Bobbi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo from the rural Portuguese village of Conqueiros in Leiria, western Portugal, made history in February this year by breaking the record for the oldest dog ever. According to Guinness World Records, Bobi is currently celebrating his 31st birthday with a big party planned by his owner. Bobi has spent his entire life with the Costa family who have ensured he had a “calm and peaceful environment” to live in.
Bobi’s age is verified by veterinarians and a pet database officially recognized by the Portuguese government. His owner, Leonel Costa, has planned a “very traditional” Portuguese party in honor of Bobi’s milestone. Many guests are expected to attend, with local meat and fish dishes being served and a dance group performing. Bobi will also participate in one of the dances.
The Costa family has had Bobi since he was born on May 11, 1992, in their villa. However, they almost never got to keep him. Bobi and his three brothers were going to be buried to avoid them surviving. Bobi’s father took the puppies away, not realizing one had run away and left it behind. When the family discovered the remaining pup, Bobi’s owner and his siblings decided to keep him a secret.
Bobi has survived well beyond the average lifespan for dogs, which is between 10-13 years. Instead of dog food, he is constantly fed the same food his human owner used to eat, soaked in water to remove seasonings. His owner believes that his calm environment and diet are the key reasons why he has lived so long.
The oldest dog record was previously held by Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who died in 1939 at the age of 29. Bobi broke the surviving dog record held by a Spike Chihuahua who was 23 years old. Bobi’s age is not only verified by veterinarians but also by a government-recognised pet database.
Bobi’s health suffered due to media attention following his record-breaking achievement. Since then, he has been taken to the vet and is now recovering from his illness. Despite this, he roams freely around the forests and farmlands surrounding his home. His advanced age has affected his eyesight, causing him to move closer to home and play with his family’s cats in the backyard.