Oldest dog ever, Bobi, dies aged 31

The oldest dog in recorded history, Bobi, has died at the age of 31 years and 165 days.

Guinness World Record confirmed that Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, died at an animal hospital near his home in Portugal on Friday.

He lived with his owner Leonel Costa and his family in the Portuguese village of Conqueiros, and became both the world's oldest living dog and the oldest dog ever in February.

Veterinarian Dr Karen Becker, who cared for Bobi, wrote on Facebook: “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.

“When we asked Leonel what his recipe was for Bobi’s exceptionally long life, his response was swift: ‘Good nutrition, constant contact with nature, freedom to discover his environment, consistent veterinary care, and love. Bobi knows he’s deeply loved.’”

Despite living to be the oldest dog in recorded history, Bobi was lucky to have even made it to his first birthday.

He was born in a litter of four puppies, but because Costa’s family already owned too many animals, his father decided not to keep them.

“Unfortunately, at that time it was considered normal by older people […] to bury the animals in a hole so that they would not survive,” Costa said.

Costa’s parents decided to take the puppies while their mother was away, but they accidentally left Bobi behind.

He was hidden amongst a pile of wood stored in the outbuilding where he was born, but was eventually discovered by Costa and his brothers, who kept the puppy’s existence a secret.

Guinness World Records

When their parents eventually became aware of Bobi, it was too late to put him down, so he became a part of the family.

“They screamed a lot and punished us, but it was worth it and for a good reason!” Costa said.

Costa said the “calm, peaceful” environment Bobi lived in contributed to his record-breaking age, plus the fact he was never tied up, chained, nor leashed.

As he advanced in age, Bobi became less mobile, so he spent most of his time in the backyard with his feline friends. Costa described Bobi as a “very sociable” dog.

Bobi's grand old age was validated by the Portuguese government's pet database, which is managed by the National Union of Veterinarians.

The identity of Bobi's successor to the title of world's oldest living dog has not yet been revealed.

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