The world's oldest dog has been crowned - and has dethroned a 21-year-old chihuahua who was recently named champion in the process.
Toy fox terrier Pebbles, born on March 28, 2000, has been awarded the Guinness World Record after having her aged verified at 22 years and 50 days old.
Owners Bobby and Julie Gregory, from South Carolina, America, saw a news report about TobyKeith, aged 21 years and 66 days, and realised their pet is older.
Julie told Guinness World Records: "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.
"When I saw TobyKeith’s story all over the news, I applied."
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Although Bobby and Julie tend to adopt larger breeds, they instantly fell in love with Pebbles thanks to her cheeky personality.
She has been described as a "calm" dog who can be a bit cranky when woken up. Pebbles enjoys spending time with her owners and being showered with "scratches and snuggles".
"She loves listening to country music while she is sleeping. Her two favourite country singers are Conway Twitty and Dwight Yokum," Julie added.
Pebbles spent many happy years alongside her 'husband' Rocky, also a toy fox terrier, who passed away in 2017.
The pair had 24 puppies together across three different litters.
Julia said: "Rocky had gotten fixed because we felt it wasn't healthy for Pebbles to have any more litters."
Despite her old age, Pebbles has a healthy appetite and has been enjoying a cat food diet since 2012.
She was placed on it by her vet who claims it is much higher in meat-based protein than dog food.
But every once in a while, Pebbles gets to sink her teeth into 'human food' such as a steak or a chicken burger.
To celebrate her 22nd birthday, Bobby and Julia served her up a stack of ribs before finishing off her special day with a bubble bath.
Julia added: "Pebbles has been with us through everything; ups and downs, good times and bad, and she has always been the beacon of our lives.
"Our friends always joke about it and tell us all the time how amazing it is that we still have her as most of them have known us over 20 years and remember when we got her.
"Treat them like family because they are. Give them a happy positive environment as much as possible, good clean food and proper healthcare."
It comes just one month after TobyKeith, born January 9, 2001, was confirmed as the world's oldest dog.
Owner Gisela Shore, from Florida, America, credited the chihuahua's long life to "regular exercise, healthy genetics, a diet of vegetables, rice and chicken, and most importantly, a loving home".
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
