LISBON, Portugal (NEWSnet/AP) — Guinness World Records has ruled against a Portugal dog that died in 2023, keeping the title of oldest canine ever.

Following a review, Guinness said it “no longer has the evidence it needs to support Bobi’s claim as the record holder.”

Bobi, reportedly 31, had lived on a farm in the village of Conqueiros in Portugal with its owner, Leonel Costa. He was proclaimed as the world’s oldest living dog and oldest dog ever in February 2023. His birthdate was believed to be May 11, 1992. He died in October 2023.

GWR said it opened an investigation following questions raised by veterinarians and other experts, and media investigations.

“We take tremendous pride in ensuring as best we can the accuracy and integrity of all our record titles," said Mark McKinley, GWR’s director of records, who conducted the review.

The group had suspended the title, pending the review announced in January.

“We of course require evidence for all Guinness World Records titles we monitor, often a minimum of two statements from witnesses and subject experts," McKinley said.

Also considered were pictures, video and, if appropriate, data provided by technology relevant to the achievement. GWR said the review found a lack of evidence from Bobi's microchip data provided no conclusive evidence of Bobi’s date of birth.

McKinley said it is too early to speak about a new record holder.

“It’s going to take a long time for microchip uptake around the world to catch up with pet ownership, especially of older pets," he said. “Until that time, we’ll require documentary evidence for all years of a pet’s life.”

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