Meet Bobi, the ‘one of a kind’ dog who lives to be 30 years and 267 days old

Most people know the average lifespan of dogs to be between 10-13 years, but they may not know that it can be more than that.

Bobi, is the Portuguese farm dog that has lived beyond that expected lifespan.

Bobi, who belongs to the Rafeiro do Alentejo breed, lives in the Leira district of Portugal.

He clocked 30 years and 267 days old on February 1, according to Guinness World Records.

The dog stays on the family-run farm where he was born in the village of Conqueiros.

Despite his age, the calm and sociable dog is still healthy enough to play with the family's four cats.

Family members believe the secret to his longevity is the fact that he has always lived in the countryside in a peaceful environment, surrounded by nature.

Bobi loves to eat and mostly has the same food as his owners, but they are sure to soak it in water to remove the seasoning first.

Leonel Costa, Bobi's owner, describes him as “one of a kind”.

Costa still hopes Bobi will father puppies, as he is the last of a long generation of animals.

Costa said: “Bobi has been a warrior for all these years, only he knows how he's been holding on, it must not be easy because the average dog's life span is not that high and if he spoke only he could explain this success.”

“We are very happy and grateful to life for allowing us, after 30 years, to have Bobi in our daily lives.”

Seeing Bobi's long life recognised by becoming a Guinness World Records title holder “is an immense joy”, Costa said.

Bobi had just one health scare in 2018, but pulled through.

He also has some age-related eyesight and walking issues.

In 1992, Bobi was registered with the Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria. The organisation confirmed Bobi's birth date.

Bobi's age has been verified by SIAC, a pet database authorised by the Portuguese government and managed by the National Union of Veterinarians.

The previous title holder for the oldest living dog was Spike, who achieved the record at 23 years and 7 days, as verified in Camden, Ohio on December 7, 2022.

The oldest dog ever title was previously held by Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who lived to 29 years and 5 months before being put to sleep in November 1939.

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