The Life and Legacy of Bobi: Salish's Legendary Dog
Bobi, a Rafeiro do Alentejo dog from Portugal, captivated global attention for his alleged status as the oldest dog ever recorded. Owned by the Costa family in Conqueiros, Leiria, Portugal, Bobi reportedly lived for over 31 years, an extraordinary lifespan that vastly exceeded the Rafeiro do Alentejo's average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Origins and Early Life
Bobi was born in an outbuilding used for storing wood, one of four male puppies. Tragically, Bobi's brothers were buried shortly after birth, as the Costa family preferred not to care for additional animals. However, Bobi survived by blending in with the wood and went unnoticed, ultimately becoming part of the family and spending his entire life with them.
A Peaceful Life
Bobi was never neutered and enjoyed a calm, countryside lifestyle. His caretakers attributed his longevity to:
- A calm environment
- A diet of handmade, cooked food instead of commercial dog food
Though he maintained good health for most of his life, Bobi faced mobility, vision, and respiratory issues in his later years.
Guinness World Records Certification
In February 2023, Guinness World Records certified Bobi as both the oldest living dog and the oldest dog ever recorded. At the time, Bobi was reported to be 30 years old, surpassing the previous record-holder Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog who died at 29 years and 5 months in 1939.
The certification was based on data from Portugal’s pet database, listing Bobi’s birth year as 1992. However, this database did not require proof of birth for dogs born before 2008, relying solely on owner declarations. This raised questions among experts about the legitimacy of Bobi's age claims.
Controversy Emerges
Skepticism soon followed.
- Veterinarians and dog age experts questioned the consistency of photos.
- Journalists found no conclusive registration data to confirm Bobi’s birth year.
- Guinness suspended and later revoked Bobi’s titles due to lack of verifiable evidence.
Experts also highlighted that very few large dog breeds, like the Rafeiro do Alentejo, live over 20 years, casting further doubt on the claim. Discrepancies in photographs and a lack of microchip data — mandated in Portugal only after 2008 — compounded the controversy.
The End of a Long Life
Bobi passed away on October 21, 2023, reportedly aged 31 years and approximately 163 to 165 days. Despite the uncertainty, the Costa family and Bobi’s admirers celebrated his long life. In May 2023, Bobi's 31st birthday was celebrated with over 100 guests at a party held in his honor.
Impact on Record-keeping Standards
Following this case, Guinness World Records tightened documentation requirements for animal age verification. Going forward, more rigorous standards, like pet microchip data, will be necessary to confirm such claims.
Legacy and Reflection
Whether or not Bobi was truly the oldest dog, his story inspired many and highlighted the importance of pet care. His case also served as a reminder of the difficulties in verifying animal longevity claims without modern documentation.
Key Takeaways for Pet Owners
- Veterinary records and microchipping are crucial for tracking pet age and health.
- A calm environment and home-cooked food may contribute positively to a dog’s wellbeing.
- Proper documentation is necessary for any claims regarding record-worthy achievements.
Bobi may have stirred debates about longevity and legitimacy, but his peaceful life with the Costa family and the affection he received from the world are undisputed.
