According to the Guinness World Records, Bobi, the world’s oldest dog, just celebrated his 31st birthday.
Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, celebrated his 31st birthday with a party in his hometown village of Conqueiros in the Castelo Branco region of Portugal. He has lived in the village his whole life.
His owner, Leonel Costa, threw a “very traditional” Portuguese party for him, which over 100 people attended.
World’s oldest dog celebrates his 31st birthday – Bobi from Portugal
As per the Guinness World Records, Bobi, the world’s oldest dog, has recently celebrated his 31st birthday in Conqueiros, Portugal.
With over 100 guests in attendance, local fish and meats were served up to Bobi and his party guests, as Bobi only eats regular human food. A dance troupe was also in attendance, and Bobi joined them for one of their routines.
His owner, Leonel Costa, is no stranger to having old-age dogs, as Bobi’s mother, Gira, lived until she was 18 years old. However, he said that Bobi is “one of a kind”.
Costa is only 38 years old himself, having got Bobi when he was a boy at just 8 years old.
How has he lived so long? – a calm and peaceful environment
Leonel Costa says that one of the biggest reasons Bobi has lived as long as he has is down to the “calm, peaceful environment” that he lives in.
Deemed a very sociable dog, Bobi grew up always surrounded by other dogs and has spent his days roaming the forest surrounding his home. His owner says that he has never been a leashed dog.
Now at the age of 31, Bobi finds it difficult to walk, so he prefers hanging around at home in the yard. Just like humans in their later years, Bobi’s eyesight isn’t what it once was, and he tends to sleep a lot.
His owner says that he lies down to sleep after he eats, and on cold days, he prefers to sleep by the fire.
Representing generations – a reminder of his owner’s past
Age profiles of dogs range depending on their size and breed, but the average lifespan for dogs worldwide is between ten and 13 years, so Bobi celebrating his 31st birthday is something truly spectacular.
Bobi’s birth date was confirmed by the Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria. Bobi was registered here in 1992.
He was actually supposed to be put down as a pup, along with his siblings. However, Costa saved him and made him a part of the family. For his owner, Bobi is a reminder of his life and his past.
He said, “Bobi is special because 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”. He continued, “Bobi represents those generations.”
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