Dog Age Calculator

Calculate your dog's age in human years using the latest scientific formula. More accurate than the old 7:1 rule. Accounts for dog size and breed.

Enter your dog's details

Dog-to-Human Age Chart (Small Dogs)

Dog Years Human Years Life Stage
Understanding Dog Life Stages

Puppy (0-1 dog year): Critical period for socialization and training. Puppies need frequent meals, plenty of play, and regular vet checkups.

Junior (1-2 dog years): Similar to a human teenager. May test boundaries with bursts of energy. Continue training and structured exercise.

Adult (2-6 dog years): Fully grown and settled into their personality. Maintain routine with regular exercise and annual vet visits.

Mature (6-8 dog years): Entering their mature years with slight slowing down. Consider bi-annual vet checkups and adjusting diet.

Senior (8-12 dog years): Watch for reduced mobility, vision or hearing changes. More frequent vet visits recommended.

Geriatric (12+ dog years): Needs extra comfort, gentle exercise, and close health monitoring. Work closely with your vet.

Note: Age ranges vary by size. Large and giant breeds enter each stage earlier than small breeds. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you convert dog years to human years?
The modern formula counts the first year as 15 human years, the second year as 9 more, then adds 4-7 years per dog year depending on size. This is far more accurate than the outdated 7:1 rule.
Why does dog size affect age calculation?
Larger dogs age faster than smaller dogs after their first two years. A Great Dane ages about 7 human years per dog year, while a Chihuahua ages only about 4. This tool accounts for small, medium, large, and giant breeds.
Is the 7-year rule for dogs accurate?
No. The old 7:1 rule is a rough estimate that does not account for the rapid growth in the first two years or size differences. Modern veterinary science uses a more nuanced formula, which this calculator implements.
What are the life stages of a dog?
Dogs go through six life stages: Puppy, Junior, Adult, Mature, Senior, and Geriatric. Each stage has different care needs. This tool shows your dog's current life stage based on their equivalent human age.
Is this dog age calculator free to use?
Yes. This tool is completely free, runs entirely in your browser, and requires no signup or data collection.