French rescue dog could be oldest in the world as Guinness World Records assesses '30-year-old' pooch

He is said to have been born on December 4, 1995, which would make him more than 30 years old.

The Société Protectrice des Animaux, the French equivalent of Britain's RSPCA, has submitted the claim to Guinness for assessment.

If verified, Lazare would surpass the previous record holder, Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who lived to 29 and died in 1939.

Despite his remarkable age, Lazare's life has not been without difficulty.

He is arthritic, visually impaired, slightly deaf and has a condition that causes his tongue to permanently loll out of his mouth, the Times reports.

He recently found himself in a shelter in the French Alps after his previous owner died, spending 10 days at the Annecy Marlio Spa animal welfare refuge before finding a new home.

Anne-Sophie Moyon, head of the refuge, said the spaniel's date of birth had been confirmed by both his microchip and the Livre des origines Français, the French pedigree dog register.

She said: "We have done a double check. There can be no doubt. Lazare is in his 31st year."

The record books may take some convincing, however, having previously been embarrassed over a similar record claim.

In 2023 it announced that Bobi, a Rafeiro do Alentejo from Portugal, had broken the record after living for 31 years and 165 days, only to withdraw the accolade the following year following a review prompted by widespread scepticism from vets.

Lazare's new owner, Ophélie Boudol, 29, says she is unconcerned about whether the record is officially recognised.

Speaking to French television channel TF1, she said: "I'm not interested in this record.

“I adopted him because I love animals and there was an instant bond between us.

“It was unthinkable for me that he should end his life at the Spa. He needed a loving family."

Ms Boudol, who lives with her 10-year-old son and two cats, said Lazare had already become a beloved member of the household.

She told Le Parisien: "We hope he is going to stay with us a long time.

“I have become his point of reference. He follows me everywhere in the flat. The whole family is very attached to Lazare."

She has set up an Instagram page dedicated to the dog, where she has promised regular updates on his life and wellbeing.

Despite his age, Lazare appears to be in reasonable health for an animal of his years.

Ms Boudol said her vet had told her he was in good form and that he enjoys slow walks and sleeps often.

Continental toy spaniels typically have a life expectancy of around 15 years, making Lazare's apparent longevity all the more remarkable.

Guinness has been asked to assess the claim, though no decision has yet been announced.