Bobi, a beloved dog who held the prestigious title of the world’s oldest dog until recently, had his record taken away posthumously by Guinness World Records on Thursday.
The decision to suspend Bobi’s title came in January after doubts arose regarding his age. Bobi, who resided in Portugal until his passing last autumn, was crowned the oldest dog at a reported age of 30.
However, upon closer examination, Guinness found insufficient evidence to support Bobi’s claim to the title.
Mark McKinley, Guinness director of records, explained,
“Without concrete evidence at hand, we are unable to uphold Bobi’s status as the record holder while maintaining our high standards. We remain open to reviewing any new evidence that may come to light.”
In assessing Bobi’s claim, McKinley emphasized the importance of substantial evidence for record verification. This typically includes witness statements, expert testimonies, photographs, videos, and sometimes even microchip data for pets.
Prior to Bobi, the title of the world’s oldest dog belonged to Bluey, an Australian cattle-dog who lived to the impressive age of 29 years and 5 months.
Looking ahead, McKinley highlighted the need for global microchip registration to align with pet ownership practices to ensure accurate record-keeping. Until then, Guinness will continue to require thorough documentation and verification procedures for potential record holders.
Reflecting on Bobi’s life, he was a Rafeiro do Alentejo, a breed known for its protective nature towards livestock. Bobi’s owner, Leonel Costa, credited his pet’s long life to a serene environment, a diet of human food, and the freedom to roam without restraint.
Bobi’s family fondly remembered him as a gentle and sociable companion who enjoyed the company of his four feline siblings. Though Bobi’s title may have been relinquished, his memory lives on as a testament to the joy and love he brought to those around him.