An Australian pooch could regain the title of the world's oldest dog amid an investigation into the validity of the current record holder.
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Australian cattle dog Bluey hailed from the central Victorian town of Rochester and died in 1939 aged 29 years and five months.
But eight decades later Bluey was usurped by Portuguese canine Bobi, who died in October, 2023 after a long life spanning 31 years and 165 days.
Now that record is in doubt and under review by the Guinness World Records, triggered by veterinarians questioning Bobi's claimed age.
"While our review is ongoing we have decided to temporarily pause both the record titles for oldest dog living and ever just until all of our findings are in place," Guinness World Records told The Associated Press.
Bobi was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a breed with an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
His claimed birth date of May 11, 1992 was confirmed by the local Veterinary Medical Service in Leiria, Portugal.
A pet database authorised by the Portuguese government also verified his age prior to the Guinness World Records bestowing his title as the oldest dog ever.
His owner Leonel Costa has attributed Bobi's long life to a "calm, peaceful" environment, his free-roaming lifestyle and an exclusive diet of human food.
With Australian Associated Press
