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Pet owners have been asking how old our dogs are in human years for centuries (and probably longer). We do this mostly because it is fun to speculate how old our pets would be if they suddenly transformed into a human, although there is a practical use, too. By comparing our dogs age with a human equivalent, it helps us get a sense of their life span, their energy levels and the kind of health issues we can expect. This helps us get a sense of what is normal and what symptoms may be out of the ordinary.


How old is a dog in human years?



Dog Size (Average weight for breed) Small (<9.5kg) Medium (9.5-22kg) Large (23kg +)
Age of Dog (Years) Equivalent Human Age (Years)
1 15 15 15
2 24 24 24
3 28 28 28
4 32 32 32
5 36 36 36
6 40 42 45
7 44 47 50
8 48 51 55
9 52 56 61
10 56 60 66
11 60 65 72
12 64 69 77
13 68 74 82
14 72 78 88
15 76 83 93
16 80 87 120



How do you calculate how old a dog is?

Researchers base the figures in the table above on many factors, most of which are physical. For instance, we estimate that a 1-year-old dog is about the equivalent to a 15-year-old teenager because all of their teeth have developed, they are strong and energetic and they have reached (or are approaching) sexual maturity. Meanwhile, as dogs get older, their teeth start to show wear and tear and they are more likely to succumb to illnesses and ailments which we tend to associate with elderly humans, such as arthritis, cloudy eyes, loose skin and grey hair.

Age of Dog Human Equivalent Indicator(s)
8 weeks 3-4 years Baby teeth have finished growing
7 months 8-10 years All permanent teeth have grown


Help your dog live a healthy life

Although every dog is different and there isn’t much we can do about genetic predispositions to illness, the best way to help your dog live the longest life possible is to keep them healthy, both mentally and physically. A loving home with lots of play, affection and exercise is the best way to keep your dog happy, stimulated and physically fit. Meanwhile, a well-balanced diet of food they love and which provides them all the nutrition they need will keep their bones and muscles as strong and healthy as possible.

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