Dog Years to Human Years Chart
Unfortunately, our furry friends grow older much faster than we do. You’ve probably heard the common belief that one year for a dog equals seven human years. While this rule of thumb is popular, it’s not entirely accurate as you’ll see on our dog years to human years chart. The truth is, a dog’s aging speed varies depending on their size.
Typically, smaller and medium-sized dogs tend to mature more slowly than their larger or giant-breed counterparts. This is largely because smaller breeds put less strain on their joints and internal organs over time. Because of this, dogs of different sizes will pass through the same life stages at different points in their lives. Breed type can also play a role in how quickly or slowly a dog ages.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the five essential stages in a dog’s life. We’ll cover what happens during each phase, and when dogs of various sizes typically reach them. Plus, we’ll address a few frequently asked questions about canine aging to give you a clearer picture.
Contents
Determining Your Dog’s Age in Human Years
As we discussed earlier, a dog’s size impacts how quickly they age. Below, you’ll find a useful chart that shows how dogs progress through the years based on their size.
- Small Dogs (20 Pounds and Under)
- Medium Dogs (21-50 Pounds)
- Large Dogs (51-100 Pounds)
- Giant Dogs (100 Pounds and Over)
| Years of Age | Small Dogs | Medium Dogs | Large Dogs | Giant Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~3 Months | 3 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| ~6 Months | 7 Years | 7 Years | 6 Years | 6 Years |
| 1 Year Old | 15 Years | 15 Years | 15 Years | 12 Years |
| 2 Years Old | 24 Years | 24 Years | 24 Years | 22 Years |
| 3 Years Old | 28 Years | 28 Years | 28 Years | 31 Years |
| 4 Years Old | 32 Years | 32 Years | 32 Years | 38 Years |
| 5 Years Old | 36 Years | 36 Years | 36 Years | 45 Years |
| 6 Years Old | 40 Years | 42 Years | 45 Years | 49 Years |
| 7 Years Old | 44 Years | 47 Years | 50 Years | 56 Years |
| 8 Years Old | 48 Years | 51 Years | 55 Years | 64 Years |
| 9 Years Old | 52 Years | 56 Years | 61 Years | 71 Years |
| 10 Years Old | 56 Years | 60 Years | 66 Years | 79 Years |
| 12 Years Old | 64 Years | 69 Years | 77 Years | 93 Years |
| 14 Years Old | 72 Years | 78 Years | 88 Years | 107 Years |
| 16 Years Old | 80 Years | 87 Years | 99 Years | 121 Years |
| 18 Years Old | 88 Years | 105 Years | 131 Years | 131 Years |
Does a Dog’s Breed Influence Their Dog-to-Human Years Calculation?
Primarily, it’s a dog’s size that plays the biggest role in determining how their age translates into human years. That said, different breeds can have varying life expectancies, even among dogs of similar sizes. These differences are mostly linked to breed-specific health concerns. Generally speaking, the healthier the breed, the longer its average lifespan will be.
Breaking Down a Dog’s Life Stages
Now that you’ve figured out how old your dog is in human years, you might be wondering — what does that really mean? Dogs go through five key stages throughout their lives. Let’s explore when dogs typically reach each of these milestones based on their size, and what each stage includes.
Puppy Time
The puppy stage marks the very beginning of every dog’s life. No matter the breed — whether it’s a tiny Chihuahua or a towering Great Dane — this stage spans from birth to about 6 months of age.
During this crucial period, puppies soak up everything about their surroundings and start to understand life as a dog. It’s the prime time for socialization and basic training, as young pups are especially open to learning. This is also when they figure out how to play properly and interact well with people, other dogs, and even other pets. The puppy phase for dogs is much like early childhood for humans — full of curiosity and growth.
Teenage Years
Dogs generally enter adolescence between 6 and 9 months old, and this stage typically lasts until they are around 1 to 2 years of age. Larger breeds and giant dogs tend to develop at a slower pace, so they might hit this stage later and stay in it longer compared to smaller breeds.
Think of the teenage years as your dog’s version of adolescence as your dog’s version . This is when they reach sexual maturity and might start testing boundaries, thanks to a surge of hormones. If your dog isn’t yet spayed or neutered, you may especially notice more rebellious behaviors during this time.
Young Adulthood
By the time dogs reach about 2 years old, they are considered young adults. This stage generally continues until they are around 4 or 5. However, for dogs weighing over 100 pounds, young adulthood tends to pass by a bit faster.
At this stage, your dog is officially an adult but still full of youthful energy. They’re likely healthy and lively, and you won’t usually see many age-related health issues just yet. Also, the rebellious streak from adolescence tends to have faded, making for a more settled and cooperative companion.
Middle Age
Most dogs enter middle age between 5 and 7 years old, and this phase often lasts until they are around 8 to 10. Larger and giant breeds tend to reach this stage earlier than smaller dogs, while smaller breeds enjoy a longer stretch of young adulthood.
Many dogs remain active in middle age with no signs of crisis, but signs of slowing down might start to appear, especially in larger dogs. Health issues related to aging can begin to surface in this stage, so it’s a good time to pay closer attention to their well-being.
The Golden Years
Dogs typically step into their senior years between 8 and 10 years old, marking the final stage of their lives. During this time, your dog will likely slow down and prefer a calmer, more relaxed lifestyle.
Older dogs often face increased health concerns, but they can make wonderful pets for quieter households. They’re usually less demanding than younger dogs and are content with a slower pace of life, making them great companions for those who prefer a more mellow furry friend