The world's oldest dog passes away: Photos

The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a Portuguese breed of livestock guardian dogs, and dogs of this breed are considered to be long-lived, with an average lifespan of around 14-15 years. The previous Guinness World Records for the oldest dog also belonged to a herding dog, but it was from Australia and passed away in 1939 at the age of 29 years and 5 months.

Bobi was born on May 11, 1992, in a barn on his owners' farm in the Portuguese village of Conqueiros. The puppy survived only because it escaped from the enclosure where his future owner's father had put it along with the rest of the puppies.

At that time, Leonel Costa, his owner, was only 8 years old. He loved Bobi very much and essentially grew up with him, spending most of his life with the dog.

"I was 8 years old. My father was a hunter, and we always had many dogs. Unfortunately, at that time it was considered normal by older people who could not have more animals at home … to bury the animals in a hole so that they would not survive," he said.

Bobi lived to be 31 years old (Photo: Guinness World Records)

Bobi's parents took the puppies when their mother was absent, and Leonel and his brothers noticed that the puppy had hidden and survived. They didn't immediately inform the adults but eventually revealed the puppy's survival.

For several weeks, they hid the puppy, and then they told the adults about it, as there was no place left to hide. That's how Bobi became a member of the family.

Bobi was never chained or kept on a leash - he always had the freedom to roam and walk in all the nearby forests and fields. Leonel said that Bobi was a very sociable dog, growing up among other animals and children.

In 1992, Bobi was registered with the Veterinary Medical Service of the municipality of Leiria, where his age was confirmed. His age was also confirmed at SIAC, a database of domestic animals authorized by the Portuguese government and managed by the National Veterinary Union.

Bobi with his best friend (Photo: Guinness World Records)

On May 11, 2023, Bobi celebrated his 31st birthday. Leonel Costa organized a party for his beloved pet, which was attended by over 100 guests, including people from other countries. Local meat and fish were served at the table. A separate table was set for Bobi, with regular food, as he did not consume specialized dog food.

"What we ate, he ate. Between a can of animal food or a piece of meat, Bobi doesn't hesitate and choose our food," Leonel said.

Leonel always soaked all the food for animals in water to remove salt and spices. He also provided dogs with plenty of clean water.

Longevity was in Bobi's blood. His mother, Gira, lived to be 18 years old, and his brother, Chicote, made it to 22.

Bobi lived to be 31 years old (Photo: Guinness World Records)

In his old age, Bobi moved less and spent time in the backyard with four cats, his best friends. In his later years, he had problems with his vision.

When asked about his recipe for Bobi's longevity, Leonel would reply: "Good nutrition, constant contact with nature, freedom to discover his environment, consistent veterinary care, and love. Bobi knows he’s deeply loved."

He never thought that his Bobi would make it into the Guinness World Records, and when he submitted the application for the title of the world's oldest dog, he didn't even suspect that his dog would turn out to be the oldest.

"Looking at him is like remembering the people who were part of our family and unfortunately are no longer here, like my father, my brother or my grandparents who have already left this world. Bobi represents those generations" Leonel said.

One of Bobi's veterinarians, Dr. Karen Becker, reported his death.

"Is there ever enough time, I think not. Last night, this sweet boy earned his wings. Despite outliving every dog in history, his 11,478 days on earth would never be enough, for those who loved him. Bobi…you’ve taught the world all you were meant to teach," she wrote.

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