Guinness World Records Revoke Title Due to Lack of Evidence
Bobi, the dog purported to be the world’s oldest, has been posthumously stripped of his title over a dispute regarding his actual age. Guinness World Records (GWR) stated that there was insufficient evidence to support Bobi’s claimed age, casting doubts on his record-breaking status.
The organisation highlighted that the microchip purportedly verifying Bobi’s age did not meet the standards required to substantiate his title, which was bestowed upon him in February of the previous year. GWR clarified that they have not yet determined the identity of the new record holder.
Bobi hailed from Conqueiros, Portugal, and belonged to the Rafeiro do Alentejo breed, known to have a typical lifespan of 12-14 years. However, when Bobi was awarded the title, it was asserted that he was an astounding 30 years old. Bobi passed away in October 2023, reportedly at the age of 31 years and 165 days.
GWR initiated an investigation into the evidence supporting Bobi’s age last month, following doubts raised regarding its reliability. Despite efforts, conclusive evidence verifying Bobi’s date of birth remains elusive, leading to the decision to revoke his title.
Bobi’s owner, Leonel Costa, has refrained from commenting on the record’s removal, though he previously dismissed suspicions surrounding the dog’s age as “unfounded.” Last month, Danny Chambers of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons expressed skepticism, stating that none of his colleagues believed Bobi lived to 31 years.
The previous oldest dog on record was Australia’s Bluey, who passed away in 1939 at the age of 29 years and five months.
