Does a mini Aussie’s weight match up to its name? Yes and no. The name “miniature” Australian Shepherd suggests that this dog is a severely scaled-down version of the famous Australian Shepherd, which in some ways, is true. A full-grown mini Australian shepherd’s weight will typically be 50% less than its non-mini counterpart.
Here is the revised chart:
| Breed | Male Weight | Female Weight | Male Height | Female Height |
| Australian Shepherd | 40 to 65 pounds | 20 to 40 pounds | 18 to 23 inches | 15 to 16 inches |
| Miniature Australian Shepherd | 20 to 40 pounds | 16 to 20 pounds | 15 to 16 inches | 14 to 15 inches |
As you can see, a miniature Australian shepherd’s weight is typically significantly less than an Australian Shepherd. But height-wise, the difference is not too big. Another way the name “miniature” Australian Shepherd can seem deceiving is if we compare this dog to other, popular miniature dogs.
When people think of “mini” dogs, they think of Chihuahuas, Maltese, Shih Tzu, or Yorkshire Terriers. Compared to those uber-popular miniature dog breeds, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is slightly larger.
| Breed | Average Weight (Male) | Average Weight (Female) | Average Height (Male) | Female Height (Female) |
| Miniature Australian Shepherd | 20 to 40 pounds | 16 to 20 pounds | 15 to 16 inches | 14 to 15 inches |
| Chihuahua | 2 to 6 pounds | 1 to 5 pounds | 7 to 9 inches | 6 to 8 inches |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 10 to 15 pounds | 7 to 10 pounds | 10 to 11 inches | 9 to 10 inches |
| Maltese | 4 to 7 pounds | 3 to 6 pounds | 8 to 10 inches | 7 to 9 inches |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 pounds | 7 to 10 pounds | 9 to 10 inches | 8 to 9 inches |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 to 7 pounds | 3 to 5 pounds | 7 to 8 inches | 6 to 7 inches |
As you can see from the chart above, the mini Aussie is not exactly a “teacup” dog. It’s a sturdy, medium-sized herding dog. It needs regular exercise and a lot of space to move around and shed its energy. That is why the topic of “mini Aussie size and weight” is a matter of confusion for many pet-owners who own these working dogs.
In this article, I will answer the most popular questions people have about the mini Australian shepherd’s size, weight, height, and space-related requirements. I have also included a few in-depth growth charts in this article to help current/future owners track the growth of their four-legged Australian buddies.
Do you have a specific question about mini Aussie weight and size? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page.
Here's what we'll cover:
- How Much Should a Mini Aussie Weigh?
- How Big Will a Mini Aussie Get?
- Mini Australian Shepherd Puppy Development Stages
- Factors that Affect Mini Australian Shepherd Size
- When Do Mini Aussies Stop Growing?
- When Are Mini Aussies Full Grown?
- Will Neutering/Spaying My Mini Australian Shepherd Affect His Growth?
- Australian Shepherd vs Mini Australian Shepherd Size
- What Are the Most Common Conditions to Be Aware of In Growing Mini Aussies?
- What To Do If My Mini Australian Shepherd Is Not the Right Weight?
- Final Words
How Much Should a Mini Aussie Weigh?
The average weight of a male mini Aussie full grown size is 20 to 40 pounds. For a female, it is 16 to 20 pounds. It is important to track their weight throughout their lifespans so that owners can adjust their food intake accordingly. I had a hard time finding accurate and reliable mini Aussie weight range charts on the Internet.
So, I asked an acclaimed veterinarian to chart the weight growth of two mini Aussie puppies: one male, and one female. Here is their weight chart from 2 months to 1 year of age:
| Age (Months) | Weight Female | Weight Male | Weight Gained in Each Stage |
| 2 | 5 to 8 pounds | 7 to 10 pounds | 3 to 5 pounds |
| 3 | 8 to 10 pounds | 10 to 12 pounds | 2 to 3 pounds |
| 4 | 10 to 13 pounds | 12 to 15 pounds | 2 to 3 pounds |
| 5 | 13 to 15 pounds | 15 to 17 pounds | 3 to 4 pounds |
| 6 | 15 to 20 pounds | 17 to 22 pounds | 5 to 7 pounds |
| 7 | 17 to 22 pounds | 20 to 25 pounds | 2 to 3 pounds |
| 8 | 20 to 25 pounds | 22 to 27 pounds | 2 to 3 pounds |
| 9 | 22 to 27 pounds | 25 to 30 pounds | 3 to 4 pounds |
| 10 | 25 to 30 pounds | 27 to 32 pounds | 2 to 3 pounds |
| 11 | 27 to 32 pounds | 30 to 35 pounds | 3 to 4 pounds |
| 12 | 30 to 35 pounds | 32 to 37 pounds | 2 to 3 pounds |
Here are some key points that we can derive from this chart:
- Mini Aussie puppies gain weight quickly in their first few weeks/months of life.
