Sheltie Growth Chart: When Will Your Pup Stop Growing?

Shelties are known for their intelligence, agility, and that beautiful double coat that makes them so distinctive. As any dog owner knows, it’s essential to track your puppy’s growth to ensure they are developing properly. Whether you’re welcoming a Sheltie into your home for the first time or you’re already familiar with the breed, understanding their growth stages can help you care for them through every milestone. Here’s everything you need to know about Sheltie growth, including a growth chart, important milestones, and tips for keeping your pup happy and healthy as they grow. Male vs Female Shetland Sheepdogs: Which One’s Better?

Overview

Shelties, formally known as Shetland Sheepdogs, are a delightful breed that’s small to medium-sized, known for being affectionate, energetic, and loyal. As puppies, they’re incredibly playful and full of life. But as they grow, they begin to mature into calm, intelligent companions. Understanding their growth journey from puppyhood to adulthood is essential in providing the right care and training at each stage.

Size & Growth Chart

The first year of a Sheltie’s life is crucial, with the most growth happening during the first 6 months. Here’s a handy reference guide for tracking your Sheltie’s development based on their age, weight, and height:

Female Sheltie Weights & Heights by Age

While male Shelties tend to be slightly larger, female Shelties follow their own growth trajectory. Here’s a more specific look at female Sheltie sizes at different stages of growth:

Key Notes:

• Height and Weight: Female Shelties typically reach full height by 12 months, but their body will continue to fill out, especially in terms of muscle development, up until 18 months.
• Variation: While these are averages, each Sheltie is unique. Genetics, diet, and lifestyle will all play a role in their growth.

Additional Sheltie Growth Chart

Here’s another version of the growth chart to help you monitor your Sheltie’s development. It also breaks down the differences between male and female Shelties:

When Does a Sheltie Stop Growing?

A Sheltie will generally stop growing in terms of height around 12-15 months of age, but it doesn’t stop developing altogether. Here’s why Shelties stop growing and the factors that contribute to it:

1. Genetic Factors: Like all dogs, a Sheltie’s growth is largely determined by its genetics. Once a Sheltie reaches the size determined by its genetic makeup, the growth plates in their bones close. This signals the end of their height growth, but they may still continue to fill out for several months.
2. Puberty and Sexual Maturity: As Shelties mature, they undergo puberty, and this is a period where their body transitions from a puppy to an adult. Shelties may reach their full size at around 1 year, but their coat and muscle mass may still develop until 18-24 months. This is why many owners notice their Sheltie continues to mature past their first birthday.
3. Nutritional Influence: A well-balanced diet ensures a Sheltie grows properly. Proper nutrition helps bones, joints, and muscles develop as they should. Overfeeding or poor-quality food can delay or stunt growth. Ensuring your dog receives the right mix of nutrients during its early years is crucial.
4. Growth Plates: The growth plates in a Sheltie’s bones close around 12-18 months. These plates are cartilage during the growing phase and eventually harden into bone. Once these plates close, the Sheltie’s height stops increasing, though they may still continue to gain muscle and develop their adult coat.
5. Exercise and Activity: The amount of exercise and activity your Sheltie gets will also influence its growth. Moderate exercise is great for keeping them fit and healthy, but over-exercising, especially during the growth stages, can lead to joint issues and slower development.

While Shelties will stop growing taller by 12-15 months, they may continue to fill out and develop muscle mass until around 2 years old.

Factors Affecting the Size of Shelties

Several factors affect the size and growth of a Sheltie. These include genetics, diet, health, and environment. Here’s how each factor contributes to their overall size:

1. Genetics: The size of a Sheltie is primarily determined by the genetics they inherit from their parents. If both the mother and father are on the larger or smaller end of the spectrum, their puppies will likely follow suit.
2. Diet: A balanced diet is essential for proper growth. The nutritional content of a Sheltie’s food directly impacts their development. During the first year, their food should be calorie-dense to support their rapid growth, and as they grow older, the food should balance protein, fat, and fiber for long-term health.
3. Health and Veterinary Care: Shelties can experience developmental problems related to joints or bones, like hip dysplasia, which may impact their growth. Regular vet visits help identify and address these issues early on. Puppies that have regular check-ups are more likely to grow to their full potential.
4. Environment and Exercise: A Sheltie that lives in an active, stimulating environment will likely develop muscles and bone structure more naturally. Regular exercise helps with muscle development and prevents obesity, which can impact growth.

Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for ensuring your Sheltie grows to its full potential without becoming overweight or underweight. Here’s what you should know about feeding your Sheltie at each stage:

1. Puppy Stage (up to 6 months): During this stage, feed your Sheltie high-quality puppy food that is specially formulated for their growth needs. Puppies need 3-4 meals a day to provide them with the calories they need for energy and growth.
2. Adolescent Stage (6 months-1 year): At this stage, reduce their feedings to 2-3 times a day and start introducing a balanced adult food. Look for a food formula designed for medium-sized breeds, rich in protein for muscle development and moderate fats for healthy weight.
3. Adult Stage (1+ year): Once fully grown, feed your Sheltie 2 meals a day of high-quality, moderate-calorie adult food. Since Shelties are prone to gaining weight if overfed, it’s essential to monitor portion sizes.

How to Measure Your Sheltie

Regularly measuring your Sheltie helps you track their growth. Here’s a quick guide to measuring:

• Height: Measure at the withers (top of the shoulder). You can use a measuring tape or a yardstick against the wall to get an accurate reading.
• Weight: Weigh your Sheltie monthly to ensure they’re maintaining a healthy weight. For puppies, this is particularly important as they grow quickly in the early months.

FAQs About a Sheltie Puppy’s Growth and Development

• How big will my Sheltie get?
  Most Shelties will weigh between 18-24 lbs and stand at about 13-16 inches tall at the shoulder. Males tend to be slightly larger than females.
• When should I switch from puppy food to adult food?
  Transition to adult food around 6-12 months, depending on your Sheltie’s individual growth rate.
• At what age do Shelties get their full coat?
  They typically start to grow their full adult coat between 6-9 months and can take up to 18 months to reach their final coat thickness.
• What are the disadvantages of a Sheltie?
  Shelties require frequent grooming, may suffer from separation anxiety, and have strong herding instincts, which can be challenging to manage.

How Long Do Shelties Live? Secrets to Their Surprising Lifespan
Shetland Sheepdog: All You Need to Know About This Breed
Shelties: The Untold History Behind These Adorable Dogs!