The REAL Longest Lived Dog: 5 Secrets To Canine Longevity After Bobi’s Record REVOKED

The quest to find the world's longest-lived dog has taken a dramatic turn in 2025, with the once-celebrated record holder, Bobi, having his title officially stripped by Guinness World Records (GWR) following an extensive investigation. This sudden reversal has thrown the spotlight back onto the original, undisputed champion from nearly a century ago, and has reignited the global conversation about the true secrets to exceptional canine longevity. The current, verified record for the oldest dog to ever live now stands with an Australian working dog, whose remarkable lifespan has proven to be an enduring benchmark for over 80 years. This article dives deep into the two most famous names in the history of canine aging—the controversial Bobi and the legendary Bluey—and explores the verified lifestyle factors and genetic advantages that genuinely contribute to a dog’s ability to live an extraordinarily long life. We’ll look at the specific breeds known for their longevity and the science behind why some dogs outlive their peers by decades, offering actionable insights for every pet owner.

The Undisputed and the Disputed: The Longest-Lived Dogs Ever

The title of "Oldest Dog Ever" is one of the most coveted records in the animal kingdom, but recent events have complicated the history books. As of December 15, 2025, the official, verified record holder is a dog whose life spanned the years of the Great Depression, while the more recent claimant's story has been relegated to a cautionary tale of unverified claims.

Bobi: The World Record That Was Revoked

Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a Portuguese livestock guardian dog breed, captured the world's attention in early 2023 when he was certified by Guinness World Records as the oldest dog ever.

Bobi's Profile & Claimed Longevity

• Name: Bobi
• Breed: Rafeiro do Alentejo (also known as the Alentejo Mastiff)
• Reported Lifespan: 31 years and 165 days
• Birth Date: May 11, 1992
• Death Date: October 21, 2023
• Owner: Leonel Costa, Conqueiros, Portugal
• Claimed Secrets to Longevity: Tranquil, non-chain life in a rural environment, and a diet of "human food" (unprocessed, non-kibble, raw/cooked meat, fish, and organic vegetables).

The Controversy and Revocation

The incredible age claim—more than double the Rafeiro do Alentejo's average life expectancy of 12-14 years—led to intense scrutiny from veterinarians and media outlets. The core issue was the lack of definitive, non-owner-dependent proof of age. In early 2025, Guinness World Records officially stripped Bobi of his title after a formal review found insufficient evidence to substantiate the claim of 31 years. This decision highlighted the rigorous standards required to verify such an extraordinary lifespan and effectively erased the most recent claimant from the record books.

Bluey: The Reinstated and Undisputed Champion

With Bobi's record withdrawn, the title for the longest-lived dog in history reverts to the Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey, whose record stood unchallenged for 83 years.

Bluey's Profile & Enduring Record

• Name: Bluey
• Breed: Australian Cattle Dog (ACD)
• Verified Lifespan: 29 years and 5 months (29 years, 160 days)
• Birth Date: June 7, 1910
• Death Date: November 14, 1939
• Owner: Les and Esma Hall, Rochester, Victoria, Australia.
• Life Details: Bluey spent her entire life working on a farm, herding cattle and sheep. This active, working-dog lifestyle is often cited as a major factor in her remarkable longevity, demonstrating the importance of physical and mental stimulation.

Bluey's achievement is particularly significant because Australian Cattle Dogs, a breed known for their intelligence and stamina, have a general life expectancy of 12–14 years, making Bluey's 29-year life an outlier that truly defies the norm.

5 Proven Factors Contributing to Exceptional Canine Longevity

While genetics play a foundational role, the lives of Bluey, and even the controversial claims about Bobi, point to several environmental and lifestyle factors that can significantly influence a dog's lifespan. These are the key takeaways for any owner hoping to maximize their companion's time.

1. The Small Dog Advantage

The most consistent factor in canine longevity is size. Generally, smaller dog breeds live significantly longer than large or giant breeds. While this seems counterintuitive compared to other mammals, small dogs mature faster but age slower than their larger counterparts. Breeds like the Chihuahua (14–16 years), Shih Tzu (10–16 years), and Yorkshire Terrier (up to 16 years) consistently top the lists of longest-living dogs.

2. The Power of a Fresh, Non-Processed Diet

The claims made about Bobi’s diet—fresh, non-processed "human food"—align with a growing body of veterinary research suggesting that a diet low in ultra-processed ingredients, preservatives, and fillers can positively impact health and longevity. While commercial kibble is formulated to be complete, fresh food (cooked or raw, balanced with vegetables and supplements) may reduce chronic inflammation, a key driver of aging and disease in dogs.

3. High Levels of Physical and Mental Activity

Bluey's life as a working dog is a testament to the importance of a highly active lifestyle. Regular, vigorous exercise not only maintains a healthy weight and cardiovascular system but also provides essential mental stimulation. Dogs that are regularly engaged in tasks, sports (like agility), or extensive daily walks tend to have fewer behavioral issues and better overall health outcomes than sedentary pets. The Pyrenean Shepherd, a highly active herding breed, boasts one of the longest average lifespans at 17–19 years.

4. A Strong Social Support Network

A recent, large-scale study on canine longevity highlighted the surprising importance of a dog's social environment. Dogs with a robust social support network—meaning they lived with other dogs or had frequent, high-quality interaction with their human families—were associated with better health outcomes, even when controlling for weight and age. A sense of belonging, low stress, and consistent social interaction can be a powerful, non-genetic factor in extending a dog’s life.

5. Genetics, Breed, and Avoiding Inbreeding

Genetics is the undeniable starting point. Mixed-breed dogs (mutts) often benefit from "hybrid vigor," which can result in fewer inherited genetic diseases compared to highly inbred purebreds. Furthermore, certain purebreds, particularly those with fewer breed-specific health issues, show exceptional longevity. The Shiba Inu and the Lhasa Apso are two other breeds consistently noted for their long average lifespans.

Other Notable Long-Lived Dogs in History

While Bluey holds the official record, the history of canine longevity is filled with other dogs whose lifespans were extraordinary, providing additional context to the limits of dog aging. * Taffy (27 years, 211 days): An Australian Sheepdog who lived in the UK, born in 1952. * Adjutant (27 years, 98 days): A Black Labrador Retriever from the UK, born in 1936. * Pusuke (26 years, 248 days): A Shiba Inu mix from Japan, who held the "oldest living dog" title for a time until his death in 2011. * Schipperke (23 years): A small Belgian dog breed, a specific individual of this breed was noted by a veterinarian as the longest-lived dog they had personally met. The stories of these dogs, from the working farm dog Bluey to the controversial Bobi, underscore a fundamental truth: while genetics set the stage, a life rich in fresh food, consistent activity, and genuine social connection provides the best chance for a dog to live a long, happy, and record-breaking life.