- They usually gain 3 to 5 pounds in their first month of life.
- For the next few months, they consistently gain 2 to 3 pounds.
- After the 6-month mark, their weight gain starts to taper off.
- After 7 months they only gain 2 to 3 pounds per month, until they reach full size.
Your Mini Aussie may gain more weight after the 12-month mark. The maximum weight a male mini Aussie can reach is 45 pounds. Anything above that is a cause for concern. Here is the ideal weight for your mini Australian shepherd dog (full-grown):
- Ideal Mini Aussie Female Weight: 30 to 35 pounds
- Ideal Mini Aussie Male Weight: 33 to 39 pounds
How Big Will a Mini Aussie Get?
In terms of height, Miniature Australian Shepherds are medium-sized. The average height of a male mini Aussie is 18 to 20 inches, while the average height of a female mini Aussie is 15 to 18 inches. Here is a chart detailing the height gain of two mini Aussie puppies: one male, one female:
| Age (month) | Height Female | Height Male | Space and Movement Requirements | Height Gain |
| 2 | 7 to 8 inches | 8 to 9 inches | 2 to 3 months Between 2-3 months of age, mini Aussies cannot regulate their body temperature, so they need plenty of warmth from their environment.They also need some space to move around and play.The best place for them to rest at this age is a small, enclosed area, like a small cardboard crate or a small playpen. | 1 to 2 inches |
| 3 | 8 to 9 inches | 9 to 10 inches | 1 to 2 inches | |
| 4 | 9 to 10 inches | 10 to 11 inches | 3 to 4 months After 4-5 months, mini Aussies start socializing and seeing clearly.They can still fit in a small crate/playpen but they should start exploring their environment by going on short walks. | 2 inches |
| 5 | 10 to 11 inches | 11 to 12 inches | 4 to 6 months They need more space to run and play. It is wise to shift them to a medium-sized crate or bed at this age. The sleeping spot should be big enough for the puppy to stand up and crawl around. | 1 to 2 inches |
| 6 | 11 to 12 inches | 12 to 13 inches | After 6 months After 6 months, mini Aussies reach 75% of their maximum size and weight potential. They should be shifted to a “permanent home” after six months. This can be an XXX-sized, large-size crate or a spacious, 30-square-inch customized bed. Must provide them with blankets during sleep and toys for playtime. They can start taking longer walks and participating in more advanced training and activities.“Fully grown” does not mean fully mature. Mini Aussies need up to 2 years to fully mature. So, between 6 to 24 months of age, these puppies should receive proper obedience, agility, and behavioral training. | 1 to 2 inches |
| 7 | 12 to 13 inches | 13 to 14 inches | 1 to 2 inches | |
| 8 | 13 to 14 inches | 14 to 15 inches | 1 to 2 inches | |
| 9 | 14 to 15 inches | 15 to 16 inches | 1 to 2 inches | |
| 10 | 15 to 16 inches | 16 to 17 inches | 1 to 2 inches | |
| 11 | 16 to 17 inches | 17 to 18 inches | 1 to 2 inches | |
| 12 | 17 to 18 inches | 18 to 19 inches | 1 to 2 inches |
Your mini Aussie shepherd may grow by 1 to 2 inches between 12 to 18 months of age. But, the main height-growth happens before they are 6 to 7 months of age. After that, they only grow slightly taller.
Mini Australian Shepherd Puppy Development Stages
Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and let’s take a look at the stages that will take your pup from a tiny bundle of joy to a vibrant, active adult.
Birth – 2 Weeks
Oh, the joy of welcoming a newborn Mini Aussie into the world! During the first two weeks of life, these little ones are entirely dependent on their mother. At this tender age, they are just beginning to explore the world, albeit with closed eyes and wobbly legs.
The weight of a Mini Australian Shepherd puppy at birth can vary, but they generally weigh somewhere between 5 to 10 ounces. It’s a time of rapid growth, so ensuring the mama is on a nutritious diet is vital. And remember, these initial weeks are all about warmth, milk, and snuggles!
3 Weeks – 12 Weeks
As your pup reaches the 3-week mark, you’ll notice their eyes and ears opening, unveiling a world of sights and sounds to explore. By 8 weeks, these little adventurers might weigh anywhere between 5 and 12 pounds. It’s a period of high energy levels and curiosity, with their personalities beginning to shine through.
At around 12 weeks old, it’s time to introduce puppy food to their diet, helping them maintain a healthy weight. A puppy feeding chart can be a great tool to determine the right amount of food for your growing pup. And oh, those puppy eyes will be hard to resist during meal times!
