Science May Have a Better Way to Translate Dog Years to Human Years

Using genetics, scientists have created a new calculator for seeing how old your dog really is.

By Leslie Nemo
Nov 20, 2019 10:00 PMNov 20, 2019 10:55 PM
Old Dog
The traditional "7 to 1" ratio might not be very scientific. (Credit: Africa Studio/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

How many dog years are in a human year? The classic translation is 7 to 1, but that's not a precise estimate. Instead, new research suggests that a dog’s genome might offer some insights into how the pup’s aging process compares to that of its human friend.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2025 LabX Media Group