World's Oldest Dog Bobi Died Aged 31: Owner Shares Secret to His Long Life

Record-breaking Portugese mastiff Bobi who lived on a diet of fresh "human food" throughout his life has reportedly died aged 31.

Bobi, who lived on a farm in Portugal with owner Leonel Costa, died on October 21, according to veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker, who celebrated the pet's birthday in person earlier this year.

"Last night, this sweet boy earned his wings," Becker wrote in an October 22 Facebook post. "Despite outliving every dog in history, his 11,478 days on earth would never be enough for those who loved him."

"Leonel texted us saying Bobi had passed, and he was too heartbroken and overwhelmed to release this news to the world, [and] would we please help," Becker told Newsweek.

"It was an honor to meet such an exceptional dog, such a wonderful family, and to be close enough friend to help him with this painful announcement. Bobi has inspired the dog world to focus on the basics of well-being to accomplish extraordinary health and what an amazing role model he's been to millions of pet parents around the world," Becker said.

Becker added: "Bobi has only ever eaten homemade healthy fresh food, made daily. He's never consumed ultra-processed 'dog food' from a bag. He lived in a low-stress environment with minimal/ no water, air, soil, light or noise pollution, and no chemical exposure.

"He has spent much of his life outside, where he's able to get lots of daily exercise, nibble what he wants from the family's massive garden, and spend time with other dogs in the village."

Becker said: "When we asked Leonel why he thinks Bobi has lived such an amazing, long life he responded, 'Good nutrition, constant contact with nature, freedom to discover his environment, consistent veterinary care, and love. Bobi knows he's deeply loved.' I can say I have personally witnessed Bobi's interactions with his loving family, and I believe Leonel's assessment is accurate."

Newsweek has been unable to verify independently the claim made by Becker and has contacted Guinness World Records (GWR) for comment via its website.

Secrets to Bobi's Long Life

The Portuguese mastiff is bred for guarding livestock and has an average life expectancy between 12 and 14 years.

Costa shared his theory about why Bobi lived so long, including revealing he always ate fresh "human food" with the seasoning removed.

Costa added that Bobi's long life might have also been the result of living in a "calm, peaceful environment," being allowed to roam free and being sociable with different animals—even cats.

In February this year, the elderly pet broke the almost-century-old record of Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who lived to be 29 years and 5 months before his death in 1939.

Bobi was registered with the Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria, which also confirmed he was born on May 11, 1992, according to GWR.

The record-breaking pet celebrated his 31st birthday this year with a large party in the village of Conqueiros, where he lived his whole life.

More than 100 people attended the celebration, including Becker. Meat and fish were served to Bobi and the guests, according to the Associated Press.

Becker told Newsweek she is "obsessed with the oldest pets in the world" and learning about their diet and the environments they live in, which is how she happened to discover Bobi.

The veterinarian and Rodney Habib, who are working together on a second book about companion animal well-being, were invited to Bobi's 31st birthday party where they learned more about what they viewed as similarities between the pet and long-living humans.

"Interestingly, Bobi's lifestyle aligns with human centenarians in Blue Zones (areas around the world with exceptionally long-lived humans). Blue Zone researchers have identified several key variables that extra long-lived people often have in common: daily natural movement (exercise), a Mediterranean diet (a varied, fresh food diet that builds the microbiome), and a low-stress environment with rich social ties," Becker said.

Bobi's Early Life

However, Costa said that Bobi had a tragic start in life and managed to avoid death shortly after being born.

Bobi was born as one of four male pups in an outhouse used for storing wood, but Costa's father decided to get rid of the animals.

"Unfortunately, at that time it was considered normal by older people who could not have more animals at home… to bury the animals in a hole so that they would not survive," Costa told GWR earlier this year.

Costa's parents realized they had left Bobi behind and that his mother, Gira, continued to visit the outhouse where the puppies had been born.

"We found the situation strange, because if the animals were no longer there, why would she go there?" Costa added.

Costa and his brothers then decided to follow Gira and discovered Bobi hiding in the pieces of wood kept in the outhouse.

Costa then decided to care for the puppy until its eyes opened, which he believed would allow him to be considered part of the family.

"They [Costa's parents] screamed a lot and punished us, but it was worth it and for a good reason," Costa told GWR.