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last mo.

French Papillon Believed to Be 30 Dies With Record Status Unconfirmed

Guinness verification remains pending.

Lazare, a Continental Toy Spaniel Papillon said to be the world's oldest dog born in 1995, looks on, in Villy le Pelloux, eastern France, on May 12, 2026. When Lazare’s former owner passed away, the dog was taken in by the dog pound, which then contacted the French SPA (Société Protectrice des Animaux). His owner Ophelie Boudol, who will turn 30 in October, took Lazare in at the end of April and officially became its "permanent foster family" last week, with a birth certificate indicating December 4, 1995. 1995. (Photo by Jeff PACHOUD / AFP)

Overview

  • Lazare, a Papillon in southeastern France, died Thursday at age 30 according to his recent adopter.
  • The dog was taken to the Annecy Marlioz SPA shelter after his longtime owner died and was then adopted by Ophélie Boudol.
  • Caregivers said he was frail in his final weeks with blindness, deafness, arthritis, and near-constant sleep.
  • Shelter staff said they confirmed a December 4, 1995 birth date in two registries and submitted a Guinness World Records application.
  • If validated, his age would top Bluey’s 29-year mark, though Guinness recently tossed a 31-year claim for Bobi for lacking conclusive proof.