Baby teeth start to come in.

Food: For the first month, an Aussie will be dependent on its mother for milk and nutrients. You can introduce them to some puppy kibble but they may show no interest.

Month 2: (Socialization Growth Stage)

Once the furry little ball of fluff gets to month 2, he or she will be more aware of their surroundings. They will be interacting more with mom and littermates. Their toothy trains will be complete. They are slightly bigger but still little runts under one foot tall.

Cuteness Factor: Bundle of joy!

Height:

Male: 5 – 8 in (13 – 21 cm)

Female: 5 – 8 in (13 – 21 cm)

Weight:

Male: 10 – 15 lbs (4.5 – 7 kg)

Female: 5 – 10 lbs (2.5 – 4.5 kg)

Milestones: Ears and eyes are fully open. Brain is developing rapidly and physical coordination is improving. They can vocalize with small barks. Less dependent on mom and bonding more with littermates and people. Puppy teeth should be filled in. Starting at 8 weeks, they begin to experience fear reaction. Typically, at this age, they are ready to be adopted.

Food: Weaning to a dry puppy kibble should begin at 6 weeks. At 8 weeks they should be transitioned to the kibble. 1.5 cups total spread out over three feeding per day is recommended.

Vaccines: Puppy should be up to date with distemper and parvovirus by 8 weeks.

Month 3: (Juvenile Growth Stage)

By this point an Aussie has reached the juvenile phase of the Australian Shepherd growth stages. They will begin teething as their grown-up chompers start to surface. Confidence will be growing as they become serious explorers and vie for your attention. Ears may start to stand up a little. They may begin to lose their puppy coat. Pups will be close to one foot tall.

Cuteness Factor: Fluffer Nutter

Height:

Male: 8 – 10 in (21 – 26 cm)

Female: 8 – 10 in (21 – 26 cm)

Weight:

Male: 20 – 25 lbs (9 – 11.5 kg)

Female: 15 – 20 lbs (7 – 9 kg)

Milestones: Ears begin to perk up a little. Baby teeth start to be replaced with adult canines and incisors. This results in lots of biting and chewing. Bladder should be fully under control and potty training along with socialization should commence. Puppy fur will start to transition to adult coat.

Food: Feed two cups of puppy kibble spread out over three feedings throughout the day.

Vaccines: DHPP is recommended at this age. It includes distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.

Month 4:

Quick growth continues and they may start to test their limits. They will most likely be much more playful and may get into some occasional trouble. This is an important time for learning. They should be learning basic commands and proper socialization skills. They are no longer the tiny little pup they once were and are now at least a foot tall and half of their future adult weight.

Cuteness Factor: Snuggle bug!

Height:

Male: 10 – 12 in (26 – 31 cm)

Female: 9 – 11 in (23 – 28 cm)

Weight:

Male: 25 – 30 lbs (11.5 – 14 kg)

Female: 20 – 25 lbs (9 – 11.5 kg)

Milestones: Ears may be going up or down. They will still be in the teething stage as their adult teeth grow in. They will be a bit more independent and starting to test their boundaries. Training should continue as they are able to learn more complex commands.

Food: Growing fast, puppy should consume two cups of kibble spread out over three times a day.

Vaccines: At this age, DHPP and rabies are recommended.

Month 5:

Growing like a weed, a 5-month-old Aussie is still getting taller and packing on the pounds. They are still full-fledged into the juvenile stage and will have enough energy to keep you on your toes. Their puppy looks are fading as they look more and more like an adult. Those floppy little ears may be up or down.

Cuteness Factor: Sweet as peaches and cream!

Height:

Male: 12 – 14 in (31 – 36 cm)

Female: 11 – 13 in (28 – 33 cm)

Weight:

Male: 30 – 35 lbs (14 – 16 kg)

Female: 25 – 30 lbs (11.5 – 14 kg)

Milestones: Adult fur should be mainly grown in replacing the puppy coat. Teething will continue. Adult features are more and more prevalent. Independence is kicking in. They may begin the sexual maturity phase.

Food: Juvenile should continue to eat two cups of kibble spread out three times daily.

Month 6: (Adolescent Growth Stage)

By month 6, your once cute little tyke, is now into the adolescent portion of the Australian Shepherd growth stages. If you’ve ever had a teenager, you may have an idea of what you are in for. They may not always do as their told and see what they can get away with. This is normally when the sexual maturity phase begins which will continue until they are 10-11 months old.

