World's oldest dog dies in Japan at the age of 26

A male cross-breed dog Pusuke, who was listed as the oldest living dog in the Guinness Book of World Records, is seen in Sakura, Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo Dec 24, 2010. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

UTSUNOMIYA (YOMIURI SHIMBUN/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The world's oldest dog has died in Sakura, Tochigi Prefecture, at the age of 26 years eight months - equivalent to 125 human years, his owner said.

Pusuke, certified by Guiness World Records as the world's oldest living dog last year, died on Monday at his home, owner Yumiko Shinohara said. Pusuke is believed to have died of old age.

The dog was born at the home of one of Shinohara's relatives in March 1985 and was registered as a pet on Apr 1 that year. In 2008, he suffered serious injuries after being hit by a car. A vet told Shinohara it would be difficult to save Pusuke's life, but the dog underwent successful surgery.

In Dec 2010, Pusuke was certified by Guiness World Records as the world's oldest living dog, breaking the previous longevity record of 21 years three months.

Source: The Straits Times