How much should your Sheltie weigh? It depends on a few things.
If your dog is a purebred Sheltie, it depends on their sex, their height, and their age. On average, male Shelties will be between 35-41 pounds when fully grown, and females with be between 33-38 pounds when fully grown.
If you have the dwarf type of Sheltie, like the one pictured above, they can weigh even less than that. If you do happen to have a tiny Sheltie you’re worried about being underweight, consider trying to fatten them up with a little extra food until they reach the weight they should be at.
Shelties are small, but not that small. While they might look like miniature dogs, they’re actually just on the smaller side of medium-sized breeds. But even though they aren’t tiny, they can still be prone to health problems if they’re too big or too small.
How Big Do Shelties Grow?
The average Sheltie will stand at between 13-16 inches in height, and weigh in the range of 20-25 pounds. This is not a breed that always stays so close to the breed expectation. It is not uncommon for a Sheltie to be over or undersize. Something that is largely due to genetics and the lineage of the parental dogs. Either way, they are generally known for being a small and compact dog; at least in comparison to other breeds.
For instance, they are certainly the smallest of the herding dogs. And when we look at the table below, we start to see this more clearly:
| Herding Dog Breed | Average Height Range (Inches) | Average Weight Range (Pounds) |
| Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) | 13-16″ | 20-25 lbs |
| Blue Heeler | 17-20″ | 30-50 lbs |
| Border Collie | 19-22″ | 28-45 lbs |
| Australian Shepherd | 18-23″ | 40-65 lbs |
| German Shepherd | 21-25″ | 48-88 lbs |
Factors That Influence Sheltie Puppy Development
Genetics
Genes contribute to differences in dog sizes within a breed. Due to selective breeding practiced by humans throughout history, there is an extremely wide range of body types, behaviors and susceptibility to disease amongst dogs today.
The size and shape of your dog and his susceptibility to certain diseases depend on his genetic history.
Nutrition
Puppies need a nutritious and balanced diet specially formulated for puppies in order to flourish. They need high-quality protein and healthy carbs to provide them with the calories they need to run around as much as they like.
Shetland Sheepdog Growth Chart
To build a strong immune system, they require vitamins, and antioxidants. The formula should also contain omega fatty acids for the development of the brain and eyes and maintaining healthy skin and a glossy coat. Puppies that get all these nutrients generally grow up to be healthy adult dogs.
Physical Activity & Health
Puppies need regular exercise to be healthy. The best exercise for a young Sheltie puppy is free play with a favorite toy and socializing with other dogs.
Don’t exercise your puppy too much. The exercise needs of puppies are limited because their bones, muscles, and joints are still developing.
In conclusion,
Determining the ideal weight of a sheltie is important because shelties are prone to hip dysplasia and other skeletal problems which can be exacerbated by extra weight. A healthy adult sheltie should have a waistline that is visible when viewed from above and a chest that is deep but not narrow. The ribs should be felt but not seen, and the abdomen should be tucked up when viewed from the side.