Bobi, the World's Oldest Dog Ever, Has Died

On October 20, 2023, the world mourned the passing of Bobi, the oldest living dog and the oldest dog ever recorded. His departure has left his devoted owner and numerous others heartbroken. Bobi's journey, from being rejected at birth to achieving the Guinness World Record, is truly extraordinary.

The news of Bobi's passing has deeply saddened his owner, the Guinness World Records team, and people around the world. Bobi, recognized as the oldest dog ever, lived an impressive 31 years and 165 days.

He spent his entire life under the loving care of his owner, Leonel Costa, in the Portuguese village of Conqueiros. Sadly, Bobi breathed his last in an animal hospital on October 20, 2023.

The announcement of Bobi's death came from Dr. Karen Becker, a veterinarian who had the privilege of meeting him multiple times. In a Facebook post from October 23, she shared the sorrowful news, saying, "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."

Bobi's incredible journey began in humble circumstances.

Bobi's remarkable achievements were officially recognized on February 2, 2023, when he was announced as the world's oldest dog living and oldest dog ever. Despite the odds, Bobi not only celebrated his first birthday but went on to live an extraordinary life.

Born on May 11, 1992, he reached the age of 31 in May 2023. Bobi belonged to the breed of Rafeiro do Alentejo, known for its pure lineage, and typically, dogs of this type live around 12 to 14 years on average.

According to his owner, Bobi's remarkable lifespan stood out, considering the usual life expectancy of his breed. His feat outshone that of Bluey (1910-1939), an Australian cattle dog who previously held the record as the oldest dog ever, living to the age of 29 years and five months.

Bobi's incredible journey began in humble circumstances. Born as one of four male pups in an outbuilding where the Costa family stored wood, his fate hung precariously in the balance. Leonel, then eight years old, recalled his father's decision to part with the newborn puppies due to the family's existing pets. In a practice considered normal at the time, the surplus animals were often buried to prevent overpopulation.

On the day after their birth, Leonel's parents removed the puppies hastily, unaware that they had left one behind. Gira, the mother dog, continued to visit the place where her pups were born, even though they were no longer there. Intrigued, Leonel and his brothers followed Gira and discovered Bobi hidden among the woodpile, cleverly escaping the fate that befell his siblings.

Deciding to keep Bobi's existence a secret, the young Costa brothers awaited the day when Bobi would open his eyes. According to Leonel, it was common knowledge that once a pup's eyes were open, it would no longer face the risk of being buried. Bobi's charm and survival instinct won over the family, and when Bobi's eyes finally opened, he became an integral part of their lives.

Recalling those early days, Leonel reminisced that when their parents discovered they already knew about Bobi, there was a lot of shouting and punishment. However, he believed it was all justified for a good reason. He also wondered that if Bobi could speak, only he could explain the secrets behind his extraordinary longevity. In other words, Bobi miraculously avoided being killed as a puppy.

Leonel, 38, attributed Bobi's long life to the serene environment he lived in, characterized by its calm and peaceful atmosphere. The canine enjoyed unparalleled freedom—he was never tied up, chained, or leashed, relishing the natural surroundings around his home. In his later years, as his mobility diminished, Bobi found companionship with the family's cats in the backyard. Leonel affectionately described him as a "very sociable" dog.

Bob's diet, consisting solely of human food, was another factor Leonel believed contributed to his long life. Before serving Bobi his meals, Leonel took care to soak the food in water to remove any seasonings, ensuring a healthy diet tailored to his canine companion's needs.

In the Costa family, longevity among pets wasn't unheard of. Bobi's mother, Gira, lived to the age of 18, and another family dog, Chicote, reached the remarkable age of 22. Yet, Bobi stood out as a truly exceptional case. When Bobi received his record, Leonel remarked, "We see situations like this as a normal result of the life that they have, but Bobi is one of a kind."

Bobi's popularity extended far beyond his family; he had fans from all over the world, evident from the 100+ people who attended his 31st birthday celebration. His passing marked the end of an era for the Costa family. With heavy hearts, they bid farewell to Bobi, the last of a long generation of beloved animals. You will be missed, dear Bobi.

We send our heartfelt condolences to Bobi's owner and anyone fortunate enough to spend time with him. Click here to read another story about an eight-year-old twin girl and her pet dog who were instantly killed on their family camping trip, leaving their loved ones devastated.