December 1, 2025, 5:36 am | Read time: 7 minutes
It’s extremely rare for dogs to live over 20 years–but over 30 years? That’s how old Bobi is said to have become, who was considered the world’s oldest dog until 2024. Although the title was revoked, one thing is certain: Bobi was very old–and there are specific reasons for this. PETBOOK investigated why some dogs live particularly long and introduces the oldest dogs in the world.
Bobi was long considered the world’s oldest dog
Among the world’s oldest dogs officially recognized by the “Guinness Book of Records,” Bobi was by far the oldest–or at least he was. Because how old he really was cannot be said for sure. The Rafeiro do Alentejo from Portugal made history in 2023: Allegedly over 31 years old, he was considered the oldest dog of all time–and thus a biological marvel. His story touched millions of animal lovers worldwide. But at the beginning of 2024, the “Guinness Book of Records” revoked his title. The reason: doubts about his age (PETBOOK reported).
Despite the revocation, Bobi’s life story remains fascinating. Born presumably in 1992, he survived as the only puppy of a litter that was actually supposed to be killed. His family raised him on a farm in Conqueiros, Portugal–without a leash, without a kennel, with plenty of peace and fresh air. Leonel Costa, Bobi’s owner, is convinced: This environment was the secret to his extraordinary lifespan.
The oldest verified dog in the world so far
Before Bobi, Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog from Australia, was considered the world’s oldest dog. Bluey lived from 1910 to 1939 and reached 29 years and 160 days–a record that stood for almost 100 years.
He too was a working dog, living on a farm, moving a lot, and regularly receiving fresh food. Bobi and Bluey share a similar lifestyle–natural, active, and low-stress. These factors are repeatedly cited in science as crucial for a long dog life.
When are dogs considered old?
How “old” a dog is depends heavily on its size and breed. According to a British study that evaluated over five million veterinary records, the median age at which dogs are considered seniors is 12.5 years.
But the range is enormous:
- Small dogs like the Jack Russell Terrier or Chihuahua are considered “old” only from 13 to 14 years.
- Large breeds like Great Danes or Irish Wolfhounds reach this status as early as five to six years.
These differences are not only due to genetic factors but also to cellular processes: Large dogs grow particularly fast in their early years. This creates many so-called free radicals, aggressive molecules that can damage cells and accelerate the aging process.
Why especially small dogs live very long
Chihuahuas, Toy Terriers, or Papillons are overrepresented in longevity records. Scientists explain it this way: Small dogs have a slower metabolism and less cellular stress.
A large-scale British study (PETBOOK reported) with over 580,000 dogs showed:
- Small, long-nosed dogs (dolichocephalic) live the longest–on average over 13 years.
- Large, short-nosed dogs (brachycephalic) live the shortest–on average only nine years.
The longest-lived breeds in the study were: Lancashire Heeler (15.4 years), Tibetan Spaniel (15.2 years), Shiba Inu (14.6 years), Papillon (14.5 years). At the lower end were large breeds like the Caucasian Shepherd Dog (5.4 years) or the Saint Bernard (9.3 years).
Which dogs live particularly long?
Life expectancy does not depend solely on breed. Gender, diet, stress level, and medical care also play crucial roles.
Surprisingly, purebred dogs live on average slightly longer than mixed breeds (12.7 to 12 years) according to the British study. This contradicts older findings. Researchers suspect that many of today’s mixed breeds are so-called designer dogs–deliberate crossbreeds like Labradoodles or Cockapoos–where repeated crossbreeding can introduce new genetic weaknesses.
The conclusion: Breed, genetics, and lifestyle interact in complex ways–and any exaggeration in size or head shape can impair health.
How old the world’s oldest dogs became
Longevity in dogs is rare–yet there are always four-legged friends who push the boundaries of what is biologically expected. In addition to the Australian herding dog Bluey, who lived to be 29 years and 160 days, Taffy, a Welsh Sheepdog from Great Britain, also reached an impressive age of over 27 years.1
The following overview shows the oldest verified dogs in the world so far–it illustrates that especially small and medium-sized breeds tend to have particularly long lifespans:
The youngest record holders: Pebbles and TobyKeith
In recent history, two small dogs have particularly been in the spotlight–and both show how much care, diet, and lifestyle can influence lifespan. Both held the title of the oldest currently living dog.
Pebbles, a petite Toy Fox Terrier from South Carolina, lived to be 22 years and 189 days old. Born on March 28, 2000, she gave birth to 32 puppies over her lifetime and received the Guinness World Record in 2022 as the oldest living dog. Her owner Julie Gregory described Pebbles as a “once-in-a-lifetime companion.” The dog died peacefully of natural causes in October 2022–five months before her 23rd birthday.
After Pebbles’ death, the title went to TobyKeith, a Chihuahua from Florida. The little senior was born in January 2001 and is now over 23 years old. His owner Gisela Shore attributes his extraordinary vitality to a healthy, balanced diet, regular exercise, and lots of love. TobyKeith lives with two dogs and a 28-year-old cockatoo–his best friend, the parrot Coco, rarely leaves his side.
Both dogs illustrate what numerous studies confirm: Small breeds age more slowly and live longer. While large dogs often physically decline by the age of eight, tiny dogs like TobyKeith can still stroll attentively through the garden at over 20 years old–a fascinating example of the diversity of dog longevity.
These factors make dogs live particularly long
Bobi’s example shows that dog longevity is no coincidence. Even if his age is now officially questioned, many aspects of his life are scientifically plausible for a long dog life:
- Calm, stress-free environment: Chronic stress can promote inflammation and cardiovascular diseases in dogs–just like in humans.
- Natural movement: Regular activity keeps muscles and the heart healthy. Bobi was allowed to roam freely–an important difference from city and apartment dogs.
- Appropriate diet: Bobi ate “human food,” meaning fresh, unseasoned leftovers from the table. Although veterinarians warn against an unbalanced diet, high-quality, natural ingredients are better than low-quality commercial food.
- Genetic robustness: Bobi’s mother lived to be 18 years old, another indication of a stable genetic line.
- Veterinary care:
Regular check-ups helped detect age-related diseases early.
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Conclusion: What we learn from the world’s oldest dogs
Whether Bobi was 31 or “only” 20 years old ultimately plays a secondary role. His story reminds us that dogs–just like humans–benefit from good living conditions, emotional closeness, and stability.
Research shows that medium body size, a balanced diet, exercise, mental stimulation, and love are the best ingredients for a long dog life. Providing your four-legged friend with this combination lays the foundation for many healthy years together.
How to promote your dog’s longevity
- Avoid stress: A regular routine with set feeding and walking times promotes security and balance.
- Exercise, but in moderation: Regular activity strengthens circulation and muscles–but avoid overexertion, especially in large breeds.
- Feed healthily: Pay attention to high-quality ingredients, low sugar, and no spices. Fresh meat, vegetables, and oils are ideal additions to the diet.
- Don’t skip vet visits: Regular check-ups help detect age-related diseases early.
- Mental fitness: Play, training, and social contacts keep dogs mentally fit even in old age.