Dog Years to Human Years Calculator

When we’re working out how old your dog is in human years, the popular opinion is to multiply their age by seven. While it’s true that one year for human development is quite different to one year for a dog’s development, the actual number of dog years to human years depends on several factors, such as breed and size.

We all wish our canine friends could live as long as we humans do, or even longer if possible. But the reality is their life span is not the same as ours and many dogs are already full-blown adults by the time they are two years old. In this article, we’ll show you the easiest way to convert dog years to human years to find out exactly how old your dog is.

Why the most famous rule to calculate dog years to human years can sometimes be wrong?

You’ve probably used the following easy-math rule for calculating how old your dog is your dog’s age to human years: multiply their your dogs age by seven for the to get their age equivalent in human years. The formula was likely based on the fact that while most humans get to live until they’re 70, dogs live on for an average of 10 years..

However, this rule doesn’t always offer reliable results. The dog’s size and breed play an important part in their life expectancy, with smaller breeds usually living longer than larger breeds. Larger breeds live shorter lives, so they mature more quickly. Large and giant breeds are usually considered to be ‘seniors’ by the time they’re five, while medium-sized dogs won’t reach old age until they’re seven. Small and toy breeds reach seniority around the age of 10.

How to calculate dog years to human years

According to the UK Kennel Club, the general guidelines for determining how old a dog is are the following:

• The first two years of a small dog’s life is roughly the same as 12.5 human years, while it’s 10.5 for a medium dog and nine for large dogs.
• Each additional year of the dog’s life is then multiplied by between 4.3 and 13.4 years, depending on the breed, to find their human age.

Dog age calculator

We’ve taken these guidelines and turned them into a visual, easy-to-use dog age calculator, so you can find your dog’s age in seconds.

Make sure you choose the option that suits your pet (small breed, medium breed or large breed) and use the slider to find out how old your dog is in human years!

What is the oldest dog in Britain?

Britain’s oldest dog, a Jack Russell called Meg, reached the grand old age of 25 in November 2014 – that’s approximately 113 in dog years!

How to help your dog live longer?

Even if your dog won’t set a world record, you can help them have a long and happy life. Here are a few simple things you can do:

Healthy diet

A healthy diet comprised of all the nutrients a dog needs will help keep them happy well into their old age. Here are some handy tips that will help you choose the right food for your dog.

Plenty of exercise

Physical and mental exercise, including daily walks, play sessions and enrichment opportunities,  are important for your dog’s health and wellbeing. It keeps them healthy and happy, assists with keeping their weight under control, build senergy and maintains a strong heart and immune system. Here are some ideas for fun dog activities that will keep them active and moving their body.

Keep up with vaccinations

Protecting your dog from potentially deadly diseases is crucial. Make sure your furry friend is up-to-date on all their vaccinations, as recommended by your vet. 

Regular vet check-ups

Keep an eye on your dog’s health with regular visits to the vet. Regular visits to your vet allow for early detection of any health issues, and in many cases, can prevent problems from developing in the first place. Don't wait for your dog to show signs of illness – be proactive about their health with regular checkups. These can often be timed to coincide with your dog’s annual vaccination schedule. 

Spend as much time together as possible

But most importantly, make sure you show your dog lots of love and affection. Strengthening your special bond will do your dog a world of good and keep them healthy and happy.

Now that you know how to turn dog years into human years, continue learning even more amazing things about your best friend with this interesting dog facts article.

Find out how old your canine companion is using the dog age calculator below