Guinness World Records reviews evidence related to 'world's oldest dog' title

Guinness World Records (GWR) said on Tuesday it was conducting a formal review of the "world's oldest dog" title it gave to a Portuguese dog named Bobi who died last year. The move follows complaints by veterinarians who raised doubts over his age.

Bobi was a purebred Rafeiro Alentejano who spent his life in a village in central Portugal. GWR originally said the creature lived for 31 years and 165 days, breaking a record held since 1939 by an Australian cattle-dog that died at 29 years and five months.

Bobi, who died in October last year, was declared the world's oldest dog in February.

Bobi's breed, traditionally used as sheepdogs, has a normal life expectancy of 12-14 years.

A spokesperson for GWR said the review into Bobi's record was ongoing and it included looking over evidence again, seeking new evidence, reaching out to experts and those linked to the original application.

"While our review is ongoing, we have decided to temporarily pause applications on both the record titles for oldest dog living and (oldest dog) ever until all of our findings are in place and have been communicated," the spokesperson said.

Prior to his death, Bobi still loved walks but had become less adventurous, Costa previously told Reuters. His fur was thinning, his eyesight had worsened and he needed to rest more than in earlier years.