Bobi, World’s Oldest Dog, Turns 31

In February 2023, a Portuguese pup named Bobi broke the record for the oldest dog ever. Now, he’s celebrating his 31st birthday.

Bobi will be marking the occasion with a big “traditional” birthday party taking place at his home in the rural Portuguese village of Conqueiros in Leiria, western Portugal. The good boy will host 100 fans and friends, including some from other countries, says his owner Leonel Costa, 38.

Bobi is a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a Portuguese breed of livestock watchdog that has a life expectancy of 12 years. The senior dog comes from a line with longevity. His mom, Gira, lived to be 18. Earlier this year, Bobi dethroned a 23-year-old Chihuahua from Ohio to claim the title of oldest living dog.

“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. “Bobi represents those generations.”

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

Costa, 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.

This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Dog magazine. Subscribe today!