“He's been with me since he was a puppy. He is in pretty good health considering his age, and he does a lot of sleeping, but other than that, he's doing great," — the dog's owner, Gisela Shore, told Guinness World Records.
TobyKeith, a Chihuahua from Greenacres, Florida, is the oldest dog living, according to Guinness World Records, at 21 years old.
Guinness World Records certified and confirmed TobyKeith's title on March 16, when the dog was 21 years and 66 days old.
In an Instagram video published by Guinness World Records on April 14, Shore reveals that Toby Keith was born on January 9, 2001.
A chihuahua has a life expectancy of 14 - 16 years, making him an exceptional canine.
Adopting Rescue Animals
Shore was a foster for the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League in West Palm Beach when she adopted Toby. When she was helping at the rescue, she heard of a couple ready to give him up.
The Chihuahua was just a few months old when he originally moved in with Shore.
Brianna Garris is the rescue's current foster care manager. She hopes TobyKeith’s tale will serve as a reminder of the significance of giving older rescue canines a second opportunity.
Garris also stated that the organization is constantly seeking more fosters. More information may be found here.
Closing Thoughts
Shore attributes TobyKeith’s long life to love, genetics, and, most significantly, a healthy diet of chicken, rice, and vegetables.
TobyKeith gets his exercise in by speeding up and down the stairs 30 - 40 times a day, so diet isn't everything.
Aside from nutrition and exercise, Shore feels that all of the affection TobyKeith receives is the key to his long life, and she hopes he lives another 21 years.
According to the article in People, the oldest dog ever recorded by Guinness was Bluey, an Australian cattle dog that lived to be 29 years and nine months old before being put to sleep on November 14, 1939.
What are your thoughts on the oldest dog alive? Please share in the comments.
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