The quest to understand canine longevity is a fascinating one, and while many dogs live happy lives, some stand out for their remarkable lifespans. Currently, the title of the world’s oldest verified dog is held by Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog. Bluey lived to be an incredible 29 years and 5 months old. This record has stood since 1939, although it was briefly challenged.

oldest dog

Bluey’s Life and Record

Bluey was born on June 7, 1910, in Rochester, Victoria, Australia. She was owned by William Hall, and after his death, by his son Les and his wife. Bluey worked as a cattle and sheep dog for about 20 years before retiring. She was euthanised in 1939. This remarkable age for an Australian Cattle Dog has made Bluey an outlier, as the breed typically has a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. In fact, Bluey lived more than twice the average age for her breed.

A Brief Challenge

Bluey’s long-standing record was challenged by Bobi, a Rafeiro do Alentejo. Bobi