Oldest living dog? Preble County Chihuahua turns 23 today, looks to break world record

PREBLE COUNTY — A Preble County Chihuahua hit a huge milestone today —his 23rd birthday!

Spike, who lives with the Kimball family in the Village of Camden, could soon beat a Guinness World Record for being the world’s oldest dog.

>> PHOTOS: Spike the Chihuahua celebrates his 23rd birthday

The original record-holder, Pebbles, 22, of South Carolina died earlier in October. After her death, TobyKeith, 21, of Florida became the oldest living dog.

>> World’s oldest dog: TobyKeith the Chihuahua regains crown as oldest living canine

Spike unexpectedly became a part of the Kimball family in 2009 after a trip to the grocery store, his owner, Rita Kimball, previously told News Center 7.

“We went out to the car and he followed us and he jumped right in... it was meant to be,” Kimball said.

She said she wasn’t sure how old Spike was so she took him to the vet.

The vet told them Spike was born on November 10, 1999. This means he is 23-years-old; in human years that’s around 124-years-old.

Throughout his 23 years, Spike has been through a lot, including almost becoming a snack for a coyote and at the age of 15 being attacked by a pit-bull.

While his hearing and eyesight aren’t as good, he still has a pep in his step.

Kimball has applied to break the Guinness World Record for “Oldest Living Dog.”

According to Kimball, Guinness is trying to get ahold of Spike’s vet records.

If verified, Spike will be the new record holder for the “Oldest Living Dog.”

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