Bobi, a 30-year-old purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo dog, breaks a world record as being the oldest living canine. He has beaten the previous record holder, Bluey who was 29 years and 5 months (deceased 1939).
In 1992, Bobi was registered at a vet in Portugal. As a puppy, he was set to be put down along with his siblings. Bobi was hidden amongst some lumber and was not taken.
Leonell Costa, Bobi’s current human, found and hid him until he was old enough to open his eyes. At this point, Bobi was presented to Costa’s parents and was allowed to be kept.
Costa gives Bobi a calm, peaceful life and home to which he attributes his longevity.
Bobi roams free and off-leash to explore his world. He is a sociable dog, spending time with other animals including cats that love him right back. He stays well-hydrated and eats human food without the added seasonings.
The Costa family says that “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 represents those generations.”
The following tweet from Guinness World Records tells about Bobi’s long life:
https://twitter.com/GWR/status/1621162524996472834
On average, Bobi’s breed lives 12 to 14 years long. However, his mother lived to be 18 years old surpassing the average length as well. As Bobi approaches his 31st birthday he is showing signs of old age.
While he loves to wander the farm, walking can be difficult for him, and his eyesight has worsened. Sometimes he bumps into things unintentionally. He was hospitalized in 2018 for breathing difficulties but pulled through the ordeal.
Bobi goes to the vet regularly and continues to do well despite his advanced age. He continues to love to be pet by humans, play with the cats, and relax in his home.
