Otto is world's oldest dog - official

Otto, a dachshund cross terrier who will be 21 in February, was named as the oldest dog by Guinness World Records at a television taping for the Paul O'Grady Show yesterday.

Owners Peter and Lynn Jones, from Reabrook in Shrewsbury, travelled down to London yesterday with Otto to take part in filming for an edition which is due to air on Channel 4 on November 4.

It will feature stand-in presenter, singer Michael Buble as Mr O'Grady is on a rest week.

Mr Jones, 68, was presented with a certificate to confirm Otto's achievement.

He said the certificate says that the world record for the oldest dog was achieved by Otto at aged 20 years. Otto is now 20 years and eight months.

Mr Jones said: "We got the Guinness World Records certificate. We didn't know we were going to get it. It came as a surprise, although we knew we were in with a chance. I was elated and I've put it straight into a frame. It was a good show, although it was a long and a very tiring day."

Mrs Jones has owned Otto since he was a puppy and he is still going strong, although he has been battling a few problems including arthritis.

The previous world's oldest dog had been US dachshund Chanel who died earlier this year aged 21 or the grand old age of 147 calculated in dog years.