How big do shollie dogs get?

The sheer presence of a Shollie—the vibrant cross between a German Shepherd Dog and a Border Collie—is often what first captures attention. These dogs carry the intelligence of two of the sharpest breeds in the canine world, promising an energetic and devoted companion. Yet, for prospective owners researching this hybrid, one of the most pressing questions revolves around their physical stature: precisely how big do these intelligent mixes get? As with many designer breeds, the answer isn't a neat little box, but rather a spectrum influenced by the distinct genetics of the parent breeds. ^[5] Understanding this range is essential, as it directly dictates the space, food, and exercise required to keep such a powerful dog happy and well-adjusted.

# Hybrid Size Range

The Shollie is consistently classified as a large dog breed. ^[3][5] However, even within this category, the variation reported across different sources suggests that an owner should plan for a dog that could be significantly smaller or larger than their neighbor’s Shollie. One widely cited range places the typical adult weight between 70 to 80 pounds. ^[2][4][5] These figures align with the larger end of the parent breeds, suggesting that the German Shepherd's sturdy frame often leaves a strong impression on the resulting offspring.

Digging deeper into the reported figures reveals a broader picture of this size variance. One comprehensive look suggests a weight range stretching from 50 to 75 pounds, ^[1] while another assessment broadens this to 50 to 90 pounds. ^[3] This near 40-pound difference between the lower estimate (50 lbs) and the upper estimate (90 lbs) underscores why prospective owners must prepare for a dog that might fall into the medium-large category or the true giant end of the spectrum. ^[1][3]

When looking at height, the reported measurements also show minor but important discrepancies. Many sources agree on a general adult height range of 21 to 29 inches at the shoulder. ^[2][4] Another source provides a slightly tighter window of 20 to 28 inches. ^[1] When considering the sheer magnitude of this variation, it’s helpful to remember that the Border Collie is typically a medium dog, while the German Shepherd is firmly in the large category. The resulting Shollie inherits that genetic toss-up, resulting in a dog that is always substantial but variable in its final dimensions. ^[5]

# Sex Differences

While many designer breeds show a predictable pattern where males are larger than females, the data for the Shollie often pools the numbers together, indicating a high degree of overlap between the sexes. ^[2][4] When specific measurements are provided, a slight differentiation does appear, though one source’s interpretation of "length" over "height" muddies the water slightly.

One profile suggests that males may reach heights of 27 to 29 inches, while females are listed as slightly shorter, falling between 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder. ^[5] Another source provides measurements that might confuse height with overall body length, listing a male length of 27-33 inches and a female length of 22-24 inches. ^[4] Given the common height consensus centers around the 21 to 29-inch range, owners should anticipate that a male Shollie will likely be closer to the top of that scale, potentially cresting 28 or 29 inches, while a female may settle comfortably in the mid-20s. ^[2] Regardless of sex, owners must be ready for a dog that exceeds the height of many common family breeds.

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# Growth Milestones

Understanding when a Shollie reaches its adult size is just as critical as knowing the final number, particularly because the parent breeds are known for their lean muscle and enduring energy. If an owner pushes a large, rapidly growing puppy too hard physically, they risk damaging developing joints, such as the hips and elbows, which are already potential problem areas for this mix. ^[2][3]

Data tracking the growth of Shollies suggests that while they gain mass quickly in their first year, they may not fully fill out their frame until well into their second year. For example, one tracking chart noted the following benchmarks:

• Six Months: A Shollie puppy might already weigh around 65 pounds and stand approximately 23 inches tall. ^[2] At this stage, they have already achieved a significant portion of their adult height and weight, which can fool owners into thinking they are fully grown.
• Twelve Months: By one year, the growth begins to slow but continues, with many reaching about 70 pounds and 24 inches. ^[2]
• Eighteen Months: Significant slow-down occurs here, but they continue to mature, often reaching 75 pounds and 25 inches. ^[2]

This pattern—still gaining weight and height after 12 months—is an important consideration. Many larger breeds are not skeletally mature until 18 to 24 months of age. For the Shollie, owners must be vigilant about controlled exercise—think structured walks and mental work—until at least 18 months, rather than allowing unrestricted, high-impact running, which could stress those still-developing joints. If you notice an exceptionally large Sheltie, it’s worth noting that even within purebred lines, size variation can be dramatic; some Sheltie owners have noted that their dogs can weigh 40 or even 55 pounds, though they are still 100% Shetland Sheepdog, sometimes prompting humorous discussions about whether they should be called a "Shollie" instead. ^[2] This highlights that size variability is natural in herding lines, making the predictability in a mix even more complex.

# Parental Impact

The unpredictable size of the Shollie stems directly from the inherent size variance within its two parent breeds. The German Shepherd Dog is a foundational large breed, often robustly built. ^[1][3] The Border Collie, while intelligent and athletic, generally falls into the medium-sized bracket. ^[5] When these two are crossed, the resulting litter can be highly inconsistent. Some puppies may strongly favor the GSD build, leading to the 80-90 pound adult, while others might take more after the Border Collie, resulting in a dog closer to the 50-60 pound mark. ^[1][3]

This size inheritance is complicated by the fact that breeders often use performance metrics (intelligence, work drive) over strict conformation for these mixes. A breeder aiming for high working drive in a Border Collie line might inadvertently select for larger ancestors, as the Reddit discussions showed that even purebred Shelties can vary wildly in size, sometimes attributed to lineage differences or even growth charts used to predict size. ^[2] Consequently, the Shollie is less a predictable cross and more a magnificent lottery ticket combining high intelligence with a weight class that demands significant planning from the owner. ^[5]

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# Space Needs

The physical size of the Shollie, combined with its inherited energy levels, strongly dictates its living requirements. A dog weighing 70 to 80 pounds with the stamina of a herding champion is not suited for confined spaces if their exercise needs are neglected. ^[2] Sources confirm that these dogs are not ideal for apartment living unless the owner is rigorously committed to providing extensive daily physical activity and mental challenges outside the home. ^[1] A fenced yard becomes far more than a convenience; it is a near necessity for allowing them safe, supervised opportunities to burn off that relentless energy. ^[5] For an owner living in a smaller home, accepting the higher end of the weight spectrum (approaching 80-90 pounds) means accepting that their dog will require significantly more square footage for comfortable movement inside, even when resting, than one at the lower end of the reported range. ^[3]

# Final Assessment

Determining the final size of an individual Shollie puppy is a matter of informed guesswork until they are nearly fully grown. While the general consensus places them in the 70 to 80 pound range and standing 21 to 29 inches tall, ^[2][4] owners must be mentally and logistically prepared for the upper limits approaching 90 pounds. Preparation involves ensuring your home structure—whether it’s a large house or an apartment—can accommodate a powerful, medium-to-large dog, and that your lifestyle can manage the massive appetite and intense exercise demands that come with carrying that physical presence. Planning for a dog that is at least 70 pounds and fully grown by 18 months offers the safest framework for responsible ownership of this smart, athletic crossbreed. ^[2]