The Guinness World Record for the world's oldest dog, currently held by a 31-year-old Rafeiro do Alentejo named Bobi from Portugal, may be in jeopardy.
On Tuesday, Guinness announced a formal review of Bobi's record, following skepticism from several veterinarians about his age.
Despite a challenging start – being initially abandoned with his litter – Bobi became an integral part of the family and enjoyed a life filled with love and celebration, including a grand 31st birthday party.
Bobi, who passed away eight months after receiving the title in February 2023, spent his entire life in a rural Portuguese village called Conqueiros with his owner Leonel Costa and family.
The review process will determine whether Bobi retains his title as the world's oldest dog.
Bobi's owner, Costa, shared the unique story of how they found the dog alive after attempting to bury the litter, a practice considered normal at the time.
Despite the average lifespan of 12 to 14 years for a Rafeiro do Alentejo, Bobi's longevity had been confirmed by multiple agencies.
His age was independently verified by Guinness and the Sistema de Informação de Animais de Companhia, a pet database authorized by the Portuguese government.
Guinness spokesperson Amanda Marcus stated that no actions have been taken regarding record holders, and any decisions will be based on the outcome of the review.
Guinness, as a precaution, has temporarily halted applications for records related to the oldest living dog and the oldest dog ever until the completion of the review process and the communication of findings.