World's Oldest Pooch Turns 147! In dog years, that is...

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| Print | By Jo Singer | May 11, 2009 1:36 PM

Ahhh ....the "dog days of summer" will soon be upon us, but apparently for one special Dachshund, counting the number of those hot and sultry days might indeed be difficult.

The Guinness Book of World Records presented this senior "dogizen" a certificate naming her as the World's Oldest Dog. Chanel, bless her little doggie heart, just turned twenty one on May 6, 2009. I am truly impressed! Chanel was also presented with a visit to a doggie hotel and spa to for further pooch pampering.

Jamie Panas, a spokesperson for the Guinness Book of world records said, "Chanel is the Guinness world record holder for the oldest living dog." A veterinarian's certificate was presented as well.

Photo credit: Meredith Daniels, Newsday / MCT
In "dog" years, Ms.Chanel has reached the incredible age of 147. The former record holder was a dog named Butch, who lived to the astounding age of 28, which calculated into dog years to be 198.

This little lady is seriously doted upon by her fur "mom", Denise Shaughnessy, a high school principal's secretary. She adopted this canine celebrant when she was just a tender six week old puppy, from a Virginia rescue shelter. While Chanel could run circles around most folks when younger, she takes it easy these days. She tires easily, suffers from joint problems, a benign tumor on her hind leg, and must wear dark glasses to protect her eyes, which are covered with cataracts. She does take short daily walks, but prefers to lounge around the house most of the time.

Taking everything into consideration, Chanel continues to live a protected peaceful life in the company of her loving owners. According to Mrs. Shaughnessy, she takes excellent care of her and commented during the birthday celebration, "I treat her like a person."

While providing Chanel the best physical care and feeding her nutritious dog food may be mainly responsible for her lofty age, I would bet my bottom dollar that Chanel must also have inherited some powerfully healthy genetics that have contributed to her extended long life. But no matter what the reason, The Shaughnessy family definitely has reason to celebrate this auspicious occasion.

So Happy Birthday from all of us to you, sweet Chanel. You are truly an inspiration for all pet lovers in the world.

Watch part of the birthday celebration with the video uploaded to YouTube by miolesou.

Do you think that advanced veterinary care and improved nutrition has extended the lifespan of our pets? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

RELATED TOPICS: Blogs (224) , Dogs (40) , Senior (1)

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Vicki May 11, 2009 5:20 PM

I saw this dog on one of the talk shows last week. Although this is a very advanced age for a dog, we do see exceptions to most every rule. Her owner said that she wears the glasses because she has cataracts, which make me wonedr how bad they are. But if this dog is not showing the medical signs of aging and has no other problems, I hope she enjoys whatever time she has left with her loving owner.

Eric May 12, 2009 12:49 AM

Greetings from Sydney, Australia.

I'm sorry to rain on your picnic, but Chanel is NOT the world's oldest dog, and needs to live much longer to justify the title. Many dogs are (or were) older than Chanel.

Guinness Book of World Records requires written proof of all claims, which rules out many older animals.

OhmyNewsInternational has published a story I wrote about the world's oldest dog, an Australian sheepdog which lived for 29 years, five months and seven days.

See http://tinyurl.com/cpvx7n

You are welcome to copy it.

Cheers, Eric.

POSTSCRIPT: Chanel's owner, Denice Shaughnessy, has just told me "What you fail to mention in your article is that NONE of the other dogs can prove their age. The people who owned the dogs can say the dog is 100 but unless you can prove it it doesn't make it so. Being that Chanel can prove her age then she is the oldest dog according to Guinness."

Ruth May 12, 2009 2:19 AM

What a wonderful age ! I think a good loving home,a good diet, and excellent veterninary care diet do contribute to long life but I also think no matter what, if it's in your genes not to live a long life, then you won't. I'd hate any good owner to feel guilty and lacking that their pet died quite young, as we just can't change fate.

Ruth May 12, 2009 2:24 AM

Sorry, my post should have read excellent veterinary care NOT veterinary care diet !!

Amy May 12, 2009 4:48 AM

Also this this awesome dog on TV on her birthday. She looked really good and like she was having a ball being on national TV. Congrats to her and her devoted owner.

Sue May 12, 2009 11:11 AM

I didn't realize 21 was the oldest dog. My last 2 dogs I had live until 19 and 20 one was a mixed breed the other was a shizue. Wonderful dogs and they were very healthy and needed only the basic vet care Now I have a duchy mix hope she can live as long and be as healthy as my other two. Good Luck and Happy Birthday Chanel

Cheryl G May 13, 2009 9:07 PM

I had seen this story previously, I love it though! She is a total Cutie-pie and wonders why all the cameras are taking photos of her on her birthday! She & her owner definitely deserve it. :>)

Patricia May 22, 2009 6:00 AM

Chancy is my 19 1/2 year old Beagle I adopted when she was 4 months old when I lived in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She is part of the family and I treat her like a daughter. She brings love and joy to our hearts and we lavish her with loads of love. We now reside in San Diego, California and she especially enjoys the warmmer climate as a senior pooch.

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