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‘World’s oldest dog’ title suspended amid controversy

Record-holder Bobi with his owner, Leonel Costa.

Record-holder Bobi with his owner, Leonel Costa. Photo: Getty

Guinness World Records has suspended the title of oldest dog ever that was held by a Portuguese dog that died last year.

The publication said it was reviewing the title after some veterinarians questioned the record-breaking canine’s age.

Bobi, a reportedly 31-year-old guard dog, lived on a farm in the village of Conqueiros in Portugal with its owner, Leonel Costa.

He was announced as the world’s oldest living dog and oldest dog ever last February. He was said to have been born on May 11, 1992. He died last October.

“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 on Tuesday.

The group said it had received correspondence from some vets questioning the dog’s age, and took note of public commentary from vets and other professionals.

Bobi was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a breed that has an average life expectancy of 10-14 years.

Calls and texts to the dog’s owner went unanswered.

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