Blue Heeler Size Chart – Australian Cattle Dog Growth & Weight Chart

Australian Cattle Dogs, also known as Blue Heelers, are highly intelligent herding dogs who not only provide loyal companionship but also reliability when herding.

Knowing the Blue Heeler size chart is important for owners to ensure that their dog is on track for healthy growth.

It is likely no surprise that the Australian Cattle Dog is related to the famous Australian Dingos. Their muscular and sturdy build ensures a striking resemblance.

For those lucky enough to parent an Australian Cattle Dog, this article will provide you with all the essential Blue Heeler size and weight chart information so that you can monitor their progress from pup to adulthood. Read on to learn more.

When Do Blue Heelers Stop Growing?

Blue Heelers are a medium-sized dog breed and therefore tend to stop growing at 12 months old. By the time of their first birthday, your puppy will likely be at their full weight.

However, most puppies will continue to fill out in the chest area for a few more months, so fully maturity is reached between 18 and 24 months.

Males typically take slightly longer to reach maturity compared to females so they will likely mature at 24 months.

If you’re uncertain about your puppy’s growth progress, do frequently measure its size and weight against the Blue Heeler growth chart presented in this article.

Blue Heeler Weight Chart

Monitoring the weight of your Australian Cattle Dog is an important step you should take to ensure their long-term health. Measurements should be taken every month, and you should also observe them every day to see if there are any health issues.

The Blue Heeler weight chart presented below presents the estimated weight boundaries of your puppy at monthly intervals.

Take note that the weights presented are estimates and do not worry if your puppy is slightly over or under the weight boundary as it is perfectly normal. All puppies grow at their own pace.

However, if your puppy’s weight is significantly outside the estimated weight boundary, call a vet as there may be a medical issue.

Within the weight ranges, you can also expect male puppies to be at the higher end, while female puppies will typically be at the lower end of the range.

Blue Heelers typically weigh 12-15 lbs at 3 months and 23-26 lbs at 6 months.

By the time of their first birthday, they should weigh between 30 lbs to 35 lbs and when at full maturity by 24 months, they should weigh 45 lbs to 50 lbs.

Blue Heeler Size Chart

Blue Heeler Puppy Development Stages

The section below explains the development stages of the Blue Heeler.

Birth – 2 Weeks 

This is the newborn stage where the puppy is simply sleeping and eating for the majority of the time. At this stage, they have not established all their senses so while they can taste and touch, they cannot see or hear.

As with all newborns, this is a sensitive time. They require their mother for warmth as they are unable to regulate their body temperature and also their mothers support them with potty needs.

3 Weeks – 12 Weeks 

During this stage, we start to observe a transformation in the Australian Cattle Dog puppy.

The puppy develops from a sensitive, dependent pup to a curious soul with a personality. Expect the puppy to start crawling, wagging their tail and by 12 weeks confidently standing up.

During this stage, they can start to hear and see as well as teeth. As teeth are coming through you can start the weaning process.

During this transitional time, you can start teaching your Blue Heeler puppy some social skills and obedience, it will help you in the long run.

4 Months – 9 Months

From the age of four months, your Australian Cattle Dog puppy can learn more complex commands and understand boundaries.

They should also be potty trained to save you time cleaning. Their adult coat starts to come through from five months as well as their sexual maturity.

Australian Cattle Dogs need lots of stimulation and are kept busy. Particularly during the six-month period where you will see signs of aggression and physical strength.

10 Months – 18 Months 

By 18 months your puppy will reach their final adult height but expect them to continue bulking out.

During this period you can also start transitioning your Blue Heeler puppy to adult food as their body is sufficiently developed to digest the ingredients. Be cautious though, and do not rush the transition.

Your puppy will also require plenty of exercise and stimulation which will establish good habits for adulthood.

Adult 

Your pup will reach full maturity between 18 and 24 months of age. You must instil a good routine, attention and care to keep your adult Australian Cattle dog healthy.

This includes regular balanced meal schedules and sufficient daily exercise.

You also need to visit the vet regularly for medical check-ups to ensure that your dog is not suffering from any underlying issues.

How Big Do Blue Heelers Get?

If your puppy is sourced from a reputable breeder, they should identify the parents to give you an indication of their predicted adult size.

As genetics play a critical role in the physical characteristics of dogs, getting information on the parents is always a good first step.

For some, however, tracking down the parents is not possible. In these instances, you can contact your vet and get a DNA test conducted. The DNA test can yield a prediction of puppy size.

Another simple way of predicting the size of your Australian Cattle Dog is by examining the paws.

If your paws are disproportionately larger than the body, it is likely that your puppy still has growing to do to reach proportionality.

Finally, looking at the Australian Cattle Dog growth chart is another easy way to monitor the size of your puppy.

By adulthood, your Blue Heeler should weigh 45 lbs to 50 lbs and you can monitor the progress month by month.

Male vs Female Blue Heeler Size Chart 

Although the Blue Heeler comes in one size there are subtle differences in growth between males and females.

Typically, males are slightly larger in terms of weight and height compared to females. For example, the male adult weight will be between 40 lbs and 50 lbs, while the female’s maximum is 35 lbs to 45 lbs.

