Bobi (dog)
 Bobi with Guinness certification | |
| Species | Dog (Canis familiaris) |
|---|---|
| Breed | Rafeiro do Alentejo |
| Sex | Male |
| Born | 11 May 1992 Conqueiros, Leiria, Portugal |
| Died | 21 October 2023 (aged 31) Conqueiros, Leiria, Portugal |
| Known for | Oldest dog in history whose age can be verified |
| Owner | Costa family |
Bobi (11 May 1992 – 21 October 2023) was a male purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo dog owned by Leonel Costa of Conqueiros, Leiria, Portugal. On 2 February 2023, Bobi was confirmed as the first dog on record to live to be 30 years old, along with being the oldest dog on record to ever live.[1] On 11 May 2023, five months before his death, Bobi turned 31.[2]
Early life[edit]
Bobi was born as one of four male puppies in an outbuilding where his caretaker's family stored wood. His brothers were all buried alive after birth due to Costa's father not wanting to take care of more animals. Since Bobi blended in with the wood of the shed he was born in, Costa's father did not see him when he was collecting the puppies to bury.[3] Bobi's age was recorded in the Portuguese government's pet database.[4]
Certification[edit]
According to Guinness World Records, Bobi was the oldest verified living dog as well as the oldest verified dog in history, being 30 years and 266 days old as of evaluation on 1 February 2023,[5] surpassing the previous record held by Bluey, a female Australian Cattle Dog, who was euthanized on 14 November 1939 at the age of 29 years and 5 months.[6] On 7 December 2022, in the U.S. state of Ohio, a 23-year-old chihuahua named Spike was certified as the oldest living dog; however, that title was short-lived as Bobi's age was verified two weeks later.[7] When Bobi died, Spike regained his title as the world's oldest living dog.[8]
Later life and death[edit]
The owners stated that Bobi was in reasonably good health for his age, although he had troubles with walking, eyesight, and breathing. The Costas attributed Bobi's longevity to a "calm, peaceful environment" and consumption of fresh food rather than conventional dog food. His longevity has also been speculated to be caused by genetics, as his mother lived for 18 years.[9] Bobi was not neutered.[10]
In honour of Bobi's 31st birthday, 100 guests were invited to celebrate the occasion which was marked by eating meat and fish, with a performance by a troupe of dancers.[11]
Bobi died at home on 21 October 2023, aged 31.[12][13]
See also[edit]
- Aging in dogs
- Creme Puff – the oldest cat
- List of individual dogs
- List of longest living dogs
References[edit]
- ^ "Oldest dog ever". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
- ^ "World's oldest dog Bobi the Rafeiro celebrated his 31st birthday with massive party plans". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 12 May 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
- ^ "'Oldest dog ever,' Bobi, dethrones Guinness World Records holder". 2 February 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
- ^ "Bobi breaks Guinness World Record for oldest dog ever". BBC News. 3 February 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
- ^ "Oldest dog EVER record broken by 30-year-old Bobi from Portugal". Guinness World Records. 2 February 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
- ^ Harris, Rob (6 February 2023). "Bobi beats Australia's Bluey to become world's oldest dog". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
- ^ "Sorry, Spike. There's a new world's oldest living dog – and he's the oldest ever recorded". CNN News. 3 February 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
- ^ "Bobi, the world's oldest known dog ever, dies at 31". NBC News. 23 October 2023.
- ^ "Bobi breaks Guinness World Record for oldest dog ever". BBC News. 3 February 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
- ^ Bobi was intact
- ^ "World's oldest dog, according to Guinness, celebrates 31st birthday". AP News. 15 May 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ "Bobi, the world's oldest dog ever, dies aged 31". BBC News. 23 October 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
- ^ Jones, Sam (23 October 2023). "World's oldest known dog dies aged 31 after being saved from shallow grave as pup". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 24 October 2023.