Guinness World Records to investigate actual age of Bobi, the world's oldest dog
There is growing scepticism over Bobi's age, with veterinarians questioning whether it was biologically possible for a dog to live for 31 years, or about the equivalent of 200 human years.
The age of Bobi, the world's oldest dog, is under investigation by the Guinness World Records. (Photo: Facebook/Dr Karen Becker)
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SINGAPORE: The Guinness World Records is looking into whether Bobi, the oldest dog in the world, really lived for 31 years, or about the equivalent of 200 human years.
This comes amid growing scepticism over its age, with veterinarians questioning whether it was biologically possible for a dog to live that long, according to The Guardian.
"We’re aware of the questions around Bobi’s age and are looking into them," a Guinness World Records spokesperson told the news outlet.
Bobi, a pure-bred Rafeiro - a Portuguese breed of livestock guard dogs - died on Oct 21 at the age of 31 years and 165 days. The breed has an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Bobi was born on May 11, 1992, and registered in the same year with the Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria, who confirmed his birthdate, reported The Guardian.
Although the age of dogs is registered on the national pet database in Portugal, it is usually based on the self-certification done by owners, according to veterinarians.
Genetic testing he had received merely confirmed he was old, rather than his precise age, they added.
Danny Chambers, a veterinarian and council member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons told The Guardian: "Not a single one of my veterinary colleagues believe Bobi was actually 31 years old," referring to the 18,000 strong Veterinary Voices group he runs.
"This is the equivalent of a human to living to over 200 years old which, given our current medical capabilities, is completely implausible."
"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and no concrete evidence has been provided to prove his age,” he added.
There has also been intense scrutiny online of images of Bobi in 1999, in which he has different coloured paws to the dog that died in Portugal earlier this month.
“We are a science-based profession, so for the Guinness Book of Records to maintain their credibility and authority in the eyes of the veterinary profession, they really need to publish some irrefutable evidence,” Chambers said.
Bobi was announced as the world’s oldest dog living and most senior dog ever on Feb 2, 2023, according to the Guinness World Records.
It took the title of the world’s oldest dog from Spike the chihuahua, hailing from Ohio, who died at 23 years and seven days in 2022.
