On average, our dog's’ lifespans are much shorter than ours. Depending on size and genetic tendencies, dogs typically live between 10 and 13 years. As owners, we want our pets to live as long as possible — and there’s a lot we can do to make that happen. At Dan’s Pet Care, we’ve seen how high-quality care, food and medical treatment can often add quality and quantity of life for senior dogs.

If you’ve ever wished your dog could live for decades, you should know that it’s technically not impossible. On October 21, 2023, the world’s oldest dog passed away at 31. Wondering who this amazing dog was, and what his life was like? In this article, you’ll learn more about Bobi, the Portuguese mastiff who defied all odds.

Bobi’s breed and genetic makeup are unique

Bobi was a Portuguese mastiff, which originated in southern Portugal. This breed was originally intended as a herding animal for livestock. They make excellent watchdogs, and they tend to have a laid-back, serious personality. As a larger breed, these mastiffs are typically expected to live between 12 and 14 years.

However, Bobi’s longevity ran in the family. His mother passed away at age 18, and a sibling died at 22 years old. When Bobi passed away, he took the Guiness Book of World Record’s title from a Chihuahua who passed away at age 23. Clearly, there’s something extraordinary going on in Bobi’s entire bloodline.

Bobi’s near-death experience makes his long life even more impressive

Bobi was born in a small Portuguese coastal village in 1992. He and his littermates were scheduled to be put down by the family who owned them, since there were too many animals in their household already. It was common practice to dispose of unwanted puppies by burying them, and Bobi almost went to his grave as a newborn. However, Bobi survived because one of the children kept him alive in secret. Eventually, Bobi was accepted as a beloved member of the family.

The secrets to Bobi’s long life and happiness

Bobi wasn’t just the oldest dog alive — he was the oldest dog ever recorded and verified. Bobi has had remarkably good health over the years, according to his owner (Leonel Costa, the little boy who rescued him as a puppy). We wish we could have asked Bobi himself about his secrets to long life. But Leonel says it mostly comes down to a good diet, a stress free life, and lots of love.

How Bobi spent his time

Bobi enjoyed a good party — his owner reported that his 31st birthday party had over 100 guests in attendance. But Bobi spent a lot of his time out in nature, walking through the woods or roaming his family’s property. He was never leashed or chained, so he was able to wander freely and interact with the family’s other many animals.

How to help your dog live longer

Bobi was truly exceptional, and it may be a long time before the world sees another dog with a lifespan that long. But there’s a lot you can do to help your own dog live up to their full potential! Here are some of the best ways you can help your dog live longer:

• Feed a nutritious, high quality diet. Veterinarians agree that this is one of the top ways to increase your dog’s lifespan. Bobi reportedly ate the same food his owners did — but this doesn’t work out well for most dogs, and can be dangerous in many cases. Instead, you should choose a dog food that’s recognized by the AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) for nutritious content. Avoid feeding table scraps, since many of them contain toxic ingredients or more calories than your dog needs.

• Keep up with regular veterinary care. Senior dogs should have a checkup done every 6 months to catch any developing problems early. When you establish a regular routine for your dog’s veterinary care, your vet can easily spot differences when something changes over time.

• Provide regular dental care. Your dog’s lifespan can potentially be extended by several years if you practice regular brushing and follow through with recommended dental treatments. Of course, this isn’t true for every dog, but it definitely doesn’t hurt and will probably help. Dental problems affect your dog’s whole body and speed up the aging process, so intervention will help keep your dog healthier.

• Give your dog plenty of love. Dogs have emotional needs, just like humans do — and dogs who get treated like members of the family tend to live longer, happier lives.

At Dan’s Pet Care, we’re committed to helping your pet live their best life every day. Contact us today and let us help you make their life brighter and healthier.