‘Oldest dog in the world’ (31) was not yet that old

Microchip data from the Portuguese pet registry Siac plays a crucial role in age verification. But when “Bobi” was microchipped in 2022, proof of age was not required for dogs born before 2008.

The Guinness Book of Records said there is no convincing evidence to support this claim. “Based on this microchip data, we do not have conclusive evidence to definitively determine Bobi’s date of birth,” said Guinness CEO Mark McKinley.

Doubts while you’re still alive
The investigation was launched after veterinarians and other experts raised concerns privately and publicly. Several media companies participated and research raised even more doubts.

Photos of “Bobi”:

The Guinness title was therefore provisionally withdrawn in January. “We are obviously prepared, as with any case, to investigate any new evidence we receive,” McKinley said.

Record holders wanted
Determining a new record holder could prove difficult. “It will take a long time before the adoption of microchips in pet ownership worldwide, especially in older pets, can keep pace.” Until then, the Guinness Book of World Records requires documentary evidence for all years of a pet’s life. “We will continue to seek statements from veterinarians and witnesses and will also consider microchip data where available,” he said.

‘Bobi’ lived in the village of Conqueiros, with a population of 300, about 150 kilometers north of Lisbon. He “made a lot of people happy, especially his family,” his owner Leonel Costa said after his dog’s death.