Cuteness Factor: Adorable and unignorable!

Height:

Male: 14 – 16 in (36 – 41 cm)

Female: 12 – 14 in (31 – 36 cm)

Weight:

Male: 35 – 40 lbs (16 – 18.5 kg)

Female: 30 – 35 lbs (14 – 16 kg)

Milestones: Ears may be standing up depending on the dog. Adult features are more accentuated. Sexual activity kicks in and they begin to mark their territory and start looking for potential mates. Teething should be wrapping up and all 42 of their adult toothy trains should be almost grown in. Their adult fluffy coat of fur should have replaced their puppy coat although it may not completely fill in until 10-12 months.

Food: Half year old should be getting two to three cups of kibble total spread out over two meals daily.

Month 7:

At 7 months, an Australian Shepherd’s brain should be significantly developed. They should know at least 5 basic commands. Sexual maturity continues as they become more interested in finding a mate. Hormones may cause them to test their boundaries and dominance. They may nip and bite for attention. They are still growing but a bit slower as they get closer to adult size.

Cuteness Factor: A friendly face!

Height:

Male: 16 – 18 in (41 – 46 cm)

Female: 14 – 16 in (36 – 41 cm)

Weight:

Male: 40 – 43 lbs (18.5 – 19.5 kg)

Female: 35 – 38 lbs (16 – 17.5 kg)

Milestones: Ears should be close to their permanent position. Their adult features now outweigh their puppy like looks. They are still progressing through sexual maturity and may show some signs of aggression. All of their adult teeth should be grown in.

Food: Adolescent should get two to three cups of kibble spread out over two meals daily.

Month 8:

An 8-month-old Aussie should be well adjusted, bonded and socialized with plenty of people and other animals. While they may not be the adorable balls of fluff that they were at one month, they are still precious pups who crave attention and love. Due to their herding nature, they may show some aggression towards strangers.

Cuteness Factor: Perfect prince or precious princess!

Height:

Male: 17 – 18 in (43 – 46 cm)

Female: 15 – 16 in (38 – 41 cm)

Weight:

Male: 43 – 46 lbs (19.5 – 21 kg)

Female: 38 – 41 lbs (17.5 – 19 kg)

Milestones: Ears should be well set in their permanent position. They are better at listening to and following commands. Teenage behaviors may still be present but they are more mature. Puppy coat and teeth have now been replaced by their adult coat and teeth. They continue maturing sexually.

Food: Continue feeding two to three cups of kibble total spread out over two meals daily.

Month 9:

At month 9, Australian Shepherds have made it to most of their major milestones. All 42 of their adult pearly whites should be grown in and the cartilage in their ears should be set. They continue to mature sexually. They can comprehend and understand more complex commands. By now they are roughly 3/4 of their adult weight.

Cuteness Factor: Picture worthy!

Height:

Male: 18 – 20 in (46 – 51 cm)

Female: 17 – 18 in (43 – 46 cm)

Weight:

Male: 46 – 49 lbs (21 – 22.5 kg)

Female: 38 – 41 lbs (17.5 – 19 kg)

Milestones: Most physical features are fully developed. The adult coat can still fill in some more. They are almost done maturing sexually. Growing is slower than the first 6 months.

Food: Adolescent should continue eating two to three cups of kibble spread out over two meals daily.

Month 10:

At 10 months old, Aussies are still adolescents and their teenager personality may be in full force. Clever and smart, they may get into some trouble as their instinctual nature to herd and protect shines through. They will be full of energy and excitement which means ample exercise is a must.

Cuteness Factor: Infectious smile!

Height:

Male: 19 – 21 in (48 – 53 cm)

Female: 18 – 19 in (46 – 48 cm)

Weight:

Male: 49 – 52 lbs (22.5 – 24 kg)

Female: 41 – 44 lbs (19 – 20 kg)

Milestones: They are growing slowly and have almost reached their full weight.

Food: An adolescent should be eating two to three cups of kibble total spread out over two meals daily.

Month 11:

In month 11, Australian Shepherds have almost climbed to the top of the ladder of adulthood. However, they are still adolescents and not fully grown up. They will still be bursting with energy and need consistent exercise and jobs to keep them content. Advanced training should be in full force.

Cuteness Factor: Beautiful disaster!

