A common misconception about the Year of the Dog
Many people think it’s easy to calculate a dog’s age by using a person’s age, just multiply the dog’s age by 7. If only it were that simple! The truth is, it’s a little more complicated than that. Unfortunately, we can’t just ask our furry friends how old they think they are – although the old adage about never asking a lady her age probably applies to dogs too. Every dog is unique, and their size plays an important role in determining their human age. Dogs grow quickly in their early years, much faster than humans, which may explain why they seem to master the art of slouching so effortlessly and comfortably.
How to Calculate Your Dog’s Age Using Human Age
In order to calculate your dog’s age more accurately, you need to consider its size. Dogs are usually categorized into three types: small, medium and large. Small dogs, such as miniature pinschers or terriers, usually weigh 20 pounds or less. Medium-sized dogs, such as beagles or schnauzers, weigh between 21 and 50 pounds. Finally, large dogs, such as Great Danes, weigh more than 50 pounds.
A dog’s size is a key factor in how quickly it matures. For example, small dogs tend to grow faster than large dogs. This explains why young Great Danes like Scooby Doo prefer to solve puzzles with snacks rather than taking life too seriously. Size also affects when a dog enters its golden years. Large dogs begin to show their inherent Bea Arthur temperament around 5-6 years old, while small dogs don’t show their Angela Lansbury temperament until around 10-15 years old.
If you’re welcoming a new dog into your home and want him to settle in quickly, check out What to Buy to Welcome Your New Dog Home for practical advice and must-haves.
Dog Age Chart by Size
This is a handy guide to calculating your dog’s age based on their size:
Small dogs (20 pounds or less)
- 1 dog year = 15 human years
- 5 dog years = 36 human years
- 10 dog years = 56 human years
- 15 dog years = 76 human years
Medium Dogs (21-50 lbs)
- 1 dog year = 15 human years
- 5 dog years = 36 person-years
- 10 dog years = 60 person-years
- 15 dog years = 83 person years
Large dogs (over 50 pounds)
- 1 dog year = 14 person-years
- 5 dog years = 36 person years
- 10 dog years = 66 person-years
- 15 dog years = 93 person years
Every dog is unique and age is only a small part of their life. Whether they are a spunky puppy or a wise old dog, they will always be your best friend. At Zera, we celebrate dogs of all ages and sizes because every moment with them is priceless.
