World’s oldest dog dies at age 31

Guinness World Records has announced that Bobi, the world’s oldest dog ever, recently passed away in an animal hospital.¹

The world's oldest dog ever dies at age 31 (All images photo courtesy of Guinness World Records).

Just recently celebrating his birthday back in May,² Bobi lived to 31 years old and spent his whole life with owner Leonel Costa and his family in the Portuguese village of Conqueiros.

Karen Becker, DVM, who met Bobi several times, announced his death on Facebook,³ stating "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. Godspeed, Bobi…you’ve taught the world all you were meant to teach."

Bobi was deemed the world’s oldest dog living and oldest dog ever in February 2023.⁴ He was registered in 1992 with Serviço Medico-Veterinário do Município de Leiria (Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria), who confirmed his birth date. Bobi’s age was also verified by SIAC, a pet database authorized by the Portuguese government and managed by the SNMV (Sindicato Nacional dos Médicos Veterinários; National Union of Veterinarians), according to Guinness World Records.¹

Costa attributes the “calm, peaceful” environment Bobi lived in to his record-breaking age, plus they always allowed him to roam around in nature surrounding the house. However, as Bobi got older and his mobility began to dwindle, he spent most of his time in the backyard with his feline friends. Costa shared that Bobi was a “very sociable” dog.¹

Bobi and his cat friend, Ceguinho (2022).

Costa also thinks Bobi’s diet enabled him to reach such an old age as he was served human food. “What we ate, they ate too,” Leonel said. Before serving food to him, Leonel soaked it in water to remove the seasonings.

Bobi receiving his Guinness World Record certificate (February 2023).

Costa has owned several old-aged dogs including Bobi’s mother, Gira, who lived to 18, and his dog, Chicote, died at 22.¹ Costa said Bobi was the “last of a long generation of animals” in the family.

“We see situations like this as a normal result of the life that they have, but Bobi is one of a kind,” Leonel said, after Bobi, back when he was gifted his record.⁴

References

1. Atwal S. World’s oldest dog ever, Bobi, dies aged 31. Guinness World Records. October 23, 2023. Accessed October 23, 2023. https://guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2023/10/worlds-oldest-dog-ever-bobi-dies-aged-31-760019
2. The world’s oldest dog celebrates 31st birthday. dvm360. May 19, 2023. Accessed October 23, 2023. https://www.dvm360.com/view/the-world-s-oldest-dog-celebrates-31st-birthday
3. Dr Karen Becker Facebook page. Is there ever enough time? I think not. Accessed October 23, 2023. https://www.facebook.com/doctor.karen.becker/posts/pfbid0DR9yGvzbRKUBydFZ9SzjJPdCMshDGigfMWN2cYBiG3WVtTfRVXHNZeA7ZHPwgfq4l
4. Atwal S. Oldest dog EVER record broken by 31-year old Bobi from Portugal. Guinness World Records. February 2, 2023. Accessed October 23, 2023. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2023/2/oldest-dog-ever-record-broken-by-30-year-old-bobi-from-portugal-736224