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Extra Large Australian Shepherd?

by John C
(Jacksonville, FL)

My first large Aussie.

So it seems like with Mini and Toy Aussies getting so popular that Australian Shepherds are getting smaller. I have a blue merle that's about 55lbs. My first Aussie passed away last year and I've been trying to find a second Aussie. I really want an Aussie on the larger side, in the 60-75lbs range but it's harder than you would think.

Does anyone know of a breeder that specializes in larger Aussies?

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check the breed standard
by: Anonymous

The breed standard states that males are to be between 50-65 lbs and females between 40-55 lbs. Why would you want a dog that is bigger than the standard? I use to own Newfs. The breed standard for a female is 100-120. I had a very nice bitch that was 119 lbs. She looked like a pup in the confirmation class. Most females were weighing in at 130-145 lbs. They were showing more and more health issues like joint problems and torn ligaments. I'd rather have a healthy smaller (within the breed standard) dog than a bigger one with health issues. My female Aussie weighs in between 52 and 53 lbs.

Large Puppies
by: Jeri Weber

We got our blue merle Frankie from a breeder in New Mexico, Desert Willow Aussies. Frankie weighs in at 75lbs, and his sire (Cool Hand Luke) was equally that, maybe bigger, there are pups from his litter that are probably close to ready for their new home. Go to the website and speak with owner Theresa Gorduyn.

Agree
by: Anonymous

I agree I think having a healthy standard weight Australian Shepherd is much better not only for you but for your Aussie because they don't enjoy having health problems and I wouldn't want my Aussie having health problems due to her weight. It's better to just have standard Aussie weight size is nothing compared to just enjoying your healthy fur baby.

Extra Large Aussie
by: Rebecca

We have had three female Aussies and they have all been between 50-55 lbs. Our vet recommended we keep them at that weight for reasons of maximum health. They have all been wonderfully active and extremely intelligent. I agree with those who recommend the standard size Aussie.

Large standard
by: John

I'm not asking for an overweight Aussie, I'm asking for a large standard. My first Aussie that passed was 14. She was very healthy until she came down with cancer. No bone or joint issues at all. She averaged 65lbs her entire adult life.

Breed standard according to who???
by: Anonymous

I’ve always thought the ASCA standard only listed height (20 to 23" at shoulder), not weight. Were you referring to AKC? There are a lot of AKC types trying to make the "Big, Dumb, and Fluffy" phrase a reality, not just a joke by breeding bulky, awkward dogs. On the other hand, I’ve seen true working dogs 23" or maybe over that were probably close to 70lbs that no one would call oversize after watching them work all day long. Maybe that’s the type they were looking for.

Come on people
by: Anonymous

Are you people politicians, or just dense? He is saying he had an Aussie that was bred to be large in the first place. Not feed the damn thing to pig status, come on people.

Almost 30 years ago I had an Aussie on my ranch pushing cattle by my side that was a working machine and my best friend for 17 years. He weighed 85 lbs and could take down a pack of coyotes. Supper smart, agile, brave, and loyal to a fault.

That is what he and I want to find again.
The problem is that all of you yuppies have bred the large Aussies out of existence. So that you could have your helper dogs and damn minis. Just another breed of dog you all have ruined.

Larger Aussie
by: Anonymous

Our Aussie fluctuates between 80-85 lbs, and is strong willed, loving, and loyal as can be. He is very healthy and not overweight. He can outwork me any day of the week, but is content hanging out with us just as well.

We got ours from a farm breeder in Quebec; him and his brothers and sisters were bred to work. The bigger Aussies exist up North, but I have seen few his size.

Large Healthy Aussie
by: Jeannie

I had to comment, even if this might be old. I’m not sure why there were any negative comments. My family and my brother's family got a male black tri Aussie from the same litter. Our two pups were the biggest in the litter. My brother's dog, 22" at the shoulder between 60 and 65 lbs, super cute dog. My Harley, 26" at the shoulder healthy weight between 80 and 85 lbs, he’s as quick as his brother, as smart, as funny and happy. They are so much the same dog, mine's just big. Just like people they can be different. Can Harley be shown, I suppose not but I would attempt to get another his size...he’s pretty darn cool. The breeder is in Oregon.

