Dog Age Charts by Breed Size (Small, Medium, Large & Giant)
📊 Looking for the most accurate dog age charts? You're in the right place! We've broken down dog years to human years for every breed size. Use the charts below or try our instant Dog Age Calculator for the exact number!
If you’ve ever tried to calculate your dog’s age using the old "multiply by 7" rule, you might be surprised to learn it's often wrong!
A 5-year-old Chihuahua is biologically much younger than a 5-year-old Great Dane. That's why veterinarians now use size-specific dog age charts to get a true picture of a dog's life stage.
Whether you have a tiny teacup pup or a gentle giant, this guide will help you translate "dog years" into "human years" accurately.
The "15-9-5" Pattern (The First 2 Years)
Before we dive into the specific charts, there's a general rule that applies to almost all dogs for their puppyhood:
- Year 1 = 15 Human Years: Puppies grow up incredibly fast! By their first birthday, they are teenagers physically.
- Year 2 = +9 Human Years: By age 2, dogs are full-grown young adults (about 24 human years old).
After age 2, things change based on size.
🐶 Small Dog Age Chart
(Up to 20 lbs / 9 kg)
Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkies are the energized bunnies of the dog world—they keep going and going! They age the slowest relative to human years.
| Dog Age | Human Age (Small Dog) | Life Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 yr | 15 | Junior 👱 |
| 2 yrs | 24 | Adult 🧑 |
| 3 yrs | 28 | Adult 🧑 |
| 4 yrs | 32 | Adult 🧑 |
| 5 yrs | 36 | Adult 🧑 |
| 6 yrs | 40 | Adult 🧑 |
| 7 yrs | 44 | Senior 👴 |
| 8 yrs | 48 | Senior 👴 |
| 10 yrs | 56 | Senior 👴 |
| 15 yrs | 76 | Geriatric 🦷 |
| 20 yrs | 96 | Geriatric 🦷 |
Pro Tip: Small dogs are often considered "seniors" around age 7-8, but many live well into their late teens!
🦮 Medium Dog Age Chart
(21-50 lbs / 9.5-23 kg)
Medium dogs like Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and Border Collies are right in the middle. They age slightly faster than small dogs but slower than large breeds.
| Dog Age | Human Age (Medium Dog) | Life Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 yr | 15 | Junior 👱 |
| 2 yrs | 24 | Adult 🧑 |
| 3 yrs | 28 | Adult 🧑 |
| 4 yrs | 32 | Adult 🧑 |
| 5 yrs | 37 | Adult 🧑 |
| 6 yrs | 42 | Adult 🧑 |
| 7 yrs | 47 | Senior 👴 |
| 8 yrs | 51 | Senior 👴 |
| 10 yrs | 60 | Senior 👴 |
| 15 yrs | 83 | Geriatric 🦷 |
| 20 yrs | 105 | Geriatric 🦷 |
🐕🦺 Large Dog Age Chart
(51-100 lbs / 23-45 kg)
Large breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds age faster once they reach adulthood. This is why their average lifespan is often a bit shorter (10-12 years).
| Dog Age | Human Age (Large Dog) | Life Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 yr | 15 | Junior 👱 |
| 2 yrs | 24 | Adult 🧑 |
| 3 yrs | 30 | Adult 🧑 |
| 4 yrs | 35 | Adult 🧑 |
| 5 yrs | 40 | Adult 🧑 |
| 6 yrs | 45 | Adult 🧑 |
| 7 yrs | 50 | Senior 👴 |
| 8 yrs | 55 | Senior 👴 |
| 10 yrs | 66 | Senior 👴 |
| 15 yrs | 93 | Geriatric 🦷 |
🐻 Giant Dog Age Chart
(Over 100 lbs / 45 kg)
Giant breeds like Great Danes, Mastiffs, and St. Bernards are truly special, but they age closely to "human time" speed—or even faster!
| Dog Age | Human Age (Giant Dog) | Life Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 yr | 15 | Junior 👱 |
| 2 yrs | 24 | Adult 🧑 |
| 3 yrs | 32 | Adult 🧑 |
| 4 yrs | 38 | Adult 🧑 |
| 5 yrs | 42 | Senior 👴 |
| 6 yrs | 49 | Senior 👴 |
| 7 yrs | 56 | Senior 👴 |
| 8 yrs | 64 | Geriatric 🦷 |
| 10 yrs | 78 | Geriatric 🦷 |
| 12 yrs | 93 | Geriatric 🦷 |
Did you know? A 7-year-old Great Dane is a senior citizen, while a 7-year-old Chihuahua is just hitting middle age!
Use the Calculator for Exact Results
Tables are great, but math can be tricky (especially when your dog is 3 years and 4 months old!).
For the most precise result, skip the manual calculation and use our free tool on the homepage:
It automatically applies the correct formula for your dog's specific age and size, giving you the exact human years instantly.
Why Knowing Your Dog's "Human Age" Matters
Understanding that your 8-year-old Boxer is biologically 55 (and not 56 like the old math said) helps you make better decisions about:
- Diet: Switching to senior food at the right time.
- Exercise: Adjusting intensity to protect aging joints.
- Vet Visits: Scheduling more frequent check-ups for "senior" pets.
Keep these charts handy, and give your "old soul" an extra hug today! 🐾