A Portuguese farm dog named Bobi has been named the oldest living dog ever and is celebrating with a special party.
The Rafeiro do Alentejo breed, living in the Leira district of Portugal, turns 31 today.
The pooch will be enjoying a ‘very traditional’ Portuguese party this weekend at the family-run farm in the village of Conqueiros where he was born.
100 people are planned, some of whom have traveled from abroad to take part in the celebrations.
Guests are served locally sourced meat and fish, an extra for Bobi, who eats only human food.
The oldest dog in the world, Bobi of the Rafeiro do Alentejo breed, living in the Portuguese district of Leira, turns 31 today
A dance group will also perform on the day and Bobi will take part in one of the dances.
Bobi’s owner, Leonel Costa, told the story Guinness World Records: “Many journalists and people from all over the world came to take a picture with Bobi.”
“They came from all over Europe, but also from the USA and even from Japan.”
Bobi was awarded the Guinness World Record title for the oldest dog in the world in February.
Despite his age, the calm and sociable dog is still healthy enough to play with the family’s four cats.
Family members believe that the secret of his longevity lies in the fact that he has always lived in the countryside in a peaceful environment surrounded by nature.
Bobi loves to eat and has mostly the same food as his owners, but they definitely soak it in water beforehand to remove the spices.
Bobi, who was born on May 11, 1992, is pictured in 2016. Family members believe that the secret of his longevity lies in the fact that he has always lived in the countryside in a peaceful environment surrounded by nature
Despite his age, the calm and sociable dog is still healthy enough to play with the family’s four cats.
Leonel describes him as “one of a kind” and still hopes Bobi will father puppies as he is the last of a long generation.
Costa said: “Bobi has been a warrior all these years, only he knows how he persevered. It may not be easy because the average lifespan of a dog is not that long and if he would just talk he could explain this success.”
“We are very fortunate and grateful to life for having allowed us to have Bobi in our daily lives after 30 years.”
To see Bobi’s long life recognized by being named Guinness World Records holder is “a great joy,” said Costa.
Bobi only had one health scare in 2018, but he got through it.
Bobi is pictured at the family run farm in 1999 where he enjoys playing with the cats
Bobi sleeps well at night and rests well after meals. On particularly cold days, he also relaxes by the open fire. He also loves to walk in the farmland and among the pine trees
Bobi loves to eat and has mostly the same food as his owners, but they definitely soak it in water beforehand to remove the spices
He also has some age-related vision and walking problems.
In 1992, Bobi was registered with the Leiria Municipal Veterinary Service. The organization confirmed Bobi’s date of birth.
Bobi’s age was verified by SIAC, a pet database authorized by the Portuguese government and managed by the National Veterinary Association.
The previous holder for oldest living dog was Spike, who set the record at 23 years and 7 days, as confirmed on December 7, 2022 in Camden, Ohio.
The title of “Oldest Dog Ever” was previously held by Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who lived to be 29 years and 5 months before being euthanized in November 1939.
