How Big Do Mini Aussies Get?
If you’re considering adopting an Australian Shepherd dog, you may have come across the adorable Mini Aussie, also known as the Miniature Australian Shepherd. Or, if you already have one, you may be wondering how big they can actually get overtime.
Believe it or not, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Just like people, every Mini Aussie is a little different in size. But don’t worry, this guide will give you the full scoop!
What’s Considered a “Normal” Size?
According to the breed standards, a full-grown Mini Aussie should be somewhere between 14 and 18 inches tall when measured at the shoulder.
As for weight, they typically fall in the 15 to 35 pound range. My 8-month old mini Aussie was 17 inches and 28 pounds the last time I checked.
However, your pup could end up a bit smaller or larger and still be perfectly normal and healthy. It really comes down to a mix of genes, gender, nutrition, and other factors.
The Role of Genetics
Genetics play a huge part in how big or small a Mini Aussie gets. The size really gets passed down from the parents. So if the mom and dad were on the smaller side, chances are their puppies will be too.
That’s why reputable breeders carefully pick which Aussies to breed together if they want to produce a true Miniature size. But even in the same litter, you can get some size variations thanks to that genetic lottery.
Do Gender Influence Their Size?
In general, the male Mini Aussies tend to get a bit bigger than the females. We’re usually talking just a couple inches in height and a few extra pounds.
For example, an average-sized female might be 16 inches tall and 25 pounds, while a male litter-mate could be 17 inches and 30 pounds at their full growth. But again, there are always exceptions!
Importance of Proper Nutrition
Feeding your Mini Aussie high-quality puppy or dog food is super important while they’re growing. A nutritious diet gives them the fuel to develop properly.
On the other hand, overfeeding can lead to them getting larger than they’re meant to be. Same goes for not feeding them enough – poor nutrition can stunt their growth.
So be sure to follow your vet’s advice and feed a balanced diet for your pup’s age and activity level. This helps set them up to reach their optimal adult size in a healthy way.
How Fast Do They Grow?
Here’s a quick peek at how a Mini Aussie’s growth typically unfolds:
- Newborn to 3 Months: In these first few months, your puppy will grow like a weed! Expect them to double or even triple their tiny birth weight.
- 3 to 6 Months: The rate of growth starts to level off, but they’ll continue getting taller and putting on muscle mass during this time.
- 6 to 12 Months: Around 6 to 12 months old, your Mini Aussie will hit their full adult height. You may notice an awkward stage where their puppy coat is falling out.
- 12 to 18 Months: Even though they’ve reached their full height, your pup may continue “filling out” a bit by gaining their final few pounds up until about 18 months old.
Of course, every dog is different, so your Mini Aussie could develop at a slightly different pace. The important thing is that you’re patient and don’t worry if they hit growth milestones earlier or later than average.
Keeping Them at a Healthy Weight
Once your Mini Aussie has finished growing, you’ll want to be sure they stay at an ideal, healthy weight throughout adulthood. Obesity can really do a number on these little guys, causing joint issues, breathing problems, and other nasty health conditions.
To avoid weight troubles, stick to a high-quality dog food made for their size and give them plenty of exercise and activity. You should be able to feel their ribs easily, but not see them sticking out. And when you look at them from above, there should be a nice tuck around the waistline.
Work with your vet to adjust their portions if your Mini Aussie starts looking a little chunky or too skinny. With the right diet and exercise routine, it’s easy to keep them fit.
Takeaway
Miniature Australian Shepherds usually stand between 14 to 18 inches and weigh in around 15 to 35 pounds once they’re fully grown.
However, there’s some wiggle room there depending on genes, gender, nutrition, and other factors.
More importantly, these little furry friends have huge personalities packed into their compact size. As long as you’re an active owner ready to provide the exercise and mental enrichment they need, a Mini Aussie can be fun to have and be with.
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