View source for Domestic Dogs (Canis Familiaris)

[[File:Canis lupus familiaris Gdańsk.JPG|right|frameless]]
'''Domestic dogs (canis familiaris)''' have become increasingly popular as model organisms in longevity research due to their diverse breeds, sizes, and lifespans. This makes them excellent subjects for studying aging and its related processes.{{pmid|29457329}}{{pmid|34699257}}

==Reasons for Choosing Dogs==
Dogs share many environmental exposures with humans and exhibit a wide range of lifespans and physiological traits. This diversity provides a unique opportunity to study the genetic and environmental factors affecting longevity. Additionally, their close living proximity with humans allows for the assessment of environmental influences on morbidity and mortality in both species. Recently, the companion dog has been proposed as a powerful model to better understand the genetic and environmental determinants of morbidity and mortality in humans.

==Comparative Biology of Aging in Dogs==
[[File:Survivorship and hazard curves for for human and dogs.jpg|thumb|alt=|Survivorship (a) and hazard curves for (b) for human (left) and dogs (right). Human data are from the U.S. Census Bureau (1972–2002), and canine data come from the VetCompass database (2010–2013). For both species, colors represent the two sexes, female (red) and male (blue). {{pmid|29457329}}]]
The biology of aging in dogs varies significantly across breeds, offering insights into how genetic diversity influences aging. Studies on canine aging also help in understanding age-related diseases and their progression. Comparative analyses of morbidity and mortality between humans and dogs have shown significant similarities in the effects of age on disease risk, especially in neoplastic, congenital, and metabolic causes of death. Furthermore, research has emphasized the value of studying aging in dogs to improve dog health and support translational discoveries for humans.

==Genetic Factors in Canine Longevity==
Research into the canine genome has identified various genetic factors that contribute to their longevity. These findings are crucial for understanding the genetic basis of aging and developing interventions to extend healthy lifespan. The history of intense breeding in dogs for specific traits has resulted in a species with considerable genetic variation among breeds, which is valuable for studying genetic influences on longevity and disease. In particular, variations in genes like IGF1, which is linked to size and longevity in dogs, provide critical insights into the genetic underpinnings of aging.

==Environmental and Lifestyle Factors==
Factors such as diet, exercise, and living conditions play a significant role in the longevity of dogs. These aspects offer valuable insights into how lifestyle choices impact aging and healthspan. Dogs' exposure to diverse environments, often mirroring those of humans, makes them ideal for studying the impact of environment on aging. This includes evaluating the role of environmental toxicants that target stem cells, accelerating aging and age-related diseases.

==Human-Canine Health Comparisons==
A large-scale comparison of human and canine patterns of morbidity and mortality has revealed that many chronic conditions common in humans, such as obesity, arthritis, and diabetes, are also prevalent in dogs. This similarity extends to the association with comorbidities, suggesting that dogs can be a powerful model for studying human health issues. However, there are differences in certain areas, such as cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for detailed comparative studies.

==Morbidity and Comorbidity Analysis==
Studies have shown that dogs exhibit multimorbidity with age, similar to humans, and that specific chronic conditions in dogs are associated with an increase in comorbidity number. This similarity suggests that companion dogs may provide an ideal model to study multimorbidity and comorbidity in humans. Additionally, cognitive aging in dogs, as shown in studies on breeds like Beagles, provides valuable insights into the progression and management of age-related cognitive decline.

==Limitations and Future Research Directions==
Current studies have limitations, such as reliance on data from veterinary teaching hospitals, which may not represent the general canine population. There is a need for more detailed data from canines representing a full diversity of ages, breeds, comorbidities, and environments. Future longitudinal studies of aging in dogs could provide more accurate insights into human morbidity and mortality. The recent launch of large-scale studies like the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study and the Dog Aging Project underscores the growing importance and potential of canine models in aging research.

== See Also ==
* [[Model Organisms]]
* {{SeeWikipedia|Dog}}

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Model Organism]]