Are you wondering about your German Shepherd’s age in human years? Well, the “one dog year equals seven human years” method has been around for a while, but it’s not quite as accurate as we’d like.
Today, scientists and researchers have developed a much more accurate method of calculating a dog’s age to human years.
Let’s dive in!
What is the Age of My German Shepherd in Human Years
If you’re looking to calculate your German Shepherd’s age in human years more accurately, you can use the calculator below which I have developed using the guidelines provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
German Shepherd Years to Human Years Calculator
Enter your German Shepherd’s age (from 1 year to 16 years) to get the human years equivalent.
How Old Are German Shepherds in Human Years
Dog age cannot be directly compared to human age because of differences in lifespan and development. Dogs reach adulthood within the first couple of years, unlike humans who take longer to mature.
The most common advice to calculate how old your dog is in human years is that 1 human year equals 7 dog years. This is actually a myth!
The formula was likely based on the assumption that dogs live to about 10 and humans live to about 70, on average. For example, a dog that is 5 years old is 35 “human years.”
However, this rule doesn’t always offer reliable results. The dog’s size and breed play an important part in their life expectancy, with smaller breeds usually living longer than larger breeds.
Larger breeds live shorter lives, so they mature more quickly.
Giant breeds are usually considered to be ‘seniors’ by the time they’re 5, while medium-large-sized breeds such as German Shepherds won’t reach old age until they’re 7-8.
Small and toy breeds reach seniority around the age of 10.
According to this article in Inside Science, scientists are still unclear about why larger breed dogs tend to age faster and die sooner than small breed dogs.
How to Calculate German Shepherd Years to Human Years
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the general guidelines for determining how old a German Shepherd is are the following:
- First Year: The first year of a medium or large-sized dog’s life is roughly equivalent to 15 human years.
- Second Year: The second year of a dog’s life is approximately equivalent to nine human years.
- Subsequent Years: After the first two years of a GSD’s life, each human year is roughly equivalent to five dog years.
Researchers base the above assumptions on many factors, most of which are physical.
For instance, we estimate that a 1-year-old German Shepherd is about the equivalent to a 15-year-old teenager because all of their teeth have developed, they are strong and energetic and they have reached (or are approaching) sexual maturity.
German Shepherd Age Chart in Human Years
I have taken the above guidelines and turned them into a visual, easy-to-use GSD age chart so that you can find your dog’s age in seconds. The calculator at the beginning of this article was also designed on the same guidelines.
Here’s a table you can use to find your German Shepherd’s age in human years:
| German Shepherd Age | Human Age |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 15 years |
| 2 years | 24 years |
| 3 years | 28 years |
| 4 years | 32 years |
| 5 years | 36 years |
| 6 years | 45 years |
| 7 years | 50 years |
| 8 years | 55 years |
| 9 years | 61 years |
| 10 years | 66 years |
| 11 years | 72 years |
| 12 years | 77 years |
| 13 years | 83 years |
| 14 years | 88 years |
| 15 years | 94 years |
| 16 years | 99 years |
In human years, a German Shepherd’s typical lifespan would be from 61 to 77 years.
RELATED:
How to Find Out a German Shepherd’s Age From Their Teeth
Like many other mammals, the age of a German Shepherd can often be estimated by examining their teeth. A veterinarian or an experienced dog owner may be able to assess a dog’s age by looking at the condition and wear of their teeth.
This method relies on the fact that dogs, like humans, undergo specific dental changes as they age, such as the eruption of adult teeth and the wear and tear that occurs over time.
By examining the presence, condition, and wear of specific teeth, it’s possible to make an educated estimate of a German Shepherd’s age.
| GSD’s Age | Human Equivalent | Indicator(s) of Aging |
|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | 3-4 years | Baby teeth have finished growing |
| 4 months | 5-7 years | Baby teeth begin to fall out and adult teeth can be seen coming in |
| 7 months | 8-10 years | All 42 permanent teeth are in. Teeth appear clean and bright |
| 1-2 years | 15-24 years | Teeth at the back starting to yellow and duller |
| 3-5 years | 28-36 years | Tooth wear and plaque build-up is common at this age |
| 5-10 years | 36-66 years | Teeth and gums show some signs of disease and significant wear |
| 10-15 years | 56-93 years | Teeth well worn, lots of plaque and some may be missing |
Summary
Understanding how your German Shepherd ages in human years is crucial for providing appropriate care and companionship. By calculating their age, recognizing signs of aging, and understanding emotional changes, you can tailor your care to suit their needs.
So, whether you have a playful puppy or a wise old dog, knowing their age in human years helps you navigate their journey alongside them. Keep an eye out for those signs of aging, show them love at every stage, and watch them thrive through the years.
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