Height:

Male: 20 – 22 in (51 – 56 cm)

Female: 19 – 20 in (48 – 51 cm)

Weight:

Male: 52 – 55 lbs (24 – 25 kg)

Female: 44 – 47 lbs (20 – 21.5 kg)

Milestones: They are still growing but slowly. They have most likely reached sexual maturity by this age.

Food: Adolescent should continue to eat two to three cups of kibble spread out over two meals daily.

Month 12:

1 year old Australian Shepherds have graduated from the puppy phase of the Australian Shepherd growth stages and made it into adulthood. They have most likely formed a strong connection and bond with their owner at this point. And while they are still adults, they still have a way to go to mature completely. Hopefully by now successful training and socialization has paid off and you have a well-adjusted dog.

Cuteness Factor: Blue-eyed floofball!

Height:

Male: 21 – 23 in (53 – 59 cm)

Female: 20 – 21 in (51 – 53 cm)

Weight:

Male: 55 – 58 lbs (25 – 26.5 kg)

Female: 47 – 50 lbs (21.5 – 23 kg)

Milestones: They are technically an adult. They continue to grow but slowly. Sexual maturity should be complete.

Food: Adolescent should now transition from puppy kibble to an adult food and eat three to three and a half cups total spread out over two meals daily.

Vaccines: At one year, DHPP and rabies are recommended.

Year 1.5:

By the 1.5-year mark, Aussies are almost fully developed emotionally and physically. They should be well advanced in their training and can remember many different commands. They are most likely within a few pounds of their completed adult weight.

Cuteness Factor: Furry Picasso!

Height:

Male: 21 – 23 in (53 – 59 cm)

Female: 20 – 21 in (51 – 53 cm)

Weight:

Male: 58 – 61 lbs (26.5 – 28 kg)

Female: 50 – 53 lbs (23 – 24 kg)

Milestones: They are still growing and gaining a few pounds.

Food: Adult should be eating three to three and a half cups of kibble spread out over two meals daily.

Year 2:

At 2 years old, they are finally reaching the final phase of their mental and physical growth. Their double coat of fur should be filled in by now. By now they should have transformed from a little fluffy precocious puppy to an active, good-natured, and intelligent adult Australian Shepherd. They may gain a few more pounds in the next year but they are pretty much well developed.

Cuteness Factor: Perfect trifecta of cute, cuddly, and fun!

Height:

Male: 21 – 23 in (53 – 59 cm)

Female: 20 – 21 in (51 – 53 cm)

Weight:

Male: 61 – 63 lbs (28 – 29 kg)

Female: 53 – 54 lbs (24 – 24.5 kg)

Milestones: They are still growing but very slowly and are very close to their total weight.

Food: They should continue eating three to three and a half cups of kibble spread out over two meals daily.

Vaccines: At the two-year mark, DHPP is recommended.

Year 3: (Adult Growth Stage)

Your Australian Shepherd has reached the pinnacle of their mental and physical growth and is ready to take on the world. They are now sexually mature with a beautiful adult double coat of fur and personality for days. By now they should be fully trained and socialized with good discipline and manners around other people and animals.

Cuteness Factor: Floppy eared phenomenon!

Height:

Male: 21 – 23 in (53 – 59 cm)

Female: 20 – 21 in (51 – 53 cm)

Weight:

Male: 63 – 65 lbs (29 – 29.5 kg)

Female: 54 – 55 lbs (24.5 – 25 kg)

Milestones: They are done growing and have completely matured mentally, physically, and sexually.

Food: Full grown adult should be eating three to three and a half cups of kibble spread out over two meals daily.

Vaccines: Rabies is recommended and may be required by law depending on what state you live in.

How Big Does An Australian Shepherd Get?

Fully grown, an Australian Shepherd will stand somewhere between 18 and 23 inches at the shoulder and weigh in the range of 40 to 65 pounds depending on the sex and specific dog. That being said, some Australian Shepherds have been known to get up into the 70’s. We hope that your Aussie is in the correct zone for his or her weight. Keep a log of their weight as they go through the stages of growth. If they are below the standard for the month, you may want to contact your local vet for an evaluation.

In Closing:

The Aussie is a great dog that is very easy to train, very loyal to its owner, and protective of its family. These Australian Shepherd growth stages should give you a good month to month guide for their correct measurements to keep them on track. Every step along the way in their development is an important part of their future adult self. Remember they are high energy dogs, so give them a healthy high-quality diet, plenty of exercise and jobs to do, and proper training and socialization. All of these things will add up to a healthy, stable, and well-adjusted Australian Shepherd.

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