Bobi, the world’s oldest dog, dies five months after celebrating his 31st birthday
The world’s oldest dog has died just five months after celebrating his 31st birthday on the Portuguese family farm where he spent his entire life.
The owner of a Lisbon-based pet photography studio announced the sad news overnight, saying in a social media post alongside a photo of Bobi: ‘Rest in peace friend.
“Thank you for having the privilege of meeting you, the oldest dog in the world.”
The post continued: “What an amazing life you have had.”
Bobi was awarded a Guinness World Record title in February for the oldest dog in the world, replacing a Chihuahua living in Ohio, US, who was previously considered the record holder.
Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a Portuguese breed of cattle herder, was also recorded as the world’s oldest ever dog, with the previous record held by an Australian cattle dog who died in 1939 at 29 years and five months old.
Bobi (photo, below) was the proud holder of two Guinness World Records
He was officially declared the world’s oldest dog in February and was also named as the oldest dog to ever live
Bobi was 31 when he died
Dogs typically only live 10 to 13 human years.
Bobi’s age is said to have been verified by his vet and a pet database approved by the Portuguese government.
Bobi’s owner Leonel Costa held a birthday party for the farm dog in the village of Conqueiros in Portugal’s Leiria district on May 11, but has not yet commented on his dog’s death.
Local meat and fish were served to more than 100 guests attending his birthday, some of whom came from abroad, with a bonus for Bobi who only eats human food.
Leonel Costa, now 38, was just eight when his beloved pet was born in an outbuilding where his family stored wood.
He said when Bobi turned 31: ‘Bobi has been a warrior all these years, only he knows how to endure, it must not be easy because the average lifespan of a dog is not that high and if he only spoke, he could he explaining this success.
“We are very happy and grateful that after 30 years, life allows us to have Bobi in our daily lives.”
He went on to attribute the animal’s longevity to the “calm, peaceful environment in which it lives, its diet of human food, and its freedom.”
Throughout his existence, Bobi, who reportedly survived being put to sleep by Leonel’s father along with his two brothers shortly after birth because he escaped, was never chained or leashed.
His long age was also related to his genes. Bobi’s mother Gira turned 18 and another family dog, Chicote, turned 22.
Dogs generally live an average of only 10 to 13 years
Bobi’s owner Leonel (photo right) says he grew up with the dog from the age of eight
Bobi reportedly survived being put to sleep by Leonel’s father along with his two brothers shortly after birth because he escaped
Animal lovers immediately responded to the news of Bobi’s death with messages expressing their sadness, including one saying: ‘What a sad day.
‘What a long and happy life Bobi had.
Run free and happy.”
Another Portuguese animal photo studio added: “He earned that little rest.”
Veterinarian and best-selling author Karen Becker, who was at Bobi’s 31st birthday party in May and ran tests on the animal to understand the reasons behind its longevity, said in a tribute overnight: ‘Is there ever enough time? I do not think so.
‘Last night this sweet boy earned his wings.
“Despite outliving every dog in history, his 11,478 days on earth would never be enough for those who loved him.
‘When we asked Leonel what his recipe was for Bobi’s exceptionally long life, his answer was quick: ‘Good nutrition, constant contact with nature, freedom to explore his environment, consistent veterinary care and love. Bobi knows he is loved very much.”
“Godspeed, Bobi… you taught the world everything you needed to learn.”