The world's reported "oldest dog" has had its title temporarily revoked amid doubts that it actually lived until the age of 31.
Bobi, the Portuguese Rafeiro do Alentejo (Mastiff) died at the age of 31 years and 165 days in October last year, far exceeding its breed life expectancy of 14 years.
In February he had been honoured by the Guinness World Records as the world's oldest pooch, beating an 84-year-old record that stood since 1939.
But nearly a year later, that award has been suspended after doubts over his real age.
Bobi the Portuguese Mastiff died at the age of 31 years and 165 days
Reuters
The row over the suspension began after a photograph from 1999 appeared to show the pet with white paws, instead of brown, which is what it had towards the end of its life.
Guinness World Records said it was investigating whether Bobi was as old as his owner, Leonel Costa, had said.
A spokesperson for the World Records Authority said: "While our review is ongoing we have decided to temporarily pause both the record titles for oldest dog living and ever just until all of our findings are in place."
Its date of birth had been cross-referenced with an entry on Portugal's national pet database, but that had only been added in 2022, when Bobi was already 30 years old.
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Bobi lived its entire life in the village of Conquieros in central Portugal, alongside owner Leonel Costa
Reuters
An official at the database told Wired magazine that no one from Guinness World Records had been in touch with them to verify the dog's date of birth.
Genetic testing that had been carried out could not confirm his exact age.
The pooch lived its entire life in the village of Conquieros in central Portugal.
Bobi was never put on a lead or chained up outside, instead being free to wander about the village - something which Costa claims led to his long life.
His diet included whatever his owner was eating, but only after it was rinsed to remove any strong flavours such as sauces, spices and seasoning.
The canine was so popular throughout the village, that over 100 people attended his 31st birthday in May.
The world record for the oldest dog in history could now revert back to Bluey, an Australian cattle dog that died at the age of 29 years and five months in 1939.
Costa has not yet replied to any of the allegations.