The world's oldest dog, Pebbles, has died at the age of 22

The world’s oldest dog, Pebbles, has passed away just five months shy of her 23rd birthday.

The Guinness World Records reported that the adorable Toy Fox Terrier died from natural causes in her South Carolina home with her owners Bobby and Julie Gregory by her side.

Pebbles, who was born on March 28, 2000, in Long Island, New York, was crowned the world’s oldest dog shortly after the organisation appointed the title to TobyKeith.

However, when TobyKeith broke headlines, Pebbles’ owners realised that their pup was actually older than the chihuahua.  

"Bobby was sitting on the couch and friends and family started texting and calling about a story they saw about a 21-year-old dog getting the record," Julie told Guinness World Records.

"When I saw TobyKeith’s story all over the news, I applied."

The owners also told the organisation that when they were first looking for a pup, they initially had their sights on a larger breed. However, once they laid eyes on Pebbles, all bets were off as the sweet Toy Fox Terrier quickly won hearts. 

Pebbles soon became the house matriarch as she birthed 32 puppies across three different litters with her mate, Rocky (also a Toy Fox Terrier), who passed away in 2017 at the age of 16.

In a press release announcing the pooch’s passing, Julie and Bobby revealed that she spent most of her life in Taylors, South Carolina and was extremely active.

“She spent her days enjoying country music and being loved. She enjoyed trying new foods, she was pampered, and most of all she was loved," the couple said.

They added: “Pebbles was not just another dog, she had her own way about her, and her own personality. She was a once in a lifetime companion, and it was an honor to have had that blessing to have her as a pet, and family member.

"There was no one who met Pebbles who didn’t love her.”

Excuse me while I just wipe the mascara running down my face.

Many fans of the canine were deeply saddened by the news as one person wrote on Twitter: “RIP Pebbles.”

Another commented: “Rip pebbles :( but also how are they keeping up with the record for world's oldest dog like that has to change at least every hour akskfj”

While a third shared: “Soar high Pebbles.”