Guinness launches investigation as world's oldest dog, 31, loses title

16 January 2024 , 13:57

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Bobi was hailed the world's oldest dog in February, 2023 (Image: Guinness World Records)

An investigation has been launched into the “world’s oldest dog ” following claims he might not actually have been 31.

Bobi, a Portuguese mastiff, was hailed by Guinness World Records last year in February at the age of 30 years and 268 days, but he has now temporarily lost his title. The canine, from Conqueiros, Portugal, sadly passed away in October, just months after his owner organised a massive 31st birthday party.

His owner Leonel Costa claimed the dog was 31 years old, which is equivalent to 200 human years. However, it is believed that the average life span for his breed is 12 to 14 years.

Bobi's date of birth seemed to have been confirmed by the Portuguese government's pet database and the National Union of Veterinarians previously. There is speculation around the validity of his age from vet professionals and due to concerns over the date he was registered on the Portuguese government's pet database.

Bobi celebrated his brithday just months before he died (AFP via Getty Images)

According to Wired magazine, Bobi had only been registered on the database in 2022. It was found that his owner had stated he was born in 1992, however, the authority had "no registration or data that can confirm or deny this statement."

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It has been reported that the registration of dogs born before 2008 wasn't compulsory in Portugal until October 2020. This means, Bobi could really have been born in 1992, but his owner didn't have the paperwork. Genetic testing was carried out in the hope of confirming Bobi’s age. However, it only concluded the dog was old, not a specific age.

Furthermore, medics have questioned Bobi's youth after photos seemed to show him with white paws although they looked brown in his later life. “Not a single one of my veterinary colleagues believe Bobi was actually 31 years old,” veterinarian Danny Chambers told The Guardian.

While Bobi’s title is under investigation, it is understood Spike, a chihuahua cross from Ohio, US, who was born in November 1999, could be re-named the world’s oldest living dog at the age of 23.

Bobi died last year October (AFP via Getty Images)

In a video on the Guinness Book of Records Facebook page, Bobi is seen slowly walking around the farm in Portugal where he lived before posing sat next to his certificate. They told how his owner said he was eight years old when he rescued Bobi as a puppy. Bobi was due to be put down as a puppy along with the rest of his siblings but his owner Leonel hid him.

His owner had a few theories about his longevity including “living in a calm peaceful environment” and drinking lots of water, about one litre a day. He has neer been chained up or attached to a leash, and has always enjoyed roaming free,” the video commentary said. It described how Bobi was “very sociable” with lots of different animals including cats who he was filmed snuggling up with.

Following Bobi’s passing earlier this month, tributes flooded in. One came from Dr Karen Becker, who met the pooch after he earned his title. She said: "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."

Experts noticed Bobi had white paws (AP)

Bobi had feasted on human foods for his whole life, with his party sourcing local fish and meats for the occasion. When Bobi turned 31, Leonel said: "Bobi has been a warrior for all these years, only he knows how he's been holding on. It must not be easy because the average dog's life span is not that high and if he spoke only he could explain this success. We are very happy and grateful to life for allowing us, after 30 years, to have Bobi in our daily lives."

A spokeswoman for Guinness World Records said: "While our review is ongoing we have decided to temporarily pause both the record titles for 'oldest dog living' and 'oldest dog ever' - just until all of our findings are in place."

For Spike's initial verification, his owner Rita Kimball provided Guinness World Records with vet records and bills that placed his date of birth in 1999 as well as photos of him through the years. However she said she had not had him since he was a puppy and she found him in 2009 in a car park. And her proof may not be enough, the organisation told her.

Monica Charsley