Toy Spaniel Called 'Oldest Dog in the World' Gets Second Chance - and His Story Has Fans Moved

I've always had a special place in my heart for senior dogs. They seem to get sweeter and more grateful with age and they deserve a loving home in their later years. My senior Dachshund is almost 16 years old and she gets even more adorable with each passing year.

Lazare is a 31-year-old Toy Spaniel whose parent recently passed away. He was taken to the Annecy Marlioz Spa animal refuge in France and caught the eye of a family that knew he'd be a perfect fit.

Lazare had a microchip linked to the French pedigree dog register, as reported by the New York Post. The microchip traced his birthdate to December 4, 1995, bringing him to approxiately 31 years old.

"We have done a double check. There can be no doubt. Lazare is in his 31st year," Anne-Sophie Moyon, the head of the refuge, said.

France's Society for the Protection of Animals reached out to the Guinness Book of World Records to see if he can be awarded the title for the world's oldest dog, which is currently held by an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey who passed away at age 29 in 1939.

Lazare suffers from daily arthritis issues, has extensive vision and hearing loss, and deals with a medical condition that causes his tongue to constantly hang out of his mouth. These ailments are not uncommon to aging dogs, especially at 31 years old, yet Lazare still lives life to the fullest.

How Lavare Has Defied the Odds

Despite his advanced senior age, Lazare captured the hearts of a wonderful family who adopted him after just ten days at the shelter. Her new mom, 29-year-old Ophélie Boudol, is actually younger than Lazare and felt an immediate connection with the precious pooch.

Related: 20-Year-Old Rescue Dachshund Brings His Own Blanket Everywhere and It's Adorable

"I adopted him because I love animals and there was an instant bond between us," she told TF1, the French television channel, as told by the New York Post. "It was unthinkable for me that he should end his life at the Spa. He needed a loving family."

Lavare quickly adjusted to his new forever home and follows his mom around wherever she goes. He even got a good report from the vet in spite of his age.

This canine cutie is proof that you're never too old for a second chance and a life of love.

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This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 4:10 PM.