The world’s oldest dog has been stripped of his title after doubts were raised over his real age.
Bobi, who died last year, was said to have lived to 31 years and 165 days old — approximately 220 canine years.
But now, Guinness World Records (GWR) says it is no longer certain the Portuguese mastiff was in fact that age.
GWR said in October last year it would review its decision after concerns raised by veterinarians, as well as other experts and media investigations.
Mark McKinley, GWR’s director of records, conducted the review and on Thursday said: “We take tremendous pride in ensuring as best we can the accuracy and integrity of all our record titles.
“With the additional veterinary statement provided as evidence for Bobi’s age also citing this microchip data, we’re left with no conclusive evidence which can definitively prove Bobi’s date of birth.”
GWR is yet to confirm who is the new record holder, but it could return to Bluey, an Australian cattle dog that passed away in 1939 at 29 years and five months.
Leonel Costa feeds Bobi during his birthday party after turning 31, in the rural village of Conqueiros, Leiria, central Portugal. Source: AAP / Paulo Cunha/EPA
Bobi was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a breed that has an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years.
When Bobi passed away in October of last year, GWR published some touching biographical facts about him, shared by his owner
His owner, Leonel Costa, previously said that Bobi was born in a litter of four puppies, but because Leonel’s family already owned too many animals, they decided not to keep them.
The puppies were taken away, but accidentally Bobi was left behind. He was hidden amongst a pile of wood stored in the outbuilding where he was born.
Bobi was soon discovered by Leonel and his brothers, who kept the puppy’s existence a secret.
He had many fans around the globe, and it was reported more than 100 people showed up to his 31st birthday party.
Bobi died on 20 October in an animal hospital.
In January, Bobi’s owner defended the title in an emailed statement, stating that Guinness World Records had spent a year verifying the claim.
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