Age

Question
I recently adopted a chocolate lab from our area shelter.  They estimated his age at 2 years old, however I believe him to be at least a couple years older.  He is very calm.  He can be hyper, but not like you'd expect a 2 year old to be.  What are some things that I can look at or for to consider his age?

Answer
Once they reach about a year and a half, it is hard to estimate age.  Many things such as the condition of the teeth depend on the care.  If they have been kept clean and the dog hasn't had real bones, they may look like the teeth of a much younger dog.  Our Aster never had a real bone in her life.  When we put her to sleep at 15, her teeth showed much less wear than many younger dogs.  She still had the clove like 3 points on her front teeth.  

Breeding is a huge factor in personality.  The calmness could just reflect calm parents.  

You should have had a check up at your own vet.  The vet may see some things you haven't, but they do largely depend on the teeth.  

Thank you for adopting a dog.  Come back with any other questions.