From Record Holder to Record Loser — The Fall of Bobi’s Historic ‘Oldest Dog’ Title

In a surprising turn of events, Guinness World Records (GWR) has rescinded the title of “Oldest Dog Ever” from Bobi, a Portuguese dog, following an extensive review of the evidence supporting his age.

Bobi, a Rafeiro do Alentejo breed, was previously recognized in February 2023 for his remarkable age of 31 years. However, this recognition was short-lived, as doubts about the authenticity of his age led to a formal investigation and the eventual stripping of his title.

Investigation Leads to Title Suspension

GWR’s decision came after a thorough investigation initiated due to concerns from veterinarians and experts about the veracity of Bobi’s age. The review scrutinized Bobi’s microchip data and a veterinarian’s statement, which were pivotal in the initial awarding of the record. However, GWR found the evidence inconclusive, leading to the suspension of Bobi’s title in January, just months before his death in October 2023, People reports.

Questions Arise Over Age Verification

The controversy around Bobi’s age was fueled by inconsistencies in evidence and public skepticism. The reliance on microchip data, which did not definitively prove Bobi’s birth date, was a critical point of contention. Furthermore, the absence of comprehensive evidence from the the dog’s entire lifespan made it challenging for GWR to uphold its rigorous standards for record verification, Washington Post reports. This led to the difficult decision to revoke Bobi’s title, underscoring the importance of incontrovertible evidence in the world of record-keeping.

Photo: YouTube / WUSA9
Bobi’s remarkable age claim was challenged by veterinarians and experts.

The Future of Oldest Dog Records

The revocation of Bobi’s title leaves the position of “Oldest Dog Ever” vacant, with GWR cautioning that it may be some time before a new record holder is named.

“It’s going to take a long time for microchip uptake around the world to catch up with pet ownership, especially of older pets,” said Mark McKinley, GWR’s Director of Records, who conducted the review. “Until that time, we’ll require documentary evidence for all years of a pet’s life.”

“We of course require evidence for all Guinness World Records titles we monitor, often a minimum of two statements from witnesses and subject experts,” he added.

Bobi’s story is a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in record verification and the importance of unassailable evidence. While his title may have been revoked, his story remains a testament to the love and care he received from the Costa family, and the joy he brought to those who knew him.

As the search for the next “Oldest Dog Ever” continues, Bobi’s legacy will undoubtedly influence the standards and processes used to verify such extraordinary claims.