Every dog owner has likely heard someone mention the difference between dog and human years. Undoubtedly, we want our furry friends to live as long as possible, which usually leads to the question, how old is my dog really? A dog age chart can help you figure that out.
If you know anything about dog years, you may have heard that one year of your dog’s life equals seven years as a human. But is this really accurate? This used to be the norm, but new studies have shown the previous method isn’t evidence-based, especially because a dog’s development varies by breed or size. A dog age chart is one of the simplest ways to find out how old your dog is in human years.
Dog age versus human age depends not only on the breed of dog but also on the size of your dog. Let’s take a look at how you can use a dog age chart to find out more about your pup.
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How old is my dog in human years?
Figuring out how old your dog is in human years isn’t as simple as it once was. It’s important to realize that dogs grow and develop faster than humans do. Although researchers used to think every year of a dog's life was equal to seven human years, the first year of a dog’s life is actually closer to 15 years.
A dog age chart is one of the simplest ways to determine your dog’s age. All you have to do is find the right age on the chart and match it with your dog’s size. This will give you an idea of how old your dog is in human years, and how much longer, on average, you’ll get to enjoy their company.
Why do small dogs live longer than big dogs?
You have to determine your dog’s age in human years based on its size because small and medium size dogs live longer than large dogs. Really large breeds sometimes live less than 10 years, while smaller dogs can sometimes live well past 15 years. Larger animals tend to live longer in the animal kingdom, but the opposite is true for dogs.
One factor is that dogs live less time because they age and develop faster than small dogs. This creates more strain on their body each year, leading to a shorter lifespan. Lifestyle also contributes to this since larger dogs are more likely to die in an accident when they’re working dogs. However, don’t be surprised if your furry friend defies all odds. Much like humans, the life span of dogs is based on averages, so some larger dogs may live much longer than the typical large breed.
- 4-serving meals starting at $3.77 per serving (up to 25% cheaper than HelloFresh).
- Incredible variety with 10+ weekly meal options, delivered directly to you.
- Easy to prepare meals ready in 30-minutes or less.
How old is 7 years for a dog?
Seven years used to be a significant number when it came to calculating your dog’s age. Dog owners were taught that one year in a dog’s life was equal to seven human years. This method was based on the idea that the average lifespan of a dog was 10 years, and the average lifespan of a human was 70 years.
As more studies have been done, researchers found out this isn’t always accurate. The size and breed of your dog can certainly play a factor in your dog’s lifespan and dogs age quicker than scientists originally thought.
What are the age ranges for dogs?
The lifespan of a dog depends on several factors, but it’s pretty amazing how long some dogs can live. The average lifespan of a dog is between 10 and 13 years, but some furry friends live much longer than that.
Really large breeds, such as Great Danes or Saint Bernards, have the shortest life span of all, with their average lifespan ranging between 8-10 years. Small dogs such as Chihuahuas, on the other hand, live an average of 14-16 years.
Amazingly, some dogs have a lot of grit and far surpass these averages. Bobi, for example, is a guardian dog who has become the world’s oldest dog at 30 years old! This dog has lived for so long, his age isn’t on the dog age chart.
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Why do I need to know my dog’s age?
You may wonder why your dog’s age is so important. Knowing your dog’s age can give you some ideas about what stage of development they’re in and how you can best care for them! If your dog seems to be slowing down, it will make more sense when you realize how quickly your dog develops.
Since dogs develop faster than humans and have a shorter lifespan, we know by 5 years old, most dogs are considered middle-aged. Many dogs do surpass the “average” lifespan, so there’s no need to worry if your dog is getting on in years. Ensure you’re taking them to annual vet visits and get them outside for regular exercise to keep them healthy and in shape.
- 4-serving meals starting at $3.77 per serving (up to 25% cheaper than HelloFresh).
- Incredible variety with 10+ weekly meal options, delivered directly to you.
- Easy to prepare meals ready in 30-minutes or less.
Takeaway
There’s a reason why dogs are known to be man’s best friend and great pets for the whole family. Although we may sometimes wish our furry friends could live as long as humans, we certainly enjoy their presence as long as they’re around.
If you’re wondering how old your dog is in human years, a dog age chart is the easiest way to find out. If you have any questions about your dog’s health or age, be sure to take them to see the vet!
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