The size of a Miniature Australian Shepherd is strongly influenced by the genes inherited from both parents.

• Even within a breed with a set size range (Mini Aussies typically weigh between 20 to 40 pounds and reach a height of no more than 18 inches); individual puppies can inherit genetic traits that lead to a more compact or slightly larger frame.

• Mini Aussies can vary in size even if both parents are within the standard size range, due to variations in their genetic backgrounds, especially when there is some variation in their ancestry (for example, if one parent is a full-sized Australian Shepherd or another variation of the breed).

Although we cannot guarantee your puppy's size when fully grown, we check lineage and always breed with similar-sized mini parents. The size of the mother and father plays a significant role in determining the size of their puppies, but there can still be variability. If one parent is closer to the top end of the Mini Aussie size range and the other parent is on the smaller end, their puppies might fall anywhere in between. In some cases, a particularly large or small puppy can result from the influence of a grandparent or earlier generation's traits.

In general, while Mini Aussies share many of the same growth factors as other breeds, their genetics and breeding lines-along with how well the pregnancy and birth process goes— play a large role in determining the size variations within a single litter.