4 Months – 9 Months
Welcome to the teenage phase! Your Mini Aussie will be a bundle of energy, showcasing a spirit that is eager to play and explore. By 8 months, they could weigh anywhere between 20 and 40 pounds, inching closer to their adult size.
It’s essential to keep an eye on their diet to prevent them from becoming overweight. Transitioning to adult food around this time can help manage their weight effectively. And remember, these pups are known for their agility, so encouraging active play is a must!
10 Months – 18 Months
As your Mini Aussie approaches the 10-month milestone, you’re likely witnessing a nearly grown, yet still puppy-at-heart, dog. Male pups generally reach their full adult size between 16 to 18 months, while their female counterparts might take a tad longer.
By the end of this stage, your Mini Aussie will stand proud between 14 and 18 inches at the shoulder, weighing in at a healthy 20 to 40 pounds. It’s a good practice to continue monitoring their weight to ensure they maintain a healthy weight as they transition into adulthood.
Factors that Affect Mini Australian Shepherd Size
There are several factors that can affect a mini Aussie’s height and weight. The main ones are:
- Size of Parents: This breed is only about 70 years old. In most cases, larger parents create larger puppies, and vice versa.
- Gender: Typically, male dogs are slightly bigger in size than their female counterparts.
- Bloodline Stability: The more credible your breeder, the higher the chances of your puppy falling between the healthy and normal 20 to 40 lb. weight window.
When Do Mini Aussies Stop Growing?
In terms of height and weight, the most amount of growth for your Mini Australian Shepherd will happen before they reach the ages of between 7 to 9 months. After that, their brain keeps developing (until they are 18 to 24 months of age) but they only experience small, incremental height and weight gains.
When Are Mini Aussies Full Grown?
In terms of a male/female mini Aussie’s height and weight, they will become “fully grown,” anywhere between 9 to 12 months of age. Don’t expect your dog’s size to increase by a large measure after they turn 1 year old.
Overall, mini Aussies belong to a vast genetic pool. That is why most of them do not inherit genetic diseases and do not suffer from mini Aussie size-related complications. So, stop worrying about your mini Aussie’s height and weight. Use this guide to keep the weight and height of your four-legged Aussie buddy at a healthy range!
Will Neutering/Spaying My Mini Australian Shepherd Affect His Growth?
Oh, the dilemmas of being a responsible pet parent! Deciding whether to spay or neuter your Mini Aussie is indeed a significant decision. Generally, vets recommend neutering male counterparts around 6 to 9 months old, while female dogs can be spayed around the same age, sometimes even earlier at 5 to 6 months old.
But here’s the million-dollar question: will it affect your puppy’s growth? Well, it might. Some studies suggest that spaying or neutering can affect the growth plates, potentially leading to a slightly taller stature. However, rest assured that your mini will still remain within the standard Australian Shepherd size chart parameters. It’s always best to consult with your vet to determine the optimal time for this procedure.
Australian Shepherd vs Mini Australian Shepherd Size
When it comes to the battle of the sizes, understanding the difference between the standard and mini versions is essential. While both are undeniably adorable, the mini Australian Shepherd size chart showcases a more compact size, generally weighing between 20 to 40 pounds and standing 14 to 18 inches tall.
On the other hand, the standard Australian Shepherd can weigh anywhere from 40 to 65 pounds, with a height ranging from 18 to 23 inches. Despite the size difference, both versions share a vibrant spirit and a heart full of love, making them the perfect companions for active dog lovers.
What Are the Most Common Conditions to Be Aware of In Growing Mini Aussies?
As a Mini Aussie parent, it’s crucial to be aware of the common conditions that might affect your pup’s growth from birth to adulthood. These active dogs are prone to certain genetic conditions, including iris colobomas, juvenile cataracts, and luxating patella.
Being aware of these conditions allows you to take preventative measures and ensure your pup grows up healthy and happy. Regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet with the best dog food can go a long way in keeping these issues at bay.
What To Do If My Mini Australian Shepherd Is Not the Right Weight?
Finding out that your dog is not the right weight can be a bit concerning. But fret not, dear pet parents, for we have got you covered with tips to get your pup back on track. Firstly, consult a mini Australian shepherd weight chart or a weight calculator to understand the ideal weight for a mini.
If your pup is carrying excess fat, it might be time to revise their diet and increase their physical activity. Conversely, if they are underweight, you might need to up their calorie intake with nutrient-dense dog food. Remember, it’s always best to consult with a vet to tailor a diet and exercise plan that suits your individual pup’s needs.
Final Words
And there we have it, dear readers, a comprehensive guide to navigating the growth journey of your Mini Aussie. Remember, every pup is unique, and various factors can also affect their growth. So, keep those vet appointments and cherish every moment of your puppy’s growth. Stay tuned for more insights into the delightful world of Mini Aussies, and until then, happy puppy parenting!
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