Bobi, The World's Oldest Dog Celebrates 31st Birthday

The Guinness Book of World Records states that the oldest dog in the world recently celebrated his 31st birthday.

A celebration was held on Saturday for Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo dog that has lived all of his life in the small Portuguese community of Conqueiros.

The "very traditional" Portuguese party drew more than 100 guests, according to the host, Leonel Costa.

Up to 100 guests received local meats and seafood, plus extra for Bobi, who only consumes human food. Additionally, a dancing group performed, with Bobi taking part in one of their pieces.

In the past, Costa has owned various old-aged dogs, including Gira, Bobi's mother, who lived to be 18 years old. Costa, though, claimed he had no idea any of his canines would live into their 30s.

Bobi is unique, Costa said, "We see situations like this as a normal result of the life that they have, but Bobi is one of a kind."

The "calm, peaceful environment" in which Bobi lives, in Costa's words, is one of the main reasons for his longevity.

Bobi has always had unrestricted access to the forests surrounding the Costa home. He's never been leashed or chained.

Because he was raised around many other animals, the "very sociable" canine never experienced loneliness, according to Costa.

Bobi, who is now elderly and has trouble walking, prefers to hang out in his backyard at home.

He frequently runs into things as he walks since his eyesight has gotten poorer. Bobi takes a lot of naps, much like old people do. After eating, he falls asleep right away, though his owner claimed that on chilly days, he prefers to take a nap near the fire.

"Bobi is special because looking at him is like remembering the people who were part of our family and unfortunately are no longer here, like my father, my brother, or my grandparents who have already left this world," Costa said.

"Bobi represents those generations."

The Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria, which registered Bobi in 1992, has verified that the animal's birthdate is that of 1992.

His age has also been confirmed by SIAC, a pet database run by the SNMV (Sindicato Nacional dos Médicos Veterinários, or National Union of Veterinarians) and authorized by the Portuguese government.

When Bobi was born, Costa, who is now 38, was just 8 years old. He claimed that Bobi serves as a living reminder of the past.