World’s oldest dog dies at 26

The world’s oldest dog, according to Guinness World Records, has died in Japan at the age of 26 years and eight months.

Owner Yumiko Shinohara told reporters at her home in Sakura, a city outside Tokyo, that Pusuke, a fluffy tan Shiba mix, died on Monday after suddenly falling ill and refusing to eat.

Ms Shinohara said she “would just like to thank him for staying alive so long”.

The Guinness record for canine longevity is 29 years, set by Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who died in 1939.