Converting dog years to human years isn't as simple as multiplying by 7. The calculation depends on your dog's size and breed, as smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs. Here's how our calculator works:

• Size-Based Calculation: Different dog sizes age at different rates. Small dogs mature faster in their first year but then age more slowly, while large dogs age more quickly throughout their lives.
• First Year: A dog's first year is equivalent to approximately 15 human years for small dogs and 12-14 years for larger dogs.
• Second Year: The second year adds about 9 human years for small dogs and 8-9 years for larger dogs.
• Subsequent Years: After the first two years, each dog year equals approximately 4-5 human years for small dogs, 5-6 years for medium dogs, 6-7 years for large dogs, and 7-8 years for giant breeds.

This calculator uses a more accurate formula that accounts for these size differences, providing a better estimate of your dog's age in human years than the simple "multiply by 7" rule.