Sign In
Create Account
Understanding Dog Years: How to Convert Your Dog's Age to Human Years
Do often wonder how old your furry friend would be if you measured its age in human years? Your seven year-old golden retriever may be graying in the face, so you understand that dogs age faster than people. However, calculating the exact equivalence can be confusing.
Knowing how to convert dog years to human years provides valuable insight into your pet's life stage and health needs. We’ll go over how to convert dog age in human years and explain how aging varies by breed and size. You can also look over the helpful dog age chart we’ve included below for more insight.
The Common Myth: One Dog Year Equals Seven Human Years
Conventional wisdom has it that one dog year equals seven human years. Well, this isn’t entirely accurate. The truth is dogs mature more rapidly in their first few years, while the rate they age at declines as they get older. Larger breeds also tend to age faster than smaller breeds. Generally speaking, a one-size-fits-all approach to calculating dog years isn’t very precise. Let’s dig a bit deeper and get a more detailed understanding.
How to Convert Dog Years to Human Years
Dogs experience rapid growth in their early years. Here’s a breakdown of how dog to human years can be calculated with greater accuracy and insight:
- The First Two Years:
- The first year of your dog's life equals roughly 15 human years.
- The second year adds about nine more human years.
- When your dog turns two, they’re around 24 in human years.
- After Two Years:
- Each additional year is generally considered to add about five human years for smaller breeds and six for larger breeds.
So your 5-year-old Pomeranian would be approximately 36 in human years while a German shepherd of the same age would be about 39.
Dog Years Chart: Age Equivalency for Different Sizes
To make things easier, here’s a dog age chart to quickly calculate your dog’s age in human years based on their size.
|
Dog’s Age
|
Small Breed (20 lbs or less)(Human Years)
|
Medium Breed (20 to 50 lbs) (Human Years)
|
Large Breed (Over 50 lbs) (Human Years)
|
|
1 Year
|
15
|
15
|
15
|
|
2 Years
|
24
|
24
|
24
|
|
3 Years
|
28
|
28
|
30
|
|
4 Years
|
32
|
32
|
35
|
|
5 Years
|
36
|
36
|
40
|
|
6 Years
|
40
|
42
|
45
|
|
7 Years
|
44
|
47
|
50
|
|
8 Years
|
48
|
51
|
55
|
|
9 Years
|
52
|
56
|
61
|
|
10 Years
|
56
|
60
|
66
|
|
11 Years
|
60
|
65
|
72
|
|
12 Years
|
64
|
69
|
77
|
|
13 Years
|
68
|
74
|
82
|
|
14 Years
|
72
|
78
|
88
|
|
15 Years
|
76
|
83
|
93
|
This chart shows that converting dog age in human years varies slightly depending on the size of the dog. Generally, smaller breeds live longer than larger ones, and the rate of aging increases with size.
Why Age Conversion Varies By Breed and Size
Dogs of different sizes and breeds have unique aging processes. Smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas or Dachshunds, initially mature faster but slow down as they advance in years, often reaching 15-20 years of age. Larger breeds, like Great Danes or Saint Bernards, have shorter lifespans, averaging 8-10 years, and age faster in comparison.
This difference in aging speeds explains why it’s not accurate to apply a uniform human years to dog years conversion across all dogs.
How to Convert Human Years to Dog Years
Now that you’ve converted dog years to human years, you can do the opposite and convert human years to dog years. Check the comparisons below if you're curious about what young Susie’s age would look like for a dog. Or that of her middle-aged dad or mom:
- A 10-year-old child is roughly the same age as a 1-year-old small dog.
- A 21-year-old adult is comparable to an almost 2-year-old dog.
- A 40-year-old adult aligns with an 8-year-old medium-sized dog.
Understanding these equivalencies can help you anticipate what needs and care your dog may require as their life progresses.
Why Understanding Dog Years Matters
Knowing your dog’s age in human years doesn’t just make for interesting banter. It’s actually important for your pet’s health. Recognizing their stage in life helps you make better choices about their diet, exercise, and health care.
For example:
- Puppies need nutrients and exercise suitable for growth, just as young children need specific attention to their developmental needs.
- Middle-aged dogs (between 5 and 9 years, depending on the breed) may need a more balanced diet, with an eye on weight control and joint health.
- Senior dogs (typically over 9 years) need foods and exercise routines that support their slowing metabolism and can benefit from regular veterinary checks for age-related health concerns.
The big picture
Understanding dog age in human years can tell you how to care for your pooch at every stage of its life. Although the traditional seven-year rule is well known, the newer conversion method provides a more nuanced understanding of how your dog ages according to its breed and size. Using a dog years chart can help you see where your dog stands in its path from puppyhood to the golden years. You can then develop a care plan accordingly.
Now that you can easily convert dog years to human years, you’re better equipped to provide your furry friend with the love and attention they need for a happy, healthy life.
