World’s Oldest Dog Record Under Investigation
We all followed Bobi’s historic achievement, breaking the record for the world’s oldest dog; we loved Bobi, and we trusted Bobi. But Bobi’s extraordinary claim has lately come under severe scrutiny, prompting the Guinness Book of World Records to investigate the verity of Bobi’s age.
Indeed, when the canine—and human—world bid farewell to Bobi in October of 2023, it was amid celebrations of his remarkable lifespan. The dog, a Portuguese Rafeiro do Alentejo, passed away at the age of 31 years and five months.
Bobi the dog holds the record for the world’s oldest dog, but some are now questioning reports that he lived 31 long years.
Bobi was thus understandably proclaimed the oldest dog ever (surpassing the lifespan of the previous record holder, Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who clocked 29 years).
But was Bobi’s feat too good to be true—was he indeed the world’s oldest dog?
Rafeiro do Alentejos are a large, hairy breed of dog originally bred to hunt and later tasked with guarding livestock. Extremely cute, the breed elicits a natural, almost irrepressible “Good boy!”–or “Bom menino!” in Bobi’s case–from homo sapiens.
The Rafeiro do Alentejo in question—and under investigation—was officially crowned the world’s oldest dog in February 2023. The dog’s lengthy lifespan is especially noteworthy since his breed typically enjoys a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. For the most part, small dogs tend to live longer than bigger breeds.
Understandably, Bobi’s case emerged as a significant outlier.
Blame Wired for popping the celebratory balloon surrounding Bobi’s status as the world’s oldest dog. An article published in the respected tech publication highlighted that although Bobi’s age was registered on a Portuguese government database, the recorded age was based singularly on the testimony of the dog’s owner, Leonel Costa, of Conqueiros, Portugal.
What made matters worse for Leonel and Bobi Costa were photographs in which the dog sadly appeared overweight. Generally speaking, obesity is often inversely related to extended longevity in dogs.
The dog’s lengthy lifespan is especially noteworthy since his breed typically enjoys a lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
Canine professionals soon sunk their canines (pun strenuously intended) into the controversy surrounding the world’s oldest dog. These pros include Danny Chambers, a card-carrying member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, who voiced genuine disbelief on behalf of veterinarians regarding Bobi’s age.
How many of Chamber’s professional compatriots believe Bobi was actually 31?
“Not a single one,” Chambers said to The Guardian.
Guinness Book of World Records, responding to the credulity and uproar, initiated a “formal review” of the dog’s record. Their invitation will analyze emergent evidence, consult with experts, and engage those associated with the original record application.
The review’s duration remains indefinite, though Guinness reportedly strives to end their investigation within three months. The procedure necessitates reassessing the existing evidence and acquiring any new intel concerning the claimant for world’s oldest dog.
The recorded age was based singularly on the testimony of the dog’s owner, Leonel Costa, of Conqueiros, Portugal.
The debacle aside, Bobi was beloved for his vibrant history and outsized personality. Mr. Costa, the dog’s owner, volunteered many stories from Bobi’s life—including his narrow escape from death as a puppy and concealment in a pile of logs.
Moreover, the dog was allegedly best buds with four cats, of all creatures. Costa attributes his dog’s storied longevity to an all-human-food diet and the freedom to roam to his heart’s content across the Portuguese landscape.
The dog-loving community eagerly awaits the outcome of the Guinness investigation. The truth behind Bobi’s age—which seems more sci-fi than reality—should be forthcoming. Of course, we can all be forgiven for hoping he is indeed the world’s oldest dog.
Source: The New York Times
