Portuguese farm dog Bobi, who set the record for the world's oldest living dog earlier in the year, celebrated another milestone yesterday – turning 31 years old.
Bobi, who is also the oldest verified dog in history, was born on May 11 1992 and was awarded the Guinness World Record title in February.
The OAP pooch will be celebrating the momentous occasion with a "very traditional" Portuguese party this weekend on the family farm where he was born, in the village of Conqueiros.
Around 100 guests are expected to come to celebrate the very special birthday boy, with people flying in from around the world to join the party.
His family are pulling out all the stops, and guests will be dining on local meats and fish, with extra for Bobi, as he only eats human food.
As entertainment, a dace troupe will perform with a special appearance of the main dog himself in one of the dances.
Life has been hectic for Bobi since being crowned the oldest dog in the world in February.
Bobi's owner, Leonel Costa, told Guinness World Records: "We've had a lot of journalists and people come from all over the world to take a picture with Bobi.
"They've come from all over Europe, as well as the USA and even Japan."
Bobi is a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a breed of livestock guardian dog, and has miraculously doubled the average life expectancy of 12-14 years.
The dog has lived his entire life with the Costa family in the rural village of Conqueiros, in Leiria, Portugal.
Owner Leonel shared that Bobi's health has been good lately, although he recently went to the vet for a check-up after he was concerned about the potential stress it was causing the dog to have so many visitors.
"There were a lot of pictures taken and he had to get up and down many times. It wasn't easy for him," Leonel added.
His family credit his long life down to the "calm, peaceful environment" he lives in. Bobi roamed freely in the forests surrounding their house, and never used a leash or chain.
Leonel describes him as a "very sociable" dog who grew up surrounded by many other animals, so he was never lonely. He also eats human food and mostly eats the same as his owners, although they make sure to soak it in water to remove the seasoning first.
"Between a can of animal food or a piece of meat, Bobi doesn't hesitate and chooses our food," Leonel added.
Australian cattle dog Bluey was previously the oldest dog to ever exist, and lived to be 29 years and five months old.
Bobi's birth date and age has been verified by SIAC, a Portuguese pet database, and the Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria.
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