How old do you feel inside? Not the number on your driving licence or your latest birthday cake, but that inner age that dictates whether you still get excited by a bag of pick’n’mix or prefer a quiet evening with a crossword. Well, here’s a quirky little test that claims to reveal your mental age—and it all comes down to how many dogs you can spot in a picture.
At first glance, it sounds like the sort of puzzle you’d find on the back of a cereal box. But the answers can be rather telling, offering an unexpected peek into how your brain ticks. Let’s break it down.
Four dogs: the spirited twenty-something
If you saw just four dogs, the test suggests your mind is buzzing with the energy of a 20 to 25-year-old. You thrive on curiosity and creativity, and you’re not afraid to try new things. Whether it’s dabbling in painting, attempting a salsa class, or binge-watching the latest series everyone’s talking about, you’re quick to dive in.
Your mental age here reflects a taste for independence and invention. Think of that phase in life where you’re still figuring things out but doing it with enthusiasm rather than dread.
Five dogs: calm and collected
Spotted five? That places your mental age between 25 and 30. You’re someone who appreciates simplicity and isn’t easily rattled by life’s noise. Picking an outfit or making a spur-of-the-moment decision doesn’t spiral into a drama—it’s just another part of the day.
This stage often hints at a person who values balance: still adventurous but with a growing fondness for a little order and peace. It’s the mindset of someone who’s not panicking if their phone battery drops below 10 per cent—they’ve got it under control.
Six dogs: wise beyond years
Finding six dogs suggests your mental age hovers between 30 and 40. Here, the tone shifts to realism. You’re grounded, practical, and often the one others turn to when their world feels a bit chaotic.
Some may tease you for being a touch “old-fashioned”, but that’s simply because you have a knack for perspective. This outlook doesn’t mean you’re dull—it just means you know when to laugh things off and when to offer a gentle reality check.
Seven dogs: the eternal dreamer
If you counted seven, then your mental age is a lively 10 to 20 years. You’ve kept hold of that sense of innocence that makes you refreshingly open and genuine. A little naïve at times, perhaps, but also endearing and deeply valued by those around you.
This is the age bracket of unfiltered honesty and wonder. You’re not burdened by pretence, and you still find joy in the small things—whether that’s a sunny afternoon, a silly joke, or the simple comfort of a friend’s company.
What this really means
Of course, these sorts of personality tests aren’t meant to be taken as gospel. Psychologists remind us that mental age isn’t a fixed figure but rather a playful way to reflect on how we see ourselves compared to the world around us.
Still, there’s something rather charming about realising you might be mentally younger—or older—than your actual age. It’s a reminder that maturity doesn’t always move in sync with birthdays.
So next time you find yourself caught between ordering a kale smoothie or a 99 Flake, maybe it’s not indecision. Maybe it’s just your mental age showing itself. And honestly, isn’t it more fun when life keeps us guessing?
