Bobi, the world’s oldest dog, dies aged 31

Bobi, a Portuguese dog and the oldest canine ever recorded, passed away on October 23 at the incredible age of 31.

Bobi was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a Portuguese breed typically used as a livestock guardian and watch dog.

The breed has a typical lifespan of 12-14 years, so it’s more than remarkable for Bobi to live to more than double that age.

Bobi lived a comfortable life on a farm in Conqueiros, Portugal, with four cats and his owner, Leonel Costa.

Costa attributes Bobi’s long lifespan to his “calm, peaceful” free-roaming farm life, with plenty of long, off-leash walks and rich diet of unseasoned human food.

“Of course our love and affection throughout his life has also helped,” said Costa, earlier this year.

Bobi’s age was checked and confirmed against records contained in the SIAC, a pet database managed by the Portuguese government and the National Union of Veterinarians.

“It’s a feeling of pride we can’t explain,” Costa told Reuters news agency.

“Some people told us we wouldn’t make it … but we knew Bobi’s age and were sure the exams would only prove what we already knew.”

Whilst Bobi was healthy throughout his life, Costa explained that the dog was incredibly lucky to live past the first few weeks of his life.

In 1992, when Costa was just 8 years old, a litter of puppies was born in the family’s woodshed.

Bobi’s father said that they would not be able to keep the puppies.

“Unfortunately, at that time it was considered normal by older people who could not have more animals at home … to bury the animals in a hole so that they would not survive,” Costa explained.

As it happens, Bobi was miraculously hidden away when Costa’s father took the puppies.

When Costa and his brothers found him, they hid him safely until he was old enough to open his eyes.

“We knew that when the dog opened its eyes, my parents would no longer bury it,” said Costa.

Bobi was beloved by friends, family and fans across the world.

“Despite outliving every dog in history, his 11,478 days on Earth would never be enough for those who loved him,” wrote veterinarian Karen Becker, who was acquainted with Bobi.

“Godspeed, Bobi… you’ve taught the world all you were meant to teach.”