Pebbles, a 22-year-old toy fox terrier in Taylors, South Carolina, was crowned the “Oldest Living Dog” by Guinness World Records on May 17.
The pup was born on March 28,2000, making her older that TobyKeith, a Florida-based 21-year old chihuahua, who was just awarded this title in April.
When Pebbles’ owners, Bobby and Julie Gregory, saw a news report about TobyKeith, they knew their dog was older.
“Bobby was sitting on the couch and friends and family started texting and calling about a story they saw about a 21-year-old dog getting the record,” Julie said.
She reached out to the organization to request the record. It was confirmed that Pebbles was indeed older.
“We are truly honored,” said Julie. “Pebbles has been with us through everything, ups and downs, good times and bad, and she has always been the beacon of our lives.”
The distinction was announced on Pebbles’ official Instagram page, along with a picture of her posing next to a framed certificate from Guinness World Records.
“Pebbles is officially the oldest living dog! We are grateful to Guinness for this wonderful honour and the beautiful plaque that you gave us! Pebbles couldn’t be happier,” read the caption.
According to the American Kennel Club’s average life expectancy for a fox terrier, it is between 13 and 15 years.
Bobby and Julie were searching for a large-breed breed dog when they found the small-sized pup. Bobby was looking around, but Pebbles followed him and ran alongside her enclosure whenever he passed by.
“She was jumping and barking so much at Bobby that he had no choice but to pick her up and check her out,” Julie recalled. “It was instant love the second the two met.”
Rocky, Pebbles’ companion of the same breed, passed away when Rocky was 16. The canine couple had 24 puppies in three litters.
Guinness World Records stated that Pebbles was the queen in their household. She’s typically calm but can be cranky when woken.
She loves cuddles and warm baths as well as good food. She also enjoys listening to country music when she sleeps in, usually until five o’clock in the morning.
“Pebbles is like a wild teen who loves to sleep during the day and is up all night,” Julie said. “Her two favorite country singers are Conway Twitty and Dwight Yoakam.”
Pebbles was treated to a bubble soak, cake, and stacks of ribs this year for her birthday.
“Most of the people that know Pebbles can’t believe how long she has lived,” said Julie.
Pebbles has been well looked after by Julie and Bobby over the years. Her veterinarian has also put her on a cat food diet, which is “much higher in meat-based protein than dog food.”
Although table food is usually too rich and fatty for dogs the couple admitted that they would throw Pebbles a few bones.
The world-record-holder dog is in good health and enjoys her meals, apart from the usual signs of age.
Julie also shared the key to helping a canine live a long and healthy life: “Treat them like family because they are. Give them a happy positive environment as much as possible, good clean food and proper health care.”
“We truly love her more than anything, so for her to have this time to shine is truly precious to us,” she added.
Pebbles, her family and friends, congratulations! You can see her Instagram page here.
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