NZ's oldest dogs named

At 22, Princess is very old in human terms.

Corgi-cross Princess and fox terrier Spike - at 22 - are this country's oldest dogs.

Pet food company Eukanuba, which carried out the search for the oldies through veterinary clinics, found Princess in Whangarei and Spike in Christchurch.

And those 22 years are indeed ancient in doggie terms - a vet says they equate to between 140 and 150 human years.

Princess's minder, Gillian Munn, said it was business as usual for her charge but "she deserves it for staying around for so long".

Princess received a treat from her neighbour but that was it, with Miss Munn describing her as great despite being a bit slower and having a few health problems.

Eukanuba brand manager Jessica Godoy said obesity was becoming the main health concern for small dogs, the biggest growing pet category.

* The Guinness Book of Records says the oldest dog ever was Bluey, an Australian cattle dog, who almost made 30 years in 1939.