World's Oldest Dog Dies at 31 in Portugal

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Facts

  • A 31-year-old Portuguese dog named Bobi, who held the record for the world's oldest dog, died over the weekend in a veterinary hospital, according to his owner, Leonel Costa. Bobi was born on May 11, 1992, when Costa was just eight years old.1
  • Bobi, whose official age was 31 years and 165 days—or about 217 in dog years—was a Portuguese Rafeiro do Alentejo, who has a typical life expectancy of between 10 and 14 years.2
  • According to his owner, Bobi spent his entire life in the village of Conqueiros in central Portugal, attributing his long life to fresh countryside air, plenty of affection, good food, and never being put on a leash.2
  • Bobi claimed the Guinness World Record from an Australian cattle dog named Bluey, who died in 1939 at the age of 29 years and five months. His birthdate had been confirmed by the Portuguese government's pet database as well as the National Union of Veterinarians.3
  • Bobi was born in a litter of four puppies, but due to his family having too many animals, Costa's father decided not to keep them. However, they accidentally left Bobi behind when taking the litter away, after which Costa and his brothers found him hidden in a pile of wood and secretly kept him.4
  • Once his parents discovered him, it was too late, so they decided to keep him. Costa said, 'They screamed a lot and punished us, but it was worth it and for a good reason!' Costa has owned several old-aged dogs, including Bobi’s mother, Gira, who passed at 18, and another named Chicote, who died at 22.4

Sources: 1ABC News, 2Al Jazeera, 3Euronews and 4Guinness World Records.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by Purdue University News. Whether you're a veterinarian with extensive experience with aging animals or a first-time owner, watching your pet pass away is excruciating. Luckily, the US National Institutes of Health has funded research into old age for both humans and dogs, particularly focused on bone cancers that affect larger canines. They're called a man's best friend for a reason, so why wouldn't we search for ways to extend our time with them?
  • Narrative B, as provided by American Kennel Club. While studies are currently being conducted on how to give our pets some extra years, it's important to understand the basic facts of why certain dogs live longer. Larger dogs, likely due to their bones growing faster, which increases their chance of bone cancer, simply live shorter lives. However, to give any dog the best chance at a long life, you can take certain steps, including giving them annual dental cleanings, healthy diets, annual vaccines, and, of course, lots of love and affection.