The average lifespan of this breed is 12-14 years
The key to longevity is consistent care and love
The world’s oldest dog ‘Bobi’ / Captured from Dr. Karen Becker’s social media
Bobi, the Guinness World Record holder for the oldest dog from Portugal, has passed away after 31 years and 165 days.
BBC, Reuters, and others reported on the 23rd (local time) that Bobi, a large livestock dog breed Rafeiro do Alentejo male, died at home on the 21st.
Dr. Karen Becker, a veterinarian who has seen Bobi several times, posted on social media, “For those who loved Bobi, 11,478 days were never enough.”
Bobi, born on May 11, 1992, was recognized as the world’s oldest dog by Guinness in February this year. He broke the record set by Bluey of Australia, who died at 29 years and 5 months in 1939.
Bobi’s age was verified from a government database managed by the Portuguese National Veterinary Association.
The average lifespan of this breed is 12 to 14 years, according to Sky News.
Bobi was born in Conqueiros, a rural village on the west coast of Portugal, and lived his entire life with the Costa family.
Bobi almost died shortly after birth but was lucky to survive.
At that time, the Costa family had too many animals, so they typically buried puppies in a pit when they were born.
However, Bobi was fortunate to hide in a pile of wood in the annex, and was discovered and secretly cared for by 8-year-old Leonel and his brothers before being accepted as part of the family.
Leonel told Reuters, “Once a dog opens its eyes, we knew our parents couldn’t bury it.”
In February, when Bobi’s Guinness record was recognized, Leonel said that despite a sudden hospitalization due to respiratory problems in 2018, Bobi had enjoyed a relatively comfortable life.
However, before he died, he had trouble walking, and his vision deteriorated.
Dr. Becker said, “When I asked Leonel about Bobi’s secret to longevity, the immediate answer was ‘good nutrition, constant contact with nature, freedom to explore the environment, regular veterinary care, and love. Bobi knew he was much loved.'”
According to The Guardian, Leonel said, “Our dogs ate what we ate,” but he added that he soaked Bobi’s food in water to remove any seasoning.
Bobi’s mother also lived until she was 18, and another family dog lived to be 22, showing a longevity trend.
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