Bobi, the oldest dog in the world, has died
Guinness World Records has suspended the title of world's oldest dog for Bobi, who died in October 2023. The record book reported that it was reviewing the award after veterinarians questioned the age, according to the American news agency Associated Press.
The dog was reportedly 31 years old and lived with his owner Leonel Costa on a farm in the village of Conqueiros in Portugal. In February, he was declared the world's oldest living dog and the oldest dog of all time he was reportedly born on May 11, 1992.
“While our review is ongoing, we have decided to temporarily suspend the title of World's Oldest Dog until all of our results are received,” Guinness World Records told The Associated Press in an email.
Bobi was a Rafeiro from the Alentejo, a pure breed that has an average life expectancy of around 10 to 14 years.
Calls to the dog's owner were not returned and he did not respond to text messages.
Bobi spent his entire life in the village of Conqueiros, in the interior of Portugal. Before him, the title belonged to an Australian Shepherd who died at the age of 29 years and five months.
“Although he outlived every dog in his litter, his 11,478 days on earth would never be enough for those who loved him,” said Karen Becker, a veterinarian who knew Bobi and was the first to announce his death on social media. according to the Portal news agency. “Good luck, Bobi.”
His owner, Leonel Costa, attributed Bobi's longevity to a number of factors, including that he lived peacefully in the countryside, was never chained or kept on a leash and always ate “folk food.”
When Bobi was born, Costa's family had many animals and little money. Therefore, it was common for Costa's father, a hunter, not to keep the puppies that were born. However, Bobi hid between a pile of firewood and stayed.
Costa and his brothers found him a few days later with his eyes still closed and kept him a secret.
1 of 1 Leonel Costa walks his dog Bobi on February 4, 2023 in Conqueiros in Leiria, Portugal, shortly before the dog's 31st birthday Photo: Portal/Catarina Demony/Archive photo Leonel Costa walks his on February 4, 2023 Dog Bobi walking, in Conqueiros, in Leiria, Portugal, shortly before the dog's 31st birthday Photo: Portal/Catarina Demony/File Photo
Earlier this year, Costa told Portal that he and his brothers knew that if he opened his eyes, his parents would not resist and would stay with him.
Before his death, Bobi still loved hiking, although he became less adventurous as he grew older. His fur was thinning, his eyesight was deteriorating, and he needed more rest than before.
On May 31, 2023, when Bobo turned 31, more than 100 people gathered for his birthday party.
The menu featured local meat and fish dishes for the 100 guests and especially for Bobi, who had a menu that suited his diet. A dance group also performed (see below).
The oldest dog in the world turns 31