Convert your dog's age to human years with the AKC method — the first year counts 15, the second 9, then by size.
| Input | Result |
|---|---|
| 1 year, any size | 15 human years |
| 2 years, medium dog | 24 human years |
| 5 years, medium dog | 39 human years |
| 10 years, large dog (60 lbs) | 72 human years |
The old ×7 rule ignores how dogs develop: they reach adulthood in about two years. The AKC method — 15 for the first year, 9 for the second, then size-dependent — matches veterinary observation much better.
Larger dogs age faster biologically and have shorter lifespans (a Great Dane's life expectancy is ~7 years, a Chihuahua's ~15), so each extra year counts more human years.
It's a well-accepted estimate, not a lab result. Individual breed, genetics and health matter — use it for intuition, and your vet for health decisions.
Roughly: under 1 year puppy, 1–2 junior, 2–7 adult, 7+ senior — though giant breeds are considered senior from about age 5–6.