30-Year-Old Pooch From Portugal Shatters Record for ‘Oldest Dog Ever’—Owner Shares Secret to His Longevity

Courtesy of Guinness World Records

After Bobi the dog turned 30 last May, his owners thought to check with Guinness to see if he might be the Oldest Dog Living. They never even considered the possibility that Bobi might be the Oldest Dog Ever.

But, after gathering verification from Serviço Medico-Veterinário, the local veterinary service in the municipality of Leiria, Portugal; and after checking with the SIAC pet database, authorized by the Portuguese government, they ascertained Bobi’s birthdate: May 11, 1992.

That makes Bobi 30 years, and 275 days old, as of Feb. 10, 2023. He has indeed claimed both said titles, thus breaking an almost century-old record.

Bobi claimed the Guinness World Record for Oldest Dog Living and Oldest Dog Ever. Courtesy of Guinness World Records

Bobi is a purebred rafeiro do Alentejo, a breed of livestock guardian dog that typically lives to the ages of between 12-14 years.

It’s a Miracle Bobi Survived

Bobi’s owner, Leonel Costa, 38, admitted it’s rather a miracle that Bobi is alive today because when he was born one in a litter of four male pups, Leonel’s family decided to bury them alive. The family already had a number of animals, and Leonel’s father would not keep them.

“Unfortunately, at that time it was considered normal by older people who could not have more animals at home,” Leonel recently told Guinness, adding that he was eight at the time, while his father “was a hunter” and they “always had many dogs.”

So, when Bobi’s mother, Gira, wasn’t around, Leonel’s mom hastily took the pups and disposed of them—or so she thought.

A photo of Bobi at age 7, taken in 1999. Courtesy of Guinness World Records

Saddened, Leonel and his brothers over the following days noticed Gira still visiting the outbuilding on their property, where she had given birth to her litter.

“We found the situation strange, because if the animals were no longer there, why would she go there?!” Leonel said.

Upon following her, they saw one of the pups had survived, having been hidden in a woodpile. They decided to keep this a secret from their parents.

“We knew that when the dog opened its eyes, my parents would no longer bury it,” Leonel said. “It was popular knowledge that this act could not or should [not] be done.”

It would take 1-2 weeks before his eyes opened, as his nervous system and eyes continued to develop.

Bobi is seen wandering the Costa household in 1999. Courtesy of Guinness World Records

Eventually, the secret got out, though, and Leonel’s parents were none too happy about it. But now they had no choice, as Bobi’s eyes had opened—fortunately for Bobi—and so they kept him as part of the family.

“I confess that when they found out that we already knew, they screamed a lot and punished us, but it was worth it and for a good reason!” Leonel said.

The Secret to Bobi’s Long Life

As for the secret to Bobi’s long life, Leonel attributes it partially to the slowed-down, “calm, peaceful environment” where they live, “far from the cities” in the rural village of Conqueiros.

Another factor is that they feed Bobi mostly “human food,” which Leonel soaks in water to remove most of the seasoning.

A photo taken of Bobi in 2016. Courtesy of Guinness World Records

“Between a can of animal food or a piece of meat, Bobi doesn’t hesitate and chooses our food,” Leonel said. “He drinks a lot of water—about one liter per day—making him urinate several times.”

Ultimately, though, only Bobi can explain the reason for his longevity, if only he spoke, his owners said.

Bobi enjoys exploring the surrounding farmlands and forests and is given free rein, with neither tether nor leash.

He is thus “very sociable,” and likes to hang out with other animals—particularly the cats—in the area.

Bobi enjoys hanging out with the cats in the backyard in 2022. Courtesy of Guinness World Records

(Left) Bobi in 2023; (Right) Bobi in 2021. Courtesy of Guinness World Records

But, Bobi is getting up there in years and age has taken its toll on his health. In 2018, he gave Leonel a scare; exhibiting difficulty breathing, Bobi had to be hospitalized.

Of late, Bobi has slowed down quite a bit. He’s less adventurous and prefers to relax in the backyard with the cats or lie in bed after meals, as opposed to roaming about. On colder days, he enjoys naps beside the fire.

Bobi’s eyesight is also fading and Leonel has noticed him colliding with objects while walking.

The Costas didn’t really consider Bobi’s age to be anything unusual, as the laidback pace of rural life has led many of their animals to reach advanced years.

Bobi’s mom, Gira, lived to the ripe age of 18, while their dog Chicote lived past his 22nd birthday.

Bobi naps by the TV in a photo taken in 2022. Courtesy of Guinness World Records

Carrying Oldest Dog Legacies

Besides garnering two Guinness World Records, Bobi is also a nostalgic reminder of fond times for Leonel; the dog is the “last of a long generation of animals” in the Costa family.

“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,” Leonel said. “Bobi represents those generations.”

Just two weeks before Bobi claimed his titles, Guinness had announced another dog, Spike, as the World’s Oldest Dog Living—until Bobi overtook him.

As for the previous Oldest Dog Ever, that title was held by Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who lived to the age of 29 years, 5 months, from 1910-1939. However, purportedly, an Australian cattle dog-Labrador cross named Chilla reached the age of 32 years, 3 days, just before passing away on March 8, 1983.

Today, Bobi looks forward to his 31st birthday, which falls on May 11 this year. May Bobi have good health, a happy birthday, and many more to come!

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