¶How to convert dog years to human years
The rule that one dog year equals seven human years is a poor fit. Dogs grow up very fast. At one year a dog is like a teenager and at two like a young adult. After that it ages more slowly, and how slowly depends mostly on its size.
Why the breed matters
Small breeds usually live longer and age more slowly as adults. Large and giant breeds age faster after the first years. A Chihuahua and a Great Dane that are both ten can be more than 20 human years apart.
How the calculator works
We sort breeds into four size classes by weight: under 10 kg, 10–23 kg, 23–45 kg and over 45 kg. For each class we use the chart veterinarians often refer to, from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Life stages are based on the breed's life expectancy, the same way as in our cost calculator. If you don't choose a breed, we calculate as for a medium-sized dog.
An approximate answer
The result is an estimate. Your dog's health, weight and lifestyle also affect how it ages. In 2020, researchers at UC San Diego compared how DNA changes with age in Labradors and humans. They found that an eight-week-old puppy is like a nine-month-old baby and a twelve-year-old Labrador is like a person of about 70.
When is a dog a senior?
Small dogs are often considered seniors from about seven years and larger breeds from five or six. From then on, regular health checks at the vet are a good idea.
More tools for dog owners
- All Dog Names: Sweden's 100 most popular female and male dog names
- How much does a dog cost?: Lifetime dog cost calculator