January 16, LISBON – The title of the world’s oldest canine, held by Bobi the Dog, was temporarily suspended by Guinness World Records on January 16, following doubts about the authenticity of his age.
Bobi, a pure-bred rafeiro, passed away in October 2023 at the age of 31 years and 165 days. This comes eight months after the record-breakers’ hall of fame declared him the world’s oldest living dog on its official website. The rafeiro, a Portuguese livestock guard dog breed with a typical life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, also earned the distinction of being declared the oldest dog ever, breaking a century-old record previously held by the Australian cattle dog Bluey, who passed away in 1939 at 29 years and five months.
A spokesperson for Guinness World Records stated, “While our review is ongoing, we have decided to temporarily pause both the record titles for Oldest Dog Living and (Oldest Dog) Ever just until all of our findings are in place.”
The reference site for extreme achievements did not disclose the specific reasons for their suspicions. However, skeptics, as reported by British and US media, pointed to discrepancies in photographs of Bobi’s feet as a puppy and in his later years.
In 2023, Lisbon veterinarian Miguel Figuereido expressed doubts, stating, “He doesn’t look like a very old dog… with mobility problems… or with an old dog’s muscle mass.”
Guinness World Records emphasized that the suspension is temporary and will remain in place during the ongoing review.
Bobi, officially born on May 11, 1992, had a remarkable life journey. He and three other puppies were part of a litter born in a woodshed owned by the Costa family in the village of Conqueiros in central Portugal. Due to the family’s existing animal population, Bobi’s parents initially decided to part with the newborn puppies. However, one puppy, Bobi, was inadvertently left behind and was later persuaded to be kept by Leonel Costa and his sister.
Owner Leonel Costa attributed Bobi’s exceptional longevity to the tranquility of country living and a diverse diet. Bobi enjoyed a free-roaming life in the woods around the village, never chained or leashed. In his later years, he spent his days leisurely in the yard alongside the family cats, having overcome challenges in his early days of life.
