How Old is Your Pet- Really?

Just how old is your dog really? More than likely you know the dogs age in years, or at least have an approximation of its age, but do you really have any idea how old it may be- chronologically speaking?

I'm sure you've heard of the old "seven year theory". You know, the system where each year of a dog or cats life is the equivalent of 7 of ours. An example of this thinking would be that a 1 year old dog would be the age and developmental equal of a 7 year old person. Now just how many 7 year old kids do you know that are sexually mature -and able to reproduce? A cat or dog is much more likely to have a litter when it is one year or younger, or at the other extreme,ten years or older, than is a human who is under the age of seven or over the age of seventy! This system was simple- but too simple. Many people today may still use these calculations when coming to some idea of their pets chronological age. Still, due to examples like the one above you can see why this most simple of systems is not accepted today.

In the early 1950's a French veterinarian, Monsieur LeBeau, formulated another system to address this problem. In LeBeau's system, a dog/cat of 1 year in age became the equivalent of a 15 year old person- due to the onset of puberty in each species. The second year of a dog/cats life became the equivalent of a 24 year old person- someone/ something that has reached full maturity. After two, each year of an animals life would equal 4 years of human life.

Pop quiz time! Just how old would a 6 year old cat "really" be using this newer system? According to the LeBeau theory, the dog/cat would be the equivalent of a 40 year old person. Remember, 24+ (4*4)= 40. How about a 10 year old dog? If you came up with 56 then you were correct! It is interesting to note that dogs and cats move up this newer age scale at the same rate until they reach the age of 14. At that time the rates begin to differ between dogs and cats compared in human age terminology. This chart would work quite well for a dog or cat having an average life expectancy(ALE) of 14 years. As we all know, oftentimes animals,as do people, may exceed the ALE which would call for further refinement of this age formula. For this we need to be aware of something called the maximum life span(MLS). Basically, the average life expectancy is the amount of years a person, animal, etc. may reasonably expect to live. The MLS on the other hand, is the genetically based maximum age beyond which no member of that species may live.

Now, with that in mind, consider this addendum to the first age chart. A human maximum life span is close to 110 years. A cats maximum life span is around the mid-30's, while a dogs maximum life span is around 29. So, just how do you calculate a cat or dogs age who lives past the 14 year mark? In this event, each year of life past 14 for a dog would equal 2 1/2 human years, and only 2 for a cat. Due to recent research it has been found that many times an animal may live past his ALE when given improved care, activity, social and psychological stimulation. If we examine the oldest living dogs on record, we can begin to see that most had a regular moderate exercise program that included differing levels of psychological and social stimulation.

Currently, the oldest living dog on record worked as a herding dog in Australia(29 years old). The runner-up, a mere 27 years of age, was a Lab who lived in the home of a game keeper in England. Other famous notables include Higgins, the terrier on Petticoat Junction and the Beverly Hillbillies(20); Pal, the collie who started the role of Lassie(18);and,last but certainly not least, Rin Tin Tin, movie star and German Shepherd who lived to be at least 16 years of age.

The following charts will show you just how LeBeaux theories work when determining the age of your pet. We hope this material is of help to you in the future.

AGE

Cat/Dog Human

1---------------------------15

2---------------------------24

3------------- --------------28

4---------------------------32

5---------------------------36

6-- -------------------------40

7---------------------------44

8---------------------------4 8

9---------------------------52

10-------------------------56

11----------------- --------60

12-------------------------64

13-------------------------68

14--------- ----------------72

AGE Cats/Humans Dogs/Humans

15------------74--------------------74.5

16------------76------------------- -77

17------------78--------------------79.5

18------------80--------------------82

20------------84--------------------87

21---- --------86--------------------89.5

22------------88--------------------92

23------------ 90--------------------94.5

24------------92--------------------97

25------------94------ --------------99.5

26------------96--------------------102

27------------98------------- -------104.5

28-----------100-------------------107

29-----------102-------------------1 09.5

30-----------104

31-----------106

32-----------108

33-----------110

34-----------112

Article written and reprinted with permission of: http://www.pedigreedpups.com/ Purebred Dogs, Puppies and Dog Breeders - "Your New Best Friend"

Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.

Debbie Ray, owner of: http://www.pedigreedpups.com is a lifetime dog lover and owner and breeder of german shepherd dogs for over 15 years.

Which Breed Is Right For You?

Why does one breed appeal to a person over another?... Read More

Dog Pile - Please Pick It Up

I really do not hope your are eating something, but... Read More

Our Pets Behavior

Behavior can be a huge iisue with our pets. If... Read More

Got Fleas?

Author of Keep Fleas OffStill using all the chemicals you... Read More

Is A Premium Dog Food Really That Much Better For Your Dog?

==========The Scoop on Premium Dog Food========If you're interested in premium... Read More

Lets Get Clear On Proper Dog Care

Whether you're a new dog owner or have had dogs... Read More

Two Tails Are Better Than One

Training one dog can be hard enough, but two, now... Read More

Providing The Best Care For Your Goldfish

Goldfish care is critical for the health of your goldfish.... Read More

A Guide to Successful Obedience Training

Showing off your dog in front of friends and family... Read More

Flea Control for Pets

Flea control can be a very hard thing to do... Read More

RecoveryPets.Com vs. Other Pet Registration Services

For those pet owners who do not know what a... Read More

Cats and Their Allure: What, When, Where and Why

Domesticated cats have been gaining in popularity in the United... Read More

Humming Birds Make Wonderful Pets

Humming birds are wonderful birds that are smart, playful, and... Read More

Horse Training Facts And Maxims

To the uninitiated horse owner, there are timely facts about... Read More

Natural Approaches to Dealing With Pesky Fleas

Problems with Commercial Flea Killers & TraditionalFlea Bite Treatments***Chemicals that... Read More

Dog Health Conditions and Terms You Should Know...

Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More

How To Find a Lost Cat

Losing your cat is a worrying experience, use these 'How... Read More

Protect Your Pets From The Pound

Pets are people, too. At least, that's the way they... Read More

Why Should I Adopt A Pet

Over the past couple of years, animal rescues have been... Read More

How to Make Your Pets Healthier and Happier

Pets are family members and should be treated as such.... Read More

*Understanding* - The First Of The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With Your Horse

Yesterday we talked a little about the 6 Keys for... Read More

No, No, No! Drop It, Drop It! Give It To Me Now!

Puppies can be so exasperating! They know what we want,... Read More

My Fathers Daughter

My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More

Westies Dogs ? Please Consider Adopting an Older Westie Dog

Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable,... Read More

A Reference Guide for Symphysodon Aequifasciatus (Discus)

This is general information on Discus, a member of the... Read More