Have you heard the common belief that one human year is equivalent to seven dog years? According to this belief, a dog that is one year old (365 days) is developmentally similar to a seven-year-old human child.
We are unsure who came up with this idea, but it is safe to say that it wasn’t a dog. Dogs do not wear wristwatches and they seem to be unconcerned with the concept of time. Dogs are blissfully unaware of whether it’s Monday or the weekend!
The concept of a “dog year” most likely originated from the fact that dogs develop differently than humans. A one-year-old child is still dependent on its parents for almost everything. On the other hand, a one-year-old dog (in human years) behaves more like an older child.
These developmental differences can be observed throughout a dog’s life. If you and a dog are born on the same day, the dog will develop and age much faster than you throughout its life.
For example, when you reach your teenage years, the dog will be quite elderly. While you are ready for high school, the dog will be ready for retirement! In simpler terms, a dog’s lifespan is much shorter than a human’s (around 15 years compared to 75 or more for humans), which means that a dog ages more quickly in the same amount of time.
The lifespan of a dog depends on various factors, such as its breed and size as an adult. Small dogs often live for 15 years or more, while medium and large dogs have shorter lifespans (10-13 years). Giant dog breeds, like mastiffs, may only live 7-8 years.
Considering these differences in life expectancy based on breed and size, it is clear that the simple formula of equating one human year to seven dog years is not accurate. Although dog experts do not agree on a standard formula, there are some similarities in their perspectives.
The most precise calculation of a dog’s age takes into account its specific breed and size. Online research can help you find special calculators that estimate a dog’s age based on its breed and size.
Other experts use a variable formula that suggests the first two years of a dog’s life are equivalent to 10-11 human years each, with each subsequent year being equal to approximately four human years. Over time, this variable formula may average out to the widely believed notion that one human year is equal to about seven dog years.
The variable formula acknowledges the fact that dogs develop rapidly in their early years and then slow down in their development. However, this formula still does not consider specific breed and size information.
Dog experts recognize that certain breeds tend to live longer than others. Additionally, a dog’s adult size is an important factor. Taking these factors into account, a personalized scale for each dog is the only accurate way to estimate its age in human years.
Give It a Try
Wasn’t today’s Wonder of the Day all about dogs? Keep exploring by trying out one or more of the following activities with a friend or family member:
- Even though it may not be completely accurate, it can still be entertaining to calculate your dog’s age in human years or your own age in dog years. Go online and try out the Dog Years Calculator for some fun math!
- Afterwards, reflect on the major milestones your dog (if you have one) has already reached. Has he graduated from high school? Can he vote? What kind of job would he have if he were in the workforce?
- Create a humorous illustration of a dog doing something that a human of the same age might do. Share your artwork with your Wonder Friends by posting it on Facebook. We’re excited to see the wacky and adventurous things you have your dog doing! Here’s a fun video clip to spark your creative imagination.
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