© Barry Bland/Barcroft MediaDog years: Max and his owner Janelle Derouen yesterday as the mixed breed terrier celebrated his 26th birthday
Max, who is a staggering 182 in dog years, has a veterinary birth certificate to prove his impressive age, and is awaiting official confirmation from Guinness World Records.
Owner Janelle Derouen, 49, bought her beloved pet in 1983 from a local sugar cane farmer.
'He was the only one in the litter that was brown and I liked the colour so I took him home,' she said.
Until recently it was believed that a New York-based dog called Chanel was the oldest dog alive after turning 21 in May - but the Dachshund-cross, who is riddled with health problems, is a full five years junior to Max.
Max, in turn, is still in fine health and only suffers from mild arthritis and some cataracts. He has been visiting the same vet since birth at the local Robichaux Veterinary Clinic.
