Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo from Portugal, has broken the world record for the oldest living and ever dog, according to Guinness World Records. He celebrated his 31st birthday on May 11 with a traditional party and more than 100 guests.
Bobi was born on a farm in the rural village of Conqueiros in Leiria, western Portugal, on May 11, 1992. He narrowly escaped death as a puppy when his owner’s father decided to bury him and his three brothers alive. One of the puppies was left behind by mistake and was later discovered by the owner’s sons, who secretly kept him as their pet.
Bobi’s owner Leonel Costa, now aged 38, was eight years old when he found Bobi. He told Guinness World Records that Bobi has been a “warrior” for all these years and that he owes his longevity to the “calm, peaceful environment” he lives in “far from the cities”.
Bobi is a livestock guardian dog who only eats human food, such as meats and fish. He has a life expectancy of 12-14 years, but has managed to outlive that by more than double. He has also surpassed the previous record holder for the oldest dog ever, Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who died in 1939 at the age of 29 years and five months.
Bobi’s age has been verified by his vet and a pet database authorized by the Portuguese government. He received his Guinness World Records titles in February, days after Spike, a 23-year-old chihuahua from Ohio, USA, was named the world’s oldest living dog. Spike’s title was short-lived when Guinness found out about Bobi, who not only stole his title but earned recognition as the oldest dog ever.
Bobi’s birthday party was a “very traditional” Portuguese affair, with local meats and fish for him and his guests. Some of the guests flew internationally to attend the event. Costa said that Bobi’s health was “a little damaged” after all the media attention he received but he is now feeling better.
Costa said that having Bobi as a Guinness World Records title holder is “an immense joy”. He added that Bobi has been part of his family for three decades and that he is grateful to life for allowing him to have Bobi in his daily life.
Reference：
1. Bobi, the World’s Oldest Dog Ever, Celebrates His 31st Birthday | People | May 12, 2023
2. World’s oldest dog is celebrating his birthday with a ‘very traditional’ Portuguese party | Euronews Green | May 13, 2023
3. Bobi, the World’s Oldest Dog Ever, Turns 31 and Celebrates with a 100-Person Birthday Bash | MSN | May 12, 2023