World’s oldest dog celebrates 31st birthday,

according to Guinness World Records

By Staff, Associated Press on 06.05.23
Word Count 448
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Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a breed of Portuguese dog, was the center of attention recently at his 31st birthday party in
Conqueiros, Portugal, where he was officially listed as the world’s oldest dog by the Guinness World Records. Photo: Guinness World
Records/AP Photo: Guinness World Records/AP

CONQUEIROS, Portugal — The world's oldest dog recently celebrated his 31st birthday, according
to Guinness World Records.

Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a breed of Portuguese dog, celebrated during a party on May
13, 2023, at his home in the Portuguese village of Conqueiros, where he has lived his entire life.

More than 100 people attended the "very traditional" Portuguese party, owner Leonel Costa said.

Local meats and fish were served to up to 100 guests, with extra for Bobi, who only eats human
food. A dance troupe also performed with Bobi participating in one of their routines.

Costa has owned several old-age dogs in the past, including Bobi's mother, Gira, who lived to age
18. However, Costa said he never imagined any of his dogs would reach their 30s.

"We see situations like this as a normal result of the life that they have, but Bobi is one of a kind,"
Costa said.

One of the biggest contributing factors to Bobi's longevity is the "calm, peaceful environment" in
which he lives, according to Costa.

Throughout his life, Bobi has freely roamed the forests surrounding the Costa house. He has
never been chained or leashed.

The "very sociable" dog was never lonely because he grew up surrounded by many other animals,
Costa said.

Now in his senior years, Bobi finds it difficult to walk, so he prefers to hang out at home in the
yard. His eyesight has gotten
worse, meaning he often bumps into things when he walks. Just
like old-age humans, Bobi sleeps a lot. He immediately lies
down in bed after eating, although on cold days he chooses to nap by the fire, his owner said.

Bobi's birth date has been confirmed by the Veterinary Medical

Service of the Municipality of Leiria, which registered Bobi in
1992.

His age also has been verified by a pet database authorized by

the Portuguese government.

Costa, now 38, was just 8 years old when Bobi was born. For
him, Bobi is a living reminder of the past, he said.
Image 2. One of the biggest contributing
"Bobi is special because looking at him is like remembering the
factors to Bobi's longevity is the "calm,
people who were part of our family and unfortunately are no
peaceful environment" in which he lives,
longer here, like my father, my brother or my grandparents who
says his owner Leonel Costa. Photo: Patricia
have already left this world," Costa said. "Bobi represents those
De Melo Moreira/AFP/Getty Images
generations."
Quiz

1 Read the sentences from the article.

1. Local meats and fish were served to up to 100 guests, with extra for Bobi, who only eats human food.
2. Costa has owned several old-age dogs in the past, including Bobi’s mother, Gira, who lived to age 18.
3. Throughout his life, Bobi has freely roamed the forests surrounding the Costa house.
4. His eyesight has gotten worse, meaning he often bumps into things when he walks.

Which two sentences taken together provide the BEST evidence to support the idea that Bobi has lived an unusual life?

(B) 1 and 2

(C) 1 and 3

(D) 2 and 4

(E) 3 and 4

2 With which answer choice would Leonel Costa MOST LIKELY agree?

Option 1: Dogs thrive in relaxing conditions. Option 2: Dogs live longer with strict rules.

Which sentence from the article supports your response?

(B) Option 1; One of the biggest contributing factors to Bobi’s longevity is the “calm, peaceful environment”
in which he lives, according to Costa.”

(C) Option 1; “We see situations like this as a normal result of the life that they have, but Bobi is one of a
kind,” Costa said.

(D) Option 2; Throughout his life, Bobi has freely roamed the forests surrounding the Costa house.

(E) Option 2; Costa, now 38, was just 8 years old when Bobi was born.

3 How does the author communicate that Bobi is similar to humans?

(B) by highlighting the dance troupe at Bobi’s birthday

(C) by telling how old Leonel Costa was when Bobi was born

(D) by describing how aging has affected Bobi physically

(E) by explaining the process used to verify Bobi’s birth date

4 Which answer choice would BEST describe Leonel Costa’s reaction to Bobi’s long life?

(B) Costa was shocked because Bobi celebrated his 31st birthday.

(C) Costa was proud because Bobi can still run around the yard.

(D) Costa was disappointed because Bobi did not set the world record.

(E) Costa was angry because Bobi lived longer than Gira, Bobi’s mother.