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TobyKeith the Chihuahua is currently adjusting to the limelight as he was awarded by Guinness World Records as the “oldest living dog in the world.” The key to his impressive old age? Healthy genetics, regular exercise, and a balanced diet of proteins, vegetables, and rice.
Toby Keith has a heart condition, but that does not trouble him at all. At 21 years old, he has exceeded the average lifespan of a Chihuahua, which is 18 to 19 years.
His owner, Gisela Shore, adopted TobyKeith when he was still a puppy. “I was a volunteer at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue and one of the employees told me about an elderly couple trying to surrender a puppy because they could not take care of him any longer,” Shore told Guinness World Records. “I met with the elderly couple and I was introduced to a tiny tan Chihuahua. They had named him Peanut Butter. I later changed his name to TobyKeith.”
Shore has adopted more than 150 dogs and puppies from Peggy Adams Animal Rescue. Along with Toby, she has two other dogs and two parrots: Luna (a seven-year-old American Bulldog), Lala (a three-year-old Chinese Crested), Coco (a 28-year-old Umbrella Cockatoo), and Coqui (a 32-year-old African Grey). TobyKieth loves to play with Luna and Lala but shares a special bond with Coco.
TobyKeith was verified with the new record on March 16, 2022 in Greenacres, Florida, USA. When the news broke out, the special dog was treated to a car ride.
“Tobykeith is my little bodyguard. Follows me everywhere. Lays on me while we watch TV. I adore him! The thought that my little guy has reached such a milestone is fantastic! I am thrilled,” his human said.