Gareth Deaves, records manager from Guinness World Records, said "unless we can find some really clear evidence from the RSPCA" they would not be able to prove Bella's age.

According to Mr Deaves, the most recent record for the oldest dog was held by Butch, a 28-year-old from America who died in 2003. The oldest ever dog was Bluey, a sheepdog from Australia, who lived to 29.