🐶 Dog Years → Human Years (breed-aware, friendly)

How the curves work (friendly version)

Puppies rocket through childhood, then settle into steadier aging. Vets often teach a simple rule: the first year ≈ 15 human years, the second ≈ 9, and each year after that depends on size: toy/small add ~4 per year, medium ~5, large ~6, and giant ~7. That’s our Classic model — familiar, explainable, and kid-friendly.

There’s also a researchy, DNA-based curve that matches molecular changes seen with age: human ≈ 16 × ln(dogYears) + 31 (originally fit to Labradors). We offer it as an optional view and nudge it slightly by size so it stays intuitive across breeds.

This tool is for learning and fun, not diagnosis or lifespan prediction. For health questions, ask your veterinarian. 💛

Understanding “Dog Years” vs Human Years (Friendly, Breed-Aware Guide)

“One dog year equals seven human years” is easy to remember, but it isn’t how dogs really age. Puppies sprint through early development, then slow down; big breeds tend to age a little faster than small breeds; and individual dogs can mature at different rates. This calculator translates dog years to human years using two approaches: a classic veterinary heuristic that’s easy to explain, and an optional research-style log curve inspired by DNA aging patterns. Both aim to give a humane, ballpark comparison—not medical advice.

Why size (and breed) matters

Dogs of different sizes age differently. Toy and small breeds often live longer and accumulate “human-year equivalents” more slowly after the first couple of years. Large and giant breeds reach adult size quickly and, on average, rack up human-year equivalents faster later in life. Our tool lets you choose a breed or enter an adult weight so we can place your dog in a size class (toy, small, medium, large, giant) and adjust the curve accordingly.

Two simple models you can compare

• Classic (Vet Heuristic). Year 1 ≈ 15 human years; Year 2 ≈ 9; every year after that adds a size-based amount (roughly 4–7). This is intuitive for families and classrooms.
• DNA (Log Curve). A smooth, mathy model that captures fast early aging and slower later aging, with a gentle size tweak so it feels right across breeds. Great for exploring how “age conversion” changes by stage of life.

What the number means (and what it doesn’t)

The result is a human-age equivalent: “what a human’s life stage would feel like” compared to your dog’s current stage. It’s helpful for intuition—puppyhood vs. adolescence vs. mature adult—but it is not a health score, lifespan prediction, or diagnostic tool. Nutrition, environment, activity, and veterinary care all matter enormously for real-world well-being.

Tips for getting the best estimate

• Use adult weight or a known breed. Weight helps us assign the right size class.
• Include months for young dogs. Early development is steep; months improve accuracy.
• Compare models. Toggle Classic vs DNA to see how assumptions change the story.

Common questions

Is this exact?

No. It’s an educational estimate. Individual dogs vary, and even breeds have wide normal ranges.

Why do results differ from other charts?

Different charts choose different assumptions (size cutoffs, year-by-year rates, or curve shapes). We show our logic so you can compare.

Does neuter status, sex, or health change the math?

These factors can influence growth and longevity, but they aren’t modeled here. For health advice, ask your veterinarian.

Privacy note: this calculator runs entirely in your browser—no inputs are stored or sent. Educational use only.