The world's oldest dog, Bobi, is celebrating his birthday

The world’s oldest dog, Bobi, is celebrating his birthday – with guests flying to Portugal to attend

• The Rafeiro do Alentejo lives with a family in the Leira district of Portugal
• READ MORE: Rescue centre’s oldest ever pair of dogs finally find forever home

A Portuguese farm dog called Bobi has been named the oldest living dog ever and his celebrating with a special party. 

The Rafeiro do Alentejo breed, who lives in the Leira district of Portugal, turns 31- years-old today.

The pooch will enjoy a ‘very traditional’ Portuguese party this weekend on the family-run farm where he was born in the village of Conqueiros.

100 people are due to attend, some of which are flying in from foreign countries to join in on the celebrations. 

Local meats and fish will be served up to guests, with extra for Bobi, who only eats human food.

The world’s oldest dog, Bobi the Rafeiro do Alentejo breed, who lives in the Leira district of Portugal, turns 31 years old today

There will also be a dance troupe performing on the day, and Bobi will be participating in one of the dances.

Bobi’s owner, Leonel Costa, told Guinness World Records: ‘We’ve had a lot of journalists and people come from all over the world to take a picture with Bobi.

‘They’ve come from all over Europe, as well as the USA and even Japan.’ 

Bobi was awarded a Guinness World Record title for the oldest dog in the world in February.

Despite his age, the calm and sociable dog is still healthy enough to play with the family’s four cats.

Family members believe the secret to his longevity is the fact that he has always lived in the countryside in a peaceful environment, surrounded by nature.

Bobi loves to eat and mostly has the same food as his owners, but they are sure to soak it in water to remove the seasoning first.

Bobi, who was born on born on May 11, 1992, is pictured in 2016. Family members believe the secret to his longevity is the fact that he has always lived in the countryside in a peaceful environment, surrounded by nature

Despite his age, the calm and sociable dog is still healthy enough to play with the family’s four cats.

Leonel describes him as ‘one of a kind’ and he still hopes Bobi will father puppies, as he is the last of a long generation of animals.

Costa said: ‘Bobi has been a warrior for all these years, only he knows how he’s been holding on, it must not be easy because the average dog’s life span is not that high and if he spoke only he could explain this success.

‘We are very happy and grateful to life for allowing us, after 30 years, to have Bobi in our daily lives.’

Seeing Bobi’s long life recognised by becoming a Guinness World Records title holder ‘is an immense joy’, Costa said.

Bobi had just one health scare in 2018, but pulled through.

Bobi is pictured in 1999 on the family-run farm where he enjoys playing with the cats

Bobi sleeps well at night and enjoys a good rest after meals, as well as relaxing by the fireplace on particularly cold days. He also loves walking around the farmland and among the pine trees

Bobi loves to eat and mostly has the same food as his owners, but they are sure to soak it in water to remove the seasoning first 

He also has some age-related eyesight and walking issues.

In 1992, Bobi was registered with the Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria. The organisation confirmed Bobi’s birth date.

Bobi’s age has been verified by SIAC, a pet database authorised by the Portuguese government and managed by the National Union of Veterinarians.

The previous title holder for the oldest living dog was Spike, who achieved the record at 23 years and 7 days, as verified in Camden, Ohio on December 7, 2022.

The oldest dog ever title was previously held by Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who lived to 29 years and 5 months before being put to sleep in November 1939.

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