If you’ve always tried to figure out your dog’s dog age by multiplying his birthday by 7, we’re here to tell you that’s not really accurate. (Sorry!). While the origin of the myth that each calendar year equates to seven dog years is unknown, it does provide a reasonable expectation of a lifespan of a dog to a human lifespan.
So a twelve year old dog that passes over the Rainbow Bridge, likely had a wonderful life to about 84 human years old. But, your one year old dog isn’t exactly ‘7 years old’. How they age is quite different, and it’s not entirely linear.
Very General Age Conversion Guide
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First Year: 15 human years (for small, medium, large dogs).
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Second Year: +9 human years (total 24).
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Years 3+: Add about 4-5 human years per dog year, depending on size.
Do dogs age differently than people?
Compared to a human, dogs reach adulthood much more rapidly relative to their total lifespan. The exact rate of aging depends on the size or breed of the dog and is still debated upon by scientists.
The American Veterinary Medical Association forecasts that the first year of a medium-sized dog’s life is equal to roughly a human’s first 15 years of growth.
According to research from the University of California, San Diego examining cell aging, the first year of development for a dog is actually more similar to the first 30 years of development for a human.
All to say, there are a wide number of mental and physical growth factors to consider, but generally a dog’s early growth is much faster than a human’s. That rapid growth quickly plateaus, and they enjoy a long adulthood until reaching a senior phase for roughly the last quarter of their lifespan.
Different breeds reach behavioral maturity at different times. A working dog like Border Collie for instance, doesn’t reach maturity until three years old, while smaller breeds like dachshunds or pugs could reach maturity in under a year.
Similarly, different breeds become ‘seniors’ at different ages. Small dogs age slower, and become ‘seniors’ around 7-8 years old. Larger and giant breed dogs age faster, and become ‘seniors’ around 5-6 years old.
How long do dogs live?
The length of a dog’s life depends on many different factors, including breed, hereditary factors, and exercise, but generally, smaller dogs have a longer lifespan than larger dogs. A Chihuahua’s lifespan is estimated at roughly 14 to 16 years, while a Bernese Mountain Dog could expect 6 to 8 years. Most dogs will fall between those two extremes. Statistically, a lifespan increase was noted in mixed breed dogs compared to purebreds.
Is your dog old enough for adventures?
If you’re wondering when your puppy is ready to hit the trail with you, generally a safe bet is to wait until their growth plates are closed, which could be anywhere from 12 to 18 months, depending on the breed. While puppies may not be able to enjoy long hikes, once vaccinated, shorter outdoor adventures with lots of sniffing and new textures are great for their cognitive development. Before you take your young dog on an all day ski tour or bike adventure, start small and build up their endurance and their paw pads.
Can older dogs still go on hikes?
Just because a dog is aging doesn’t mean they won’t be up for adventures. Spending time outdoors is still key for a dog’s quality of life, even in their later stages, but the activities may have to be shorter and involve more stable terrain to avoid extra risk of exhaustion or injury.
When planning a hike with an older dog, make sure to bring plenty of water and plan out breaks for comfortable rests. Every dog ages differently, so be mindful of their mobility restraints when planning an appropriate hike.
Wilderdog’s advice: make the most out of adventures in your dog’s prime, and take steps to make the later years happy and comfortable.
Unfortunately, we never know how long we have left with our dogs. While they’re healthy and capable, our philosophy is to get them outside and let them see, sniff, and explore as much of the world as they can. Maintaining a healthy weight, proper diet, appropriate exercise, and working with your vet to manage any specific health concerns are all steps that can help your dog stay mobile and happy late into their life.
