Have you ever wondered what it takes for a dog to live a long and healthy life? Just like humans, some dogs defy the odds and enjoy remarkable longevity. In this article, we delve into the fascinating lives of the world’s oldest dogs, drawing insights from their experiences to help all dog owners provide their furry friends with the best possible care. From their diets and exercise routines to mental stimulation and social interactions, these remarkable canines have valuable lessons to teach us.
Meet Bobi, the Oldest Living Dog in the world. (31 & counting)
In the picturesque countryside of Portugal, there lives a remarkable dog named Bobi. Bobi isn’t just an ordinary dog; he holds the esteemed title of being the world’s oldest dog having just celebrated his thirty-first birthday this year (2023).
Bobi is a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a breed of livestock guardian dog that has an average life expectancy of 12-14 years. Owner Leonel Costa attributes Bobi’s long life to the calm and peaceful environment in which Bobi lives and that he only eats fresh food rather than conventional dog food like kibble. Mr. Costa would feed Bobi whatever they were eating and would soak Bobi’s food in water to remove any of the seasonings.
Bobi has never been leashed and has been able to freely roam through the forests that surround his home. He is also very sociable and has grown up surrounded by several other animals.
As of writing this article, Bobi is still alive.
Meet Maggie, The Kelpie from Australia (30 years old)
Maggie lived until she was approximately 30. Owner Brian McLaren did not have the paperwork needed to prove her age but he knows when he got her and claims she was at least 29 but more likely 30 years old.
Maggie was a working dog, rounding up cows, and running an average of 12.5 miles a day, 7 days a week until she was about 18 years old. Maggie loved her daily serving of unprocessed raw milk, and aside from that she ate house scraps twice per day, usually leftover vegetables and raw meat. Maggie rarely had any grains or carbs. Mr. Mclaren said that Maggie had the greatest life and passed away peacefully in 2016.
Meet Bluey, the Australian Cattle Dog (29 years, 5 months old)
Bluey held the record as the oldest dog on record for 83 years until it was broken by Bobi in 2023. Much like Maggie, Bluey was a working dog and very physically active for most of her life. Not a lot is known about Bluey as she lived between 1910 and 1939 but her age was verified by Guinness World Records. We do know though that Bluey ate a diet of human food, kangaroo, and emu. Fun fact: in 2018 a children’s show named Bluey came out about an Australian cattle dog.
Meet Buksi the Shepherd Mutt (27 years old)
Buksi a shepherd cross mutt made it to 27 years of age. He ate raw chicken and table scraps for his entire life. He lived in rural Hungary and was able to roam freely. He lived in a horse riding center and had contact with lots of different people and animals. Interesting note: Buksi’s whole-genome sequence was used in a scientific study to make the first steps to understanding the genetic background of extreme longevity in dogs. (I have linked the study at the bottom of this article)
Meet Bramble, the Welsh Collie (25 years old)
Bramble, a Welsh Collie, lived to the age of 25 under the care of her vegan owner, Anne Heritage. Bramble enjoyed a plant-based diet consisting of brown rice, lentils, yeast flakes, mixed vegetables, and soy. Regular exercise, playtime, and an abundance of love and affection from Ms. Heritage likely played key roles in Bramble’s long and happy life.
Honourable Mentions:
There is not enough verifiable information regarding diet and lifestyle to include the following dogs in this study but they certainly deserve honorable mentions:
Snookie the Pug from South Africa lived 27 years and 9 months.
Taffy the Welsh Collie (a cross between a Welsh Sheepdog and a border collie) from the U.K. lived for 27 years, and 7 months.
Adjutant the Labrador Retriever from the U.K. lived to be 27 years, 3 months old.
Pusuke a fluffy, tan Shiba mix from Japan died at the age of 26 years, 8 months.
Lessons Learned from These Remarkable Dogs
After studying the lives of these exceptional canines, we can draw some valuable conclusions. While each dog had their own unique circumstances, several common factors contributed to their longevity.
Diet: Embracing a Wholesome, Natural Approach
All of these dogs thrived on healthy, natural diets, avoiding commercial dog foods or kibble. Instead, they enjoyed fresh, unprocessed foods tailored to their specific needs. Consider providing your dog with a balanced, natural diet, and consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.
Exercise: Keeping Them Active and Fit
Regular exercise played a significant role in the lives of these long-living dogs. Aim to provide your dog with at least two hours of exercise daily, engaging them in activities that suit their breed, age, and energy levels. Whether it’s walks, runs, or playtime in the park, an active lifestyle is crucial for their overall well-being.
Mental Stimulation: Keeping Their Minds Sharp
All these dogs received regular mental stimulation, whether through work, play, or engaging activities with their owners. Encourage mental exercise by incorporating puzzle toys, training sessions, or interactive games into their routine. A stimulated mind contributes to a happier and healthier dog.
Social Interactions: Fostering Bonds and Connections
Most of these long-living dogs had strong social connections, both with humans and other animals. Socialization and positive interactions with other dogs, animals, and people contribute to their overall happiness and well-being. Arrange playdates, enroll in training classes, or visit dog-friendly parks to nurture their social skills.
Love and Affection: The Key to a Happy Life
All of these remarkable dogs received abundant love and affection from their devoted owners. Shower your furry companion with love, praise, and attention. A strong bond based on trust and affection creates a nurturing environment for your dog’s physical and emotional well-being.
Conclusion:
The stories of these exceptional dogs remind us that the keys to a long and happy life apply to both humans and our beloved canine companions. By providing them with a natural diet, regular exercise, mental stimulation, social interactions, and unconditional love, we can help them thrive. Embrace these lessons and create a fulfilling and joyful life for your furry friend. Remember, it’s not just about setting records; it’s about creating countless tail-wagging memories together.
Note:
During our research, we encountered misleading information in some blogs, emphasizing commercial diets for long-living dogs. We prioritize providing accurate information and assure you that Snarfin Darfin is committed to sharing reliable insights with dog parents, free from false claims or biases. We value the health and well-being of your canine companions above all else.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not substitute professional veterinary advice. Consult with your veterinarian for personalized guidance on your dog’s specific needs.
To see our article on a 7-day Whole Food Meal Plan for Dogs click here.
Link to scientific study https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2020.00315/full
