Is Exceptional Longevity in Pet Dogs
Accompanied by Resistance
to Major Diseases?

(Cooley et al, J Gerontol 2003; 58A: 1078)

To answer this question, we generated data on the age at onset of major diseases in Rottweiler dogs. The oldest-old Rottweilers, so called centenarian Rottweilers, are dogs who lived to be at least 13.3 years of age, whereas usual longevity in Rottweiler dogs was found to be 9-10 years (see figure below). Similar to human centenarians, the majority of the oldest-old Rottweilers had a delayed onset of major disease. In fact, 57% of centenarian Rottweilers were free of all major diseases until after they became centenarians, i.e. after 13 years of age. Based on their disease resistance, the oldest-old dogs could be categorized into survivors, delayers, and escapers (see table below).

3 Flavors of Centenarian Rottweilers

24% are SURVIVORS - Onset of at least one major disease prior to 9 years of age

19% are DELAYERS - Free of all major diseases until after 9 years of age

57% are ESCAPERS - Free of all major diseases until after 13 years of age

Back