It's a dog's life - 13th March 2023

Having been crowned the world's longest living canine at 23 years old, Spike, a chihuahua, was superseded as the Guinness World Record title holder after a mere two weeks. Bobi's a 30 year old Rafeiro do Alentejo, a Portuguese breed of livestock guardian dog, who lives in the tiny rural village of Conqueiros in Portugal. Not only did the elderly pooch snatch the title of oldest canine, but also the smashed the record for oldest living dog since records began.

With an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, this pedigree Rafeiro do Alentejo has defied vets' expectations by almost 20 years. Barring one major health scare in 2018, the elderly hound has lived a healthy life in the tranquil surroundings of Conqueiros.

Bobi's owner, Leonel Costa, attributes Bobi's longevity to consuming a diet of "human food" free of seasonings and never being chained or put on a leash, but instead allowed to roam freely around the hilly countryside. "Of course our love and affection throughout his life has also helped," highlighted Costa.

Thanks to Portugal's government records for pets, SIAC, Bobi's birth was officially confirmed to be on 11th May 1992, thereby breaking an almost century old record for the oldest living dog. This had previously been held by an Australian cattle dog, Bluey, who's life spanned over 29 years from 1910 to 1939.

Even though Bobi's outlived most canines almost three times over, the venerable pooch had a precarious start in life. Costa and his brother found the newborn pup in their garden shed, but knew their father wouldn't let them keep him. Therefore, the young boys secretly cared for Bobi, remaining tight-lipped about the puppy's existence until his eyes opened, when they judged their father wouldn't have the heart to get rid of him. Decades later, Bobi's a healthy dog of 30 who freely saunters the land and frolics with Costa's cats.

It's hoped that Bobi will make it to his 31st year this coming May, admittedly oblivious to his record breaking feats.