The height ranges also differ slightly. In adulthood, males will reach 18 to 20 inches, while females reach 17 to 19 inches.

For those unaware, a dog’s height is measured to their should blades. There is no difference in timings for when they reach maturity.

You can measure your Blue Heeler at home using a tape measure.

Ensure that they are standing straight on a flat surface to get accurate measurements and find their withers which are between the shoulder blades. Measure from the ground to the withers, and this is your dog’s height.

Will Neutering/Spaying My Australian Cattle Dog Affect His Growth?

Spaying and neutering are simple procedures that are done by the vet to remove the ovaries of female dogs and testicles of male dogs respectively.

Your puppy is also protected from certain health conditions such as ovarian or testicular cancer.

The spaying or neutering process results in calming the behaviour of your pup. The procedure is specifically known to reduce aggressive behaviour in dogs.

Although the procedures are harmless, they should be done at the right age otherwise there is a risk of stunted development, as reproductive hormones work in tandem with growth hormones.

For Blue Heelers, the spaying or neutering process can take place between 6 and 10 months.

Australian Cattle Dog Vs Mini Australian Shepherd Size

Mini Australian Shepherds are typically smaller than Australian Cattle Dogs.

Mini Australian Shepherds reach a maximum height of 13-18 inches, while Australian Cattle Dogs are taller on average measuring 18 to 20 inches.

Similarly, in terms of weight, Mini Australian Shepherds record an average adult weight of 20 to 35 pounds, while the Australian Cattle Dog is considerably larger at 45 to 50 lbs.

Although the differences are not radical, it should be known that Australian Cattle Dogs are larger than Mini Australian Shepherds.

Factors That Affect Blue Heeler Growth 

The section below highlights some known factors that affect the growth of a Blue Heeler.

Genetics & Gender 

Genetics plays a significant role in the growth of the Blue Heeler. While gender is also important as males are taller and heavier than females.

Genetic information is transferred from parents to their offspring. Your puppy will likely resemble the physical characteristics of its parents.

The genetic transfer also includes health conditions so it is always advisable to get the medical history of your puppy’s parents to check for historical health conditions.

Nutrition 

Nutrition is critical in affecting the growth and overall development of your Blue Heeler.

You should feed your Australian Cattle Dog a healthy, complete, and balanced diet with enough proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins so that they get all the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.

You should also take time to research harmful foods that should not be fed to your pup. While some may cause stomach upset, there are also risks of greater health complications and fatality.

Physical Activity & Health 

Although Blue Heelers are naturally active, if poor habits are learnt from early years such as lack of exercise and poor diet, there is a risk of obesity.

Physical exercise is the easiest way of avoiding it and your Australian Cattle Dog should instinctively want to exercise, so as an owner you simply have to enable opportunities for them.

They need up to two hours of exercise daily to stay fit. This can be a combination of walks, hikes, and training.

Be cautious of overexercising as this can cause joint issues.

How Big Is A Blue Heeler Puppy When He Is Born?

Blue Heeler pups, weigh between 8 and 16 ounces at birth on average (0.5 to 1 pound). Their eyes and ears are still closed during birth, and they are tiny and vulnerable.

Blue Heeler pups spend their first few weeks of life largely eating and sleeping as they grow and develop. By the time they are 6 to 8 weeks old, they will begin to explore, play, and consume solid food.

Throughout life, they will continue to develop and attain their full weight, which for males and females normally varies from 30 to 50 pounds.

How Big Should A 6-Month-Old Blue Heeler Be?

Blue Heeler puppies should weigh between 25 and 35 pounds at 6 months of age, with males being somewhat bigger than females. They will continue to grow and develop until they reach full adult size between the ages of one and two years.

During this period, it is essential to offer your Blue Heeler puppy with a healthy diet, frequent exercise, and enough of mental stimulation to facilitate their growth and development.

In addition, regular veterinarian care, including immunizations and checkups, is essential for their health and well-being as they mature.

Is Australian Cattle Dog A Medium Or Large Dog Breed?

The Australian Cattle Dog, is a medium-sized dog breed. Male Australian Cattle Dogs normally stand between 18 and 20 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 35 and 50 pounds, while females are somewhat smaller, standing between 17 and 19 inches and weighing between 30 and 45 pounds, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

They are robust and muscular dogs designed for herding and ranch labor, and they need frequent exercise and mental stimulation for their physical and mental health.

Blue Heeler Body Condition Score (BCS)

Body Condition Score (BCS) is a way for assessing a dog’s weight and body composition to determine whether it is underweight, overweight, or at an appropriate weight.

The optimal BCS for Blue Heelers is 4-5 out of 9, with 1 being emaciated and 9 being fat. A dog with an optimum BCS will have a noticeable waistline, visible but not visible ribs, and a layer of fat covering the ribs.

Overweight Blue Heelers are susceptible to joint discomfort, diabetes, and heart disease, whilst underweight dogs may experience starvation and weaker immune systems.

It is essential to evaluate your Blue Heeler’s BCS on a regular basis and alter their nutrition and activity appropriately in order to maintain a healthy weight.

