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Is Jip oldest dog in the world

From the archive, first published Friday 23rd Sep 2005.

He might have cataracts and rheumatism but at 175 years old it's anything but a dog's life for a pampered Corgie from Sutton.

Jip celebrated his 25th birthday -- his age in human terms is 175 -- last Thursday and incredulous owners Marilyn and John Regan, of West Lane, think he could be the world's oldest living dog.

Mrs Regan, 64, said: "He's already outlived two of our other dogs and a cat. He's going to outlive us all at this rate."

But it was very nearly not the case. Five years ago the black and white canine suffered a serious stroke.

"By the time we got him to the vets he was unconscious and the doctor said it didn't look good," said Mrs Regan.

"But as soon as he was given an injection he came right around.

"He has never been poorly since," she said.

The vet examines Jip every three or four months and each time he has been given a clean bill of health.

"He must be doing something right," added Mrs Regan.

The Regans acquired Jip through Airedale Vets after his owner abandoned him at the age of six.

In his younger days he was treated to leisurely walks around the Clough, but now he much prefers to be ferried around like his royal counterparts at Buckingham Palace.

Mrs Regan said: "He loves riding around in the car with John. Whenever he grabs the keys you can see his ears prick up."

And you can forget canned dog food. Jip enjoys only the best cuts of fresh meat.

"He won't touch the canned stuff or chocolate. He loves his food.

"He really shifts it. I think he lives for it, so I'd better keep it coming," said Mrs Regan.

Sam Knights, of Guinness World Records, said: "Most dogs live for eight to 15 years and authentic records of dogs living over 20 years are rare and generally involve the smaller breeds."

The oldest recorded dog is an Australian cattle-dog named Bluey, who made it to the ripe old age of 29 years five months.

Bluey was obtained as a puppy in 1910 by Les Hall, of Rochester, Victoria, and worked among cattle and sheep for nearly 20 years before being put to sleep on November 14, 1939.

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