The Guinness Book of World Records has named Bobi, a Portuguese Rafeiro do Alentejo breed of dog, as the oldest dog ever.
Bobi, on 1 February, 2023 was 30 years, 226 days old.
The average life of dogs of that breed is 12 to 14 years.
Bobi lives in Conqueiros, west of Portugal and the quiet neighbourhood is believed to have a role in its longevity.
That is however, not a sufficient explanation for its long life because its siblings and other members of the breed in the neighbourhood have not lived that long.
Before now, the oldest dog to ever live was Australia’s Bluey which died in 1939 at the age of 29 years, 160 days.
Bobi was first rejected by its owners, the Costa family, who later took it in with its liter of three other puppies.
Apart from normal veterinary attention, there is no evidence that it received special care or food.
Bobi was said to be doing well, although its sight was fading until it died in October, 2023.