How Much To Feed A Growing Blue Heeler Puppy?

The amount of food that you give your Australian Cattle Dog puppy depends on their age, activity level, and size.

When they can eat solid food, start with one and a half to two cups of dry food or kibble which is slightly moistened to support digestion.

As they reach adulthood and become more active, the amount of food they consume can increase.

When they have reached full maturity between 18 to 24 months, they can handle 2.5 to 2.75 cups of dry food per day, split over two to three mealtimes. Your vet will also direct you to recommended feeding times.

Monitoring their eating habits and adjusting accordingly. For example, if you observe bouts of voracious eating, you can decrease the amount of food per serving and increase the number of mealtimes.

What Are The Most Common Conditions To Be Aware Of In Growing Australian Cattle Dog Puppies?

As your Australian Cattle Dog grows, there are certain health conditions to be aware of.

As Australian Cattle Dogs are very active, common health issues are related to joint issues such as hip or elbow dysplasia and luxating patellas.

All of these issues can lead to arthritis which can cause severe pain as your pup matures.

Other common issues to be aware of include portosystemic shunt which relates to abnormal blood circulation and urolithiasis which causes stone formation in urine.

As with all dog breeds, obesity is always possible and should be monitored closely by dog owners.

Do Australian Cattle Dogs Experience Growing Pain?

Australian Cattle Dogs are less likely to encounter growing pain as they are a medium-sized breed. However, as with any pubescent growth, there is always a likelihood of growing pain emerging.

This may be due to orthopaedic problems such as hip dysplasia and osteochondrosis or playing too much as they are active dogs.

If your puppy is experiencing growing pains, it will have difficulties in doing its normal daily activities such as waking and jumping, and it will experience abnormal gait and limping.

Signs of growing pain include swelling, pain, lethargy, loss of appetite, and heat around the joints. If you notice these signs, take your dog to the vet for medical examination and treatment.

What To Do If My Blue Heeler Is Not The Right Weight?

If the weight of your Blue Heeler is not within the limit according to their age in the weight chart, then they are likely overweight or underweight.

Take regular measurements and compare them against the weight chart to confirm your suspicions.

If you have established that they are not the correct weight, the first thing that you need to do is take them to the vet for a medical check-up.

This is because your dog may be suffering from a health condition that is likely causing the weight changes.

When the vet clears your dog from any conditions, he/she may recommend ways that you can help them lose or gain the necessary weight at home.

Mostly, it involves changing the amount of food, increasing or decreasing the exercise levels, and supplementing their diet.

How To Properly Weight My Blue Heeler?

Weighing your Blue Heeler at home will help in ensuring that they maintain a healthy weight throughout their life. You should weigh your pup at least twice per year, but the more regular the better, especially if they have known health conditions.

To measure you can simply use a bathroom scale. First, ensure that the scale reads zero, then step on it and record your weight.

Secondly, gently pick up your dog, step on the scale, and record the total weight. Finally, subtract your weight from the total weight of you holding the dog, and this is your Blue Heeler’s weight.

Blue Heeler Genetics And Common Health Problems

The Australian Cattle Dog is generally a healthy breed, but like other dogs, there are diseases that they are genetically predisposed to the breed such as:

• Hip Dysplasia – this is a common disease which is caused by the deterioration of the hip joint because of the grinding and rubbing instead of sliding as the joint does not fit properly to the socket. The most common factor that contributes to this disease is obesity.
• Eczema – if your dog is suffering from itchy, inflamed skin it has likely got eczema. The disease is common among Australian Cattle Dogs but can be easily treated.
• Portosystemic shunt – abnormal blood circulation as the blood bypasses the liver to enter general circulation. The disease is quite rare but can appear in Blue Heelers.

Blue Heeler Size Chart FAQs

What Is The Blue Heeler Height Chart

The growth and development of Blue Heelers might vary depending on genetics, nutrition, and activity, hence there is no precise height chart for them.

Being a medium-sized breed, however, male Blue Heelers stand between 18 and 20 inches at the shoulder, while females stand between 17 and 19 inches.

What Are The Dangers Of Stunned Or Accelerated Growth?

A puppy’s stunted or fast development may result in bone and joint issues, including as hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, and ligament tears.

These disorders may cause persistent pain and movement problems and may need costly surgery or lifetime treatment. To prevent these concerns, it is essential to give pups a balanced diet and avoid overfeeding or excessive activity.

What Is My Australian Cattle Dog’s Neck Size?

To estimate the neck size of your Australian Cattle Dog, wrap a soft measuring tape around the base of their neck, where the collar would rest.

Remembering your dog’s weight and breed-specific characteristics, record the measurement in inches and use it to determine an appropriate collar size.

Final Words

Hopefully, this article has provided you with all the essential information you need to know about the Blue Heeler size chart so that you feel well-placed to monitor your pup’s development and identify if their growth is not on track.

Regular monitoring is key and the growth chart provides an easy-to-use tool to track month-by-month.

If you do identify any issues, your first contact should be the vet who can then explore any health issues in further depth.

Australian Cattle dogs are a healthy, energetic breed so enjoy and enable healthy development so they can lead prosperous lives.