In the human world, there is a belief that one year lived by a dog can be equated to seven years of human life.
It is difficult to verify whether this is true. Scientists do not stand still and try to find an answer to this question. From a scientific point of view, this issue must be approached individually.
Dog years
So, we need to start from when dogs become sexually mature.
There are several stages to this process, which takes place over a period of 6-8 to 14 months.
In other words, during the first year of life, a dog turns from a puppy into a teenager. In humans, this period does not pass so quickly.
The periods of a dog's life can be roughly represented as follows.
During its first year, a dog lives approximately 15 human years.
The second year can be equated to 9 human years, and each subsequent year to 4-5 human years of life.
Breed characteristics
It is believed that small breeds of dogs differ little from puppyhood and in adulthood, crossing the barrier of 15 years.
But at the same time, it can be considered that Chihuahuas and small terriers reach retirement age at 7-8 years.
Conclusion
But the age and lifespan of a dog are not determined by formulas and calculations of geneticists.
It is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the breed, gender, heredity, care and nutrition, activity and living conditions of the pet.
