Bobi, once celebrated as the world’s oldest dog, was dethroned from his title after an investigation conducted by Guinness World Records (GWR). The decision, announced on Thursday, came as a shock to many who had followed Bobi’s remarkable journey.
The Rafeiro do Alentejo breed passed away last year at the age of 31, according to his owner, Leonel Costa. However, doubts had emerged regarding the validity of Bobi’s age, prompting GWR to launch a review.
Mark McKinley, the director of records at GWR, had expressed the organization’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of their records. “We take tremendous pride in verifying our record holders,” McKinley had stated. “Following concerns raised by experts and investigations by various media outlets, we deemed it necessary to review Bobi’s record,” he added.
Central to the investigation had been the microchip data sourced from the Portuguese government database, SIAC. McKinley had revealed that the microchip, implanted in 2022, had lacked the requirement for proof of age for dogs born before 2008, casting doubt on Bobi’s documented age.
Additionally, veterinary statements provided as evidence had failed to conclusively establish Bobi’s date of birth.
Upon informing Bobi’s owner of the findings, GWR had expressed willingness to reassess the record should new evidence come to light. However, as of then, the title of the oldest dog ever had remained vacant.
Bobi’s journey to fame had begun in Conqueiros, a Portuguese village, where he had lived a quiet life alongside his owner. Costa attributed Bobi’s longevity to his free-roaming lifestyle, consumption of human food soaked in water, and peaceful environment. Despite being a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a breed with a typical lifespan of 12-14 years, Bobi had defied the odds, living well beyond expectations.
The loss of Bobi’s title had left a void in the canine record books, leaving enthusiasts wondering who would claim the prestigious title next. McKinley had expressed hope that the attention surrounding the record would inspire pet owners worldwide to come forward with their remarkable stories.
As the search for the oldest dog ever continued, Bobi’s legacy remained a testament to the enduring bond between humans and their faithful companions, regardless of age.
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