Bobi, recognized as the longest-living dog in history, has passed away at the astonishing age of 31 years and 165 days, Guinness World Records (GWR) confirmed on Monday. Dr. Karen Becker, a veterinarian, initially disclosed Bobi’s demise at a veterinary hospital last Friday. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she wrote that Bobi’s record-setting 11,478 days on Earth would forever feel insufficient to those who cherished him.
According to Leonel Costa, Bobi’s owner, there were several factors contributing to Bobi’s exceptional longevity. Bobi led a life free from restrictive leashes or chains, enjoyed a tranquil living environment, and consumed a diet of human food, carefully desalted with water. His entire life was spent in Conqueiros, a quaint Portuguese village around 150 kilometers north of Lisbon, where he frequently mingled with local cats.
Bobi was of the Rafeiro do Alentejo breed, a livestock guardian dog breed, as confirmed by his owner. Typically, the lifespan of Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs, as per the American Kennel Club, averages between 12 to 14 years. Bobi, however, lived well beyond this average lifespan, shattering a nearly 100-year-old record to become both the oldest living dog and the oldest dog ever. An Australian cattle-dog named Bluey, who was born in 1910 and lived for 29 years and five months, held the previous record.
Bobi’s story could have taken a different turn, however. Upon his birth in the family’s woodshed along with his three siblings, Costa’s father deemed they had too many pets. The children believed their parents had their puppies euthanized. However, they later discovered Bobi, safe and sound in a log pile. They kept Bobi hidden until it was too late for euthanasia, leading to his record-breaking lifespan.
His 31st birthday celebration, held in May, saw over 100 attendees, including a dance troupe performance. Although his eyesight declined and mobility decreased in his final years, Bobi continued to enjoy his time in the backyard with the cats and took longer rests by the fireplace. “Bobi holds a special place in our hearts as he brings a sense of connection with our loved ones who are no longer with us—like my father, my brother, and my grandparents who have departed from this life,” shared Costa with GWR in May. “Bobi is a valued symbol of those past generations..”
The parents of Leonel made the decision to take care of the puppies while their mother wasn’t around, but unfortunately overlooked Bobi. He was obscured in a collection of wood in the outhouse where his birth took place, hence, Leonel’s parents missed him. Leonel and his siblings, who decided to keep the puppy’s existence a secret from their parents, ultimately found Bobi.
By the time Leonel’s parents discovered Bobi, it was too late to consider euthanasia, hence Bobi was embraced into the family. Leonel attributes Bobi’s exceptional longevity to the serene environment he lived in. Furthermore, Bobi was never restrained in any way, he was given complete freedom to explore the surrounding natural setting.
As Bobi aged, his mobility lessened, leading him to spend most of his time in the backyard, bonding with cats. Leonel described Bobi as a highly social dog. He also believes Bobi’s diet played a significant role in his long life. Bobi was fed human food exclusively. Leonel stated that the dogs, however, also ate the food they consumed before serving; the seasonings were removed by soaking the food in water.
Leonel has a history of owning dogs who lived to a ripe old age. Bobi’s mother, Gira, lived until 18 and another dog, Chicote, lived until 22. Leonel acknowledged that while they view these instances as typical outcomes of their lifestyle, Bobi was truly unique. This was affirmed when Bobi was awarded his record.
Bobi was adored worldwide, which was evident by the over 100 people who attended his 31st birthday celebration. His absence will be deeply felt. Leonel mournfully stated that Bobi was the “last of a long generation of animals” in the Costa family. Bobi will be remembered fondly. Rest in peace, Bobi.
