The title of the world's oldest dog may soon have a new holder. Lazare, a continental toy spaniel rescued from a French animal shelter, could claim the Guinness World Record, as the shelter asserts he was born in 1995, making him over 30 years old. In human years, Lazare is approximately 200 years old. He suffers from arthritis, deafness, visual impairment, and a condition causing his tongue to permanently protrude from his mouth.
Despite these ailments, the brown and white pooch has found a happy ending after being adopted by new owner Ophelie Boudol. The Guinness Book of Records is investigating the claim after the Société Protectrice des Animaux (Spa), the French equivalent of Britain's RSPCA, contacted them, stating Lazare was born on December 4, 1995.
If verified, Lazare would replace the current record holder, an Australian cattle dog named Bluey, who lived to 29 years and died in 1939. Bluey himself had replaced Bobi, a Rafeiro do Alentejo from Portugal, who was reportedly over 31 years old. Bobi's record was revoked after a review raised suspicions among veterinarians, who noted he had different coloured paws in older photographs.
Lazare recently found a new home in his twilight years after spending ten days at the Annecy Marlio Spa animal welfare refuge in the French Alps, following the death of his previous owner, as reported by The Times. The head of the shelter stated that Lazare's age is 'beyond doubt,' having verified his microchip and the French pedigree dog register. The average lifespan of a continental toy spaniel is around 15 years.
His new owner, however, is unconcerned with the record. Ms Boudol, aged 29, told French TV channel TF1: 'I'm not interested in this record. I adopted him because I love animals and there was an instant bond between us. It was unthinkable for me that he should end his life at the Spa. He needed a loving family.' She also told Le Parisien that he 'sleeps a lot' and enjoys slow walks, adding that her vet assured her he is in good health for his age.
