15 May 2023 , 11:33
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The world's oldest dog has celebrated his 31st birthday - and his owner has shared tips to a long life for pooches.
Bobi from southern Portugal has been officially declared the oldest living dog in the world – and the oldest dog to ever live – by Guinness World Records.
The purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a Portuguese breed, will be having a birthday party at his home in Conqueiros, a rural village in southern Portugal, with over 100 people.
"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," Bobi's owner Leonel Costa said.
Bobi sitting in front of his birthplace at his home in the village of Conqueiros (AFP via Getty Images)Bobi's secret may be down to him only devouring human food and taking time for a good nap.
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But Costa thinks the “calm, peaceful environment” where he lives also plays a huge part. He is a very sociable dog, who loves to be petted and plays a lot with the four cats he lives with.
“If Bobi spoke only he could explain this,” said Costa.
His age has been confirmed by the Veterinary Medical Service (AFP via Getty Images)Bobi’s age has been confirmed by the Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria, and SIAC, a pet database authorised by the Portuguese government.
Bobi’s mother, Gira, lived to the age of 18, and another dog in the Costa family lived for 22 years. But they never anticipated a dog surpassing 30 years old.
Costa was eight-years-old when Bobi came into his life and said he has largely been in good health.
He said it was only following the news of the world record that he began to be stressed about Bobi's health.
The purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo is a Portuguese breed (AFP via Getty Images)Costa took Bobi to the vet because he was concerned that Bobi's fame was causing him physical and mental stress.
“There were a lot of pictures taken and he had to get up and down many times. It wasn’t easy for him. His health was a little damaged, but now it’s better," Costa said.
He also said Bobi has become less adventurous, has a bit of difficulty walking and sometimes collides with objects as his eyesight has deteriorated.