Chihuahua TobyKeith, from Florida, USA, is the world’s oldest dog living!
Born on 9 January 2001, TobyKeith was confirmed as the new record holder on 16 March 2022, at the age of 21 years 66 days. 😲
TobyKeith was just a few months old when he was adopted from Peggy Adams Animal Rescue by his owner, Gisela Shore.
Gisela was working as a volunteer at the animal shelter when she met an elderly couple who could no longer take care of their puppy. 🐕
Gisela fell in love with TobyKeith straight away and they have been best friends for over 20 years since! ❤️️
“They had named him Peanut Butter. I later changed his name to TobyKeith,” she said.
"TobyKeith is my little bodyguard. Follows me everywhere. Lays on me while we watch TV. I adore him!" – Gisela Shore
After celebrating TobyKeith’s 20th birthday, Gisela started to wonder if he could actually be the oldest dog in the world.
Once TobyKeith’s world record was officially confirmed, Gisela said "it definitely brought a big smile on my face!" 😊
To celebrate the news, the world’s oldest dog living was treated to a bath, a pedicure and a special car ride. 💅
"When he turned 20 years everyone’s reaction was WOW! My friends and family thought he was the oldest dog they knew about." - Gisela Shore
TobyKeith might be the world’s oldest dog, but he’s not Gisela’s oldest pet.
Gisela owns two parrots; Coco (a 28-year-old Umbrella Cockatoo) and Coqui (a 32-year-old African Grey). 🦜️🦜️
Luna (a seven-year-old American Bulldog) and Lala (a three-year-old Chinese Crested) complete Gisela’s animal family. 🐶🐶
TobyKeith loves playing with Luna and Lala, but his closest animal friend is Coco the parrot. The pair are often seen on walks together!
TobyKeith usually wakes up bright and early every day at 6:30 a.m. to stretch his legs outside, before eating his first snack of the day. His favourite treat is a tasty slice of turkey. 😋🦃
Although he has developed a heart condition in his old age, TobyKeith is still very healthy and makes sure to keep fit by taking lots of short walks each day.
"People can’t believe how good he looks for his age."
Did you know?
The average life expectancy of a chihuahua is 12-18 years.
As well as regular exercise, TobyKeith eats healthy foods such as vegetables, rice and chicken. No sugary treats allowed! 🥦🥕
But most importantly, Gisela thinks that the secret to TobyKeith’s old age is having a loving home. ❤️️
Throughout her life, Gisela has fostered over 150 puppies and dogs from Peggy Adams Animal Rescue.
"The thought that my little guy has reached such a milestone is fantastic! I am thrilled."
Did you know?
The oldest dog ever was an Australian cattle-dog named Bluey, who lived to the age of 29 years 5 months. Bluey was obtained as a puppy in 1910 by Les Hall (Australia) and worked among cattle and sheep for nearly 20 years until 14 November 1939.
