Dog age

Seven times is the wrong rule

A dog's first year is closer to 15 human years. After that, size sets the pace.

Year one

They grow up in one trip around the sun

At 12 months most dogs are already physically mature. Count about 15 human years, not 7.

Year two

The second year still moves fast

Add about nine human years for year two. A 2-year-old dog is roughly in their mid-20s.

Size

A Chihuahua and a Dane are not the same age

After maturity, small dogs add about 4–5 human years per calendar year. Giant breeds add more, and they reach senior life sooner.

The curve

Early years follow a log, then flatten

A 2020 DNA-methylation study put early dog age near 16 × ln(years) + 31. PawCalculator cross-checks that against the size curve.

How to use it

A life stage, not a diagnosis

Use the number to time dental care, joints, and senior bloodwork. Your vet still reads the dog in the room.

Your dog

Get their human-year age

Enter age and size. The calculator drops the times-seven myth.

Ask PawTalk Calculate dog age