Bobi, a Rafeiro do Alentejo from Portugal who 2023, has been stripped of his title as world’s oldest ever dog following a review by Guinness World Records
Believed to have been born in May 1992, Bobi became the holder of a double record as both the oldest dog alive, and the oldest dog ever recorded. However, GWR initiated a review after doubts were raised over Bobi’s proof of age.
Mark McKinley, Director of Records at GWR, who conducted the review, said, “Following concerns raised by vets and other experts, both privately as well as within public commentary, and the findings of investigations conducted by some media outlets, we felt it important to open a review into Bobi’s record.”
“Without any conclusive evidence available to us right now, we simply can’t retain Bobi as the record holder”
He added, “Central to Bobi’s evidence was microchip data sourced from the Portuguese government database, the SIAC, which it transpires, when chipped in 2022, did not require proof of age for dogs born before 2008. 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.
“Without any conclusive evidence available to us right now, we simply can’t retain Bobi as the record holder and honestly claim to maintain the high standards we set ourselves.”
Speaking about who the new record holder might be, McKinley added, “It’s going to take a long time for microchip uptake around the world to catch up with pet ownership, especially of older pets. Until that time, we’ll require documentary evidence for all years of a pet’s life, we’ll continue to ask for vet and witness statements and we’ll also consider microchip data as well where available.
“It’s for this reason that we’re not yet in a position to confirm a new holder for the record, although we certainly hope that the publicity around the record title encourages pet owners from around the world to get in touch.”