Bobi, the World’s Oldest Dog Ever, Dies Aged 31

On Friday, October 20, 2023, the world’s oldest living dog, a Portuguese pup named Bobi, passed away at the incredible age of 31 years and 165 days, reported Guinness World Records on Monday.

His passing at an animal hospital was first announced by veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker, who wrote on Facebook that “despite outliving every dog in history, his 11,478 days on earth would never be enough, for those who loved him.”

Earlier this year, Bobi dethroned a 23-year-old Chihuahua from Ohio to claim the title of oldest living dog. He even surpassed an almost century-old record to become the oldest dog ever, a title previously held by Australian Cattle Dog Bluey, who was born in 1910 and lived to be 29 years and five months old.

Bobi was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a Portuguese breed of livestock watchdog that has a life expectancy of 12 – 14 years. The senior dog comes from a line with longevity. His mom, Gira, lived to be 18. 

Bobi’s birth date—May 1992—was confirmed by the Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria along with the government-run pet database SIAC. 

His owner, Leonel Costa, 38, who was just eight years old when Bobi was born, credits his dog’s incredible longevity to the “calm, peaceful environment” he lives in “far from the cities,” according to Guinness. 

Their home in the rural Portuguese village of Conqueiros, Portugal, is about about 93 miles (150 km) north of the capital Lisbon. Bobi spent his life eating “natural foods” and spending lots of time outside, according to his owner.

“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,” Costa told Guinness World Records earlier this year. “Bobi represents those generations.”