Big Dude
by: Cody

I have a Male, he is constantly 77-80lbs. He is not overweight. We ride xc mntn bikes regularly in the hills of NB. We walk, daily on a 5-7k of leash loop and never gets out of the pool her at home. My vet says he is overweight. I shaved him and he is not a chunky dude, all the right signs of normal weight. His paws are massive. He is solid solid like a Mat Fraser. I saw one comment from a farmer saying he has a large Male. The vet has me thinking he is off breed but he is all aussie. Anyway, not sure why I care. Mostly because an overweight vet is telling me my active dog and I are overweight. Anyway. Just frustrating every 6mnths at vet.

I completely understand this
by: Anonymous

I have an Aussie who has always been between 65-75 lbs and so many vets have asked me to have him lose weight, even though it’s obvious he’s much taller than most Aussies. His mom was huge and I honestly wondered if he was purebred at first until I saw all of the breeders purebred certifications. My Aussie is very active and always has been since I love taking him hiking and I live in the mountains. I’m from Tennessee and I got him from a breeder in Benton, Tn by the name of Lynn Roark. It’s been about 4 years since I got him from them, but I think he’s still breeding them. They live on a huge farm and the pups grow up running around with horses, working dogs, and more.

Also looking for large aussies!
by: Anonymous

I have a homestead and I can't seem to find any breeders with parent dogs that would be likely to produce a bigger HEALTHY litter. I have a female that I adore but she's not quite big enough to make the animals respect her. If there's anyone out there producing 75ish lb male puppies I would love to hear about them! As said by those before me, 75lb healthy, not overweight.

Big Aussies
by: Anonymous

Hi. We are based in London UK, our Aussie weighs between 48/50kg. He’s not fat, but is incredibly strong (pulls like a husky) very strong.

Are there any other large Aussies out there at this size. Not being snobby but he is pedigree from a top UK breeder.

I have one
by: Anonymous

I think I have an extra large Aussie ☝🏽 He is far bigger than any other Aussie I have met. He towers over them at 23.5 inches tall and the vet says our goal weight is 70 pounds. He is approx 60-65 pounds now. I noticed recently that he is really big for an Aussie. Vet said so too 🤷🏽‍♀️ Idk how I got this lucky. He is intact, was supposed to be a sire according to the lady I purchased him from.

Big Aussie
by: Anonymous

We have a male Aussie that is full grown and he weighs 95 pounds.

Large Aussie
by: Jerry

We have a full blood Aussie male that is a tri color, and he is right at 100 pounds and very healthy.

Accidentally got a big Aussie
by: Anonymous

I found a breeder in SC 5 years ago I only got to meet the father of my dog (not the mother) he stood at 5 ft 8 in on his hind legs around 70lbs healthy black tri. My dog was the only one left in the litter his papers read purebred, red tri, and he was an adorable poof ball. Well he takes up whole recliners, and our patio bench now! He’s saved me from a bear trying to get into our indoor outdoor patio through a hole where I was having a cigarette. My dog charged the bear turned tail ended up chasing the bear up our willow tree no injuries on either parties. My dog herds the deer out of our neighbors yards into the woods. He is laidback, friendly, gentle, and very obedient I literally hit the dog lottery with him other than his size!

Look for the bigger guy in the liter
by: Anonymous

My Aussie is between 70-75. My vet says he should be about 65-70 and others have said he’s perfectly healthy at 75. He gets in a lot of exercise and is also very tall so I think he’s just a bigger guy. He was the largest puppy in his litter and was almost double the size of the other pups. His mom was tall and lean and about 55 pounds and his dad was stocky and around 55 pounds as well. I don’t know how two 55 pound dogs made a 75 pound one but I suppose it’s possible to find a bigger Aussie if you just look for the bigger guy in the litter. I originally thought I wanted a smaller Aussie because I’m a smaller person and I was told by the breeder he would be 55 lbs but I don’t regret picking him out. He is a total teddy bear and my protector. Maybe if people start breeding the bigger guys in the litter we will see more like him!

Xtra Large
by: Garrett

Am I the only person who has an ultra large Aussie? Went to the vet yesterday and he's 97.6 pounds. Two and a half, super great shape, and loves to chase deer. Thanks

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