World’s oldest dog just turned 31 in Portugal. ‘Bobi is one of a kind,’ owner says
Happy birthday to Bobi, the world’s oldest dog! The good ol’ boy just turned 31 years old and will celebrate with a big party in Portugal.
Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, was born on May 11, 1992, and lives in rural Conqueiros with his owner, Leonel Costa, according to news releases from Guinness World Records.
Bobi holds the world record for being the oldest living dog — and the oldest dog ever. His record-breaking longevity was recognized in early February by Guinness World Records.
To celebrate the pup’s 31st birthday, Costa planned a big and “very traditional” Portuguese party, he told Guinness World Records. “More than 100 people” are coming, with some flying in for the occasion.
The celebration will include meat and fish for both guests and Bobi, “who only eats human foods,” the release said. A dance troupe — along with Bobi — will perform at the event.
The party is a change from Bobi’s normal day-to-day life, his owner said. Although allowed to roam freely, the 31-year-old dog tends to stay around the house and sleep a lot.
Still, for his age, Bobi is in good health, the release said.
”We’ve had a lot of journalists and people come from all over the world to take a picture with Bobi … He had to get up and down many times,” his owner said. “It wasn’t easy for him.”
Worried about the mental and physical stress fame had on Bobi, Costa took the dog to a vet.
“His health was a little damaged, but now it’s better,” he said.
According to Costa, Bobi’s unusually long life is a result of the “calm, peaceful environment” where he lives. The “very sociable” dog grew up around other animals and could roam the village or nearby forest, never being chained or leashed, the owner said.
“Bobi is one of a kind,” Costa told Guinness World Records.
“Looking at him is like remembering the people who were part of our family and unfortunately are no longer here, like my father, my brother, or my grandparents who have already left this world,” Costa said. “Bobi represents those generations.”
Conqueiros is about 90 miles north of Lisbon.
This story was originally published May 12, 2023 at 1:29 PM with the headline "World’s oldest dog just turned 31 in Portugal. ‘Bobi is one of a kind,’ owner says."
