Longevity in the large and giant breeds can be genetic. Same as with people. We've had danes live to 13 and 14 and be in fairly decent health except for weak rears and/or urine leaking.

Jan

I am on my third rottie. I had two growing up and just got one about 1 month ago. Both of my first ones died at the age of 3. One was HBC and the other had a heart condition. Cross your fingers X :) all goes well with Kaiser. The oldest I have seen is around 12 years. I agree with Jan, I think a large part is determined by genetics. The other part is up to the owners to provide excellent care for the pet to have a long life.

I don't have a Rottie, but I think they are nice dogs.

Stimulation, exercise and weight control all help extend the life of dogs. My old girl Tara (Shep?Lab) had so many major issues, but she lived for her morning and afternoon walk no matter what the weather. When I had time on weekends, I took her on a "wondering walk", when I let her go where she wanted and I just tagged along. I never knew where we would end up. One day we were out for over 90 minutes!

The vet said it was the exercise etc. that kept her going so long.

SG

I have two 8 year old brothers.
They still run and play like puppy's.
Have to slow them down sometimes.
On of them went through ACL surgery on both knees.
They can go outside anytime they want and play, we have a six foot fence.
They get good healthy food, exercice and lots of love.
They sleep in bed with us.
I think Rotties are great dogs, despite their reputation.
It's all how you raise and handle them.
I tread them just like toddlers.

Christine

How wonderful for Ellie to get to spend her senior years being treated so well and so loved! I love hearing stories like that!!

Rotties are my favorite breed of large dogs. We get many of them in the shelter where I volunteer. One of my all time favorites came in last year with his ear sliced off and dangling. It was a clean cut. How someone could do that to a dog is beyond me, especially this dog who was just a passive, large teddy bear. Last I heard he was doing great in his new home. :)

I hope Ellie has more years to spend with you! Sounds like she will.

Sher

Hey toomuchglass- I adopted an older girl too. K'Ehleyr is at least going on 9 now; I got her last year. She was also overweight and she has some back issues, but with the weight reduction, regular exercise, and a good drug program, she's doing really well. She was chained up outside for the last couple of years at least, and had been a breeder before that. I got her through a rescue organization that was getting her spayed at school.

K'Ehleyr is my 3rd Rottie and when I adopted her, she was already older than my other 2 had lived. Both Kang and B'Elanna died at 6 years old. I figured if I got one that was already over 6, I'd have her for a long time. It seems that Rotties are either dead by 6-8 or they live to be 14. Weird, huh?

I hope Ellie continues to bring your household joy for many happy healthy years!

OH -- Meghane ........... God Bless you ! I can't thank you enough for taking in an old rottie. They have such a bad rep . I never thought I'd love rotties - but Ellie has opened my eyes to what a loving ,smart dog they are . My next rescue will be a rottie. You'll have a place in heaven - I guarantee for loving a Rottie. :)