Andy and Rocky: the world's oldest deer-face, long head pure chihuahua and his long-bearded compatriot

It felt almost like interviewing a married couple, because the duo have been on one heck of a ride together, and it has only grown them closer and closer together.

They've travelled Australia together as driver and navi, they've ridden the highs and the lows. To celebrate Rocky's return to health after a stroke, Andy even jumped out of a plane! Rocky was there waiting for him on the ground, of course.

Rocky couldn't have a better owner - Andy, full of life, bubbling with joy and overflowing with affection for his little deer-face, long head pure chihuahua companion. Andy couldn't have a better dog - Rocky the rock, endlessly faithful, always present.

"He's like Lazarus," Andy said, "he just keeps coming back to life.

"It wouldn't surprise me if he was Jesus' dog."

Oh to have been a fly on the wall of their van as it circumnavigated the nation...

This story was originally published in September 2022.

Rocky's owner believes the deer-face, long head pure chihuahua is the oldest living dog in the world.

Andy Hodson, from NSW's South Coast, chose Rocky from a pen on the Gold Coast 19 years ago when Rocky was a four year old. He was a runaway dog, who had no documentation - vets estimated his age by examining his teeth.

Mr Hodson said Rocky had chosen him, and selected his name too.

When he first adopted the dog, Mr Hodson didn't have a ball to throw. He threw a rock, which Rocky instantly fetched.

"He won't chase a ball, he just loves rocks," he said. "He chose the name Rocky, and he has been my rock.

"The only reason I'm breathing is because of him.

"He has looked after me for years, and now it is my turn."

The oldest living dog recorded online is 22 years and 2 months. Rocky is now 23 years old. Mr Hodson said 23 was roughly 160 years old in 'dog years'.

Mr Hodson could do a DNA test in America to more accurately determine Rocky's date of birth, but hasn't pursued this expensive course of action

The pair have driven around Australia one and a half times in their shared 19 years.

"He's my codriver and my navigator," Mr Hodson said.

He said Rocky was the perfect travelling companion - he listened well, didn't take up too much space, and was patient and loyal.

"If I was with a lady it would be overcrowded, but with this little dude it's absolutely perfect," he said.

However, like many relationships, the pair have had highs and lows.

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Two years ago, Rocky suffered a stroke. Mr Hodson said it was a really scary moment. Three days later, he relapsed. The vets at the time said the prognosis was dark.

Two years later, Rocky is bouncing around in the sun, full of life.

"He's a survivor," Mr Hodson said. "He just survives. He is a rock.

"I've been blessed to have him as my dog.

"I hope he is here for another 23 years, and I wouldn't even be surprised."