Congratulations to the world’s oldest living dog!

We spend most of our time thinking about ways to extend the health human lifespan. Today, we want to take a moment to celebrate a non-human longevity milestone.

TobyKeith, a Florida chihuahua, has officially been recognized as the world’s oldest living dog.  Born on Jan. 9, 2001, TobyKeith is 21 years and 121 days old as of today’s publication date.

CREDIT: GISELA SHORES

Guinness World Records confirmed he is the oldest dog alive on March 16. The oldest dog ever recorded was an Australian cattle-dog named Bluey, who was 29 years 5 months when he was put to sleep in 1939. He worked with cattle in sheep for nearly 20 year in Australia. 

TobyKeith has a much more relaxing life.

Adopted from a shelter more than 20 years ago, TobyKeith lives with Gisela Shore in Greenacres, Florida. Shore, a dog lover who has fostered over 150 dogs and puppies during the past 20 years, said TobyKeith has been a steady companion since the day she brought him home. Photos on the Guinness World Record site suggest Shore likes dressing TobyKeith in costumes.

It’s not unusual for chihuahuas to live 14 to 18 years, but this dog is well beyond that. What’s the secret of his long life?

In an interview with Guinness, Shore credited healthy genetics, a healthy diet, regular exercise and a loving home. And on an Instagram post, she hinted a lot of naps may also help.

At Methuselah Foundation, our mission is to make 90 the new 50 by 2030. Around the world, there has always been a handful of people who remain healthy and vigorous as they mature. In many ways, we have devoted ourselves to making what are now those isolated cases the norm. To that end, we have invested in new technologies, encouraged scientific innovation and promoted non-traditional thinking.

A chihuahua in Florida has achieved his long life without the scientific breakthroughs. Congratulations TobyKeith. We hope you keep setting records!