The World’s Oldest Dog Dies at 31. Goodbye, Bobi!

It is never easy to say goodbye to a friend. And this is especially true for our furry friends as well! No matter how long you get to spend time with your loved ones, it is never enough to fully let them go. And this is the case for Bobi, the world’s oldest dog who recently passed away at the age of 31. While this age might sound like more than enough to most people (especially considering dogs his breed do not make it past 14), it is still a sad story of saying goodbye to the one you love the most!

Bobi, the World’s Oldest Dog Passes Away at 31

Bobi, the remarkable 31-year-old Portuguese dog hailed as the world’s oldest canine breathed his last on a Friday. Guinness World Records, the authority on record-breaking achievements, conveyed their sorrow at Bobi’s passing via their website. Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo livestock guard dog, not only held the title of the oldest living dog but also secured a place as the oldest hound in recorded history earlier this year.

Bobi’s longevity was particularly extraordinary given that his breed typically has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. The canine defied expectations, living an astounding 31 years and 165 days, setting a new record for canine longevity. The news of Bobi’s demise marks the end of an exceptional journey. The journey of a dog who surpassed the typical lifespan for his breed and left a lasting legacy in the record books.

Miracle After Miracle

Bobi’s remarkably long life was almost cut short when he was a puppy. Born in 1992 as part of a litter of four, Bobi’s owners, Leonel Costa’s parents, initially decided not to keep him. This was due to having enough animals already. During that time, it was considered normal for older people to bury unwanted animals.

Luckily for Bobi, when Costa’s parents came for the puppies, they unintentionally left behind the brown-and-white pup, who was hidden in a wood pile. Costa and his brothers kept the puppy a secret from their parents. And they did so until the dog grew too old to be euthanized. This twist of fate allowed Bobi to defy the odds and live a record-breaking 31 years and 165 days.

How Bobi Was Crowned the World’s Oldest Dog

In February, Guinness declared Bobi as the oldest living dog. This distinction came just two weeks after honoring Spike, a 23-year-old Chihuahua mix from Ohio. Following his recent passing, NPR reached out to Guinness. They wanted to inquire about the current title holder for the oldest living dog but did not receive an immediate response.

Bobi’s exceptional age secured his status as the oldest living dog. However, this was not his only achievement. He also became the oldest dog in recorded history, surpassing the previous record-holder, Bluey. Bluey was an Australian cattle dog who lived 29 years and five months before passing away in 1939.

How Did He Live So Long?

Bobi’s remarkable longevity, according to owner Leonel Costa, was attributed to various factors. The tranquil environment of their home in Conqueiros, central Portugal, played a significant role. It provided Bobi with ample space in the countryside. Additionally, it allowed him to interact with “feline friends” in the backyard. His diet, consisting exclusively of human food soaked in water to remove any seasoning, was highlighted as another contributing factor to his prolonged life. These lifestyle choices and environmental factors likely played a crucial role in his exceptional lifespan of 31 years and 165 days.

We send our condolences to the family and we hope Bobi is doing alright in puppy heaven!

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