Boo the Pomeranian dead: Famous dog dies after 'his heart literally broke', age 12

Boo the Pomeranian dog has died at the age of 12, his owners have announced.

The teddy bear-like animal was a social media star with more than 16m followers on a Facebook account dedicated to him.

According a statement issued by Boo's owners on Instagram, the popular dog has had cardiac problems ever since the death of his "best friend", Buddy, another dog they owned who died in 2017.

"We think his heart literally broke when Buddy left us," they wrote.

"He hung on and have us over a year. But it looks like it was his time, and I’m sure it was a most joyous moment for them when they saw each other in heaven."

The post goes on to explain how Boo had died in his sleep in the early hours of Saturday morning and that despite being "heartbroken", the owners are pleased he will no longer be suffering.

"We know that Buddy was the first to greet him on the other side of that rainbow bridge, and this is likely the most excited either of them have been in a long time," it says.

"Boo, we love you with all our hearts and will miss you until the day we meet again.

"Have fun running around with Buddy and creating adorable mischief wherever you guys go."

Boo's popularity transcended social media, resulting in TV appearances and book called Boo - The Life of the World's Cutest Dog.