Bobi, the world’s oldest dog ever, dies aged 31

Guinness world records

Bobi, the oldest dog in history, passed away on Monday, according to Guinness World Records (GWR), after reaching the nearly unfathomable age of 31 years and 165 days.

Veterinarian Dr Karen Becker made the original announcement of his death on Friday at an animal hospital.

"Even though he outlived every dog in history, his 11,478 days on earth would never be enough, for those who loved him," she wrote on Facebook.

https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/

Bobi's owner, Leonel Costa, told GWR in February that there were numerous secrets to his amazing longevity. Costa claimed that he lived in a "calm, peaceful" setting, never used a leash or chain, and only ever consumed human food that had been soaked in water to remove flavours.

He was born and raised in Conqueiros, a small Portuguese village located approximately 150 kilometres (93 miles) north of Lisbon. He frequently went for cat walks in this village.

Bobi's owner claimed that he was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a breed of dog used to defend livestock. The American Kennel Club states that the life expectancy of Rafeiro do Alentejos is approximately 12–14 years.

However, Bobi outlived that predicted lifespan by more than two times, shattering an almost 100-year record to become both the oldest dog ever and the oldest surviving dog.

Bluey, an Australian cattle dog born in 1910, had previously held the record for the longest canine life, having lived to reach 29 years and 5 months.

But Bobi's tale nearly had a different conclusion. After deciding that the family already had too many animals at home, Costa's father had him and his three siblings born in the woodshed.

Costa and his siblings believed that all of the puppies had been taken away by their parents to be destroyed. But sadly, a few days later, they discovered Bobi still alive, securely tucked up in a stack of logs.

After the kids kept the puppy hidden from their parents, Bobi lived a record-breaking life until his existence was discovered, at which point he was too old to be put down.

More than 100 guests and a performing dance ensemble attended his 31st birthday celebration in May, according to GWR.

As Bobi grew older, his eyesight deteriorated and walking became more difficult, but he continued to spend time with the cats in the backyard, rest more, and take naps by the fire.

"Bobi is unique because it makes me think of the people in our family who, regrettably, are no longer with us, like my father, my brother, or my grandparents who have already departed from this life," Costa said to GWR in May. "Those generations are represented by Bob."