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OUR ANIMALS AGE
VERSUS HUMAN YEARS
QUESTION: I am so
confused. They say a dogs age is equivalent
to 7 years of a humans age? And a horse is
equivalent to 5 years or something like
that? My 10 year old dog doesn't seem to be
like a still spry 70 years old human? He
looks and acts like he is well over 90 in
human years? And my 2 year old colt acts and
looks far, far more mature than a 10 year
old human child? What Gives with this
formula on dog/horse versus human years???
ANSWER: It was
something started many, many years ago about
dogs age compared to humans. People came up
with the bright idea that humans live an
average of X amount of years and dogs live
an average of X amount of
years.....................................thus
doing the math, they thought they were
really contributing knowledge to the world.
Truthfully it depends on "the stage of
the age" of the animal and especially the
Breed. A pup turning one year old could be
basically equivalent to a 3 year old child,
(up to, get this), a 15 year old child,
depending on the BREED (all in the
Genetics)...........................
One breed of dog may be
very elderly at only -9 years old with a
life span of average only 10+ years old, but
certain small breeds may not be classed as
very elderly until 12 and up years old, with
a life span of up to an average of 16 years
old. Often older too.
Depends on the Breed.
Horses were at one time
judged the same way.
People came up with the
bright idea that humans live an average of X
amount of years and horses live an average
of X amount of years. Key word is
AVERAGE.......................
Once again, close
research blew these myths out of the water
many years ago. But still the Myth
remains. Some breeds such as say,
well cared for small ponies can live quite
comfortably well into their thirties before
old age takes it's toll.
Some breeds of horses do
not even reach full maturity until 7+ years
old. Other breeds are fully mature at as
little as 3 years old. Some
breeds are old at 15 or 16 years old.
Others are in good health well into their
late twenties.
So you see the
problem here answering your question?
Only careful, scientific research into each
specific breed of dog or horse can determine
both Physical and Mental maturity. And "Longevity"
of that particular breed. Thus doing the
math for 5 or 7 years is wrong and totally
inaccurate. It is all in the
Genetics..................................
NOTE: And of course let's
not forget: The CARE Given To That
Particular Animal from it's Birth to it's
final Golden Years.
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