Shropshire’s canine star Otto entertained millions of people across the UK as he appeared on TV to be named as the oldest dog in the world.

But even as viewers across the country were seeing Otto presented with his certificate, his claims for the title were coming under scrutiny. The dachshund cross terrier, from Shrewsbury, was brought on stage at the opening of last night’s Paul O’Grady Show by stand-in presenter Michael Buble.

And the singer delighted the studio audience, which was filmed last month, as he told them Otto was the oldest in the world.

He said: “This is the truth. This is an extraordinary dog. Otto is the oldest dog in the world.”

But Otto’s title could be taken by a sheepdog from Wales – whose owner says she is still going strong at the age of 22.

The Collie called Ebby was registered at the vets on July 1987, making her 155 in doggy years.

The Guinness Book of Records yesterday confirmed that Ebby will be declared the world’s oldest when the paperwork from the vet comes through.

Otto’s owners Peter and Lynn Jones, from Reabrook, travelled to London for the taping of the Paul O’Grady Show with the dog last week.

And Mr Jones appeared on stage for the Channel 4 show to receive a Guinness World Records certificate from Mr Buble confirming the dog was the oldest in the world.

As he presented the certificate the singer said: “I’m proud to announce he is officially the oldest dog in the world.”

Otto found fame in the Shropshire Star as his owners said they believed he was the world’s oldest – and last month we broke the news that he had scooped the record at the taping.

Today Mrs Jones said she and her husband watched the show with Otto, which also featured other record-breaking attempts.

Mr Jones, 68, said the certificate says the world record for the oldest dog was achieved by Otto at aged 20 years. Otto is now 20 years and nine months and will be 21 in February.