How Big Do Border Collies Get? Average Growth and Weight Chart
How Big Do Border Collies Get? Your Guide to Border Collie Sizes and Growth
Hello fellow dog lovers! Are you the proud owner of a Border Collie puppy, or considering adding one of these brilliant and energetic dogs to your family? If so, you‘re probably wondering: how big do Border Collies get? What size can I expect my Border pup to be when fully grown?
As a veterinarian and Border Collie enthusiast myself, I‘m here to give you the scoop on Border Collie sizes and growth patterns. We‘ll cover everything you need to know about the typical height and weight ranges for the breed, their growth timeline, factors that influence their ultimate size, and how to keep your Border Collie at a healthy weight throughout their lifetime.
Border Collie Breed Overview
But first, let‘s do a quick recap of what makes the Border Collie so unique. This medium-sized herding breed originated near the border of England and Scotland, where they were prized for their uncanny ability to control and direct sheep. The consummate working dog, the Border Collie is a canine athlete known for tireless energy, laser-sharp focus, superior agility and work ethic.
Breed hallmarks include a lean body, alert ears, an intense gaze and "herding eye", and a thick double coat that is most often black with white but can also come in red, blue, chocolate and lilac. Border Collies bond very closely with their owners and need ample mental stimulation and physical activity – they do best with a job to do and space to run.
Border Collie Size and Growth Chart
So, how big do Border Collies get when they‘re all grown up? While there is some variation, most adult Border Collies fall into the following height and weight ranges:
Male Border Collies:
• Height – 19 to 22 inches at the shoulder
• Weight – 30 to 55 pounds
Female Border Collies:
• Height – 18 to 21 inches at the shoulder
• Weight – 27 to 42 pounds
Male Border Collies tend to be larger than females. Note that dogs from working lines bred for herding may be leaner and lighter than those from conformation show lines. To give you an idea of the growth trajectory, here‘s a sample growth chart with typical height and weight ranges at different ages:
Age Males Females
Height Weight Height Weight
8 weeks 7-10" 5-12 lbs 7-10" 5-10 lbs
12 wks 10-13" 12-20 lbs 10-13" 10-18 lbs
16 wks 13-16" 18-28 lbs 13-15" 15-25 lbs
6 mos 17-20" 30-42 lbs 16-19" 25-35 lbs
9 mos 19-21" 35-50 lbs 18-20" 27-40 lbs
1 year 19-22" 40-55 lbs 18-21" 30-45 lbs
When Do Border Collies Stop Growing?
Border Collies typically reach their full adult height by about 12-15 months old. However, they can continue to fill out and gain muscle until 18-24 months. Most of their growth happens in that rapid puppy phase prior to 1 year.
It‘s important to avoid overfeeding during this time, as growing too fast can predispose Border Collies to musculoskeletal issues like hip dysplasia. Slow, steady growth on a balanced puppy food is ideal for the first year. After that, transition to an adult maintenance diet.
Factors That Affect Border Collie Size
While genetics are the biggest predictor of size, a number of environmental factors can also impact how big a Border Collie gets:
• Diet – Nutrition directly fuels growth, so a complete and balanced diet tailored to life stage is key. Puppies need more protein, fat, and calcium than adults.
• Activity level – Border Collies are high energy dogs who need a lot of exercise. Inadequate outlet for their physicality and drive can lead to frustration and behavior issues.
• Health problems – Certain health conditions like intestinal parasites, hormonal imbalances, or orthopedic problems can negatively affect growth if not addressed. Regular vet checks can help detect issues early.
Monitoring Growth and Maintaining a Healthy Weight
One of the best ways to track your Border puppy‘s development is with a growth chart. By measuring their height and weight regularly and comparing to breed averages, you can ensure they are progressing as expected.
To measure height, have your pup stand straight against a wall and measure from the floor to the top of the shoulders. For weight, you can use a bathroom scale – first weigh yourself, then pick up your dog and subtract the difference.
Once your Border Collie has reached their mature size, it‘s important to maintain a lean, healthy body condition. Feed a balanced diet in controlled portions, limit treats and table scraps, and provide plenty of exercise. You should be able to easily feel (but not see) your dog‘s ribs. If you‘re unsure if your dog is at an ideal weight, consult with your vet.
A fit, healthy weight can help your Border Collie avoid obesity-related illnesses and keep doing all the active things they love throughout their life. And as a bonus, staying slim can even help them live longer.
Final Thoughts
Border Collies are amazing dogs who can bring so much joy to the right household. While they‘re not a huge breed, these medium-sized pups still need space to run and play. Expect your Border Collie to reach their full height by 12-15 months old and fill out their final adult weight by 2 years.
The best things you can do to support your Border Collie‘s growth are feed an appropriate diet, keep up with preventive vet care, brush and groom regularly, provide plenty of exercise and training, and monitor their body condition. With your loving care and attention, your Border Collie can enjoy an active, healthy life by your side for many years to come.
