21-Year-Old Chihuahua Named Oldest Living Dog

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TobyKeith the chihuahua has set a new Guinness World Record.

Due to their surprisingly robust immune systems, chihuahuas are one of the more long-living breeds of dogs, with the average chihuahua lifespan usually ranging between 12 and 18 years, depending on their overall health. However, one impressive chihuahua living in Florida has managed to bypass his breed’s typical lifespan, marching all the way into the Guinness Book of World Records.

Guinness has officially named TobyKeith the chihuahua the Oldest Living Dog in the World at an impressive 21 years of age, having been born on January 9, 2001. For reference, the oldest dog ever recorded by Guinness was an Australian cattle dog that lived to be 29 years old.

“People can’t believe how good he looks for his age,” TobyKeith’s owner, Gisela Shore, told Guinness. She originally adopted him from a shelter as a puppy after he was surrendered by an elderly couple that could no longer care for him.

Despite his age, TobyKeith is still in fairly good health, which shore credits to a healthy diet, an active lifestyle, some lucky genetics, and good old fashioned love and care. Every day, TobyKeith goes on a walk, has a slice of turkey for a snack, runs around a little more, then spends the rest of his day lounging by Shore’s side. TobyKeith has developed a minor heart condition in his old age, but according to Shore, it hasn’t impacted his lifestyle much.

“The thought that my little guy has reached such a milestone is fantastic! I am thrilled,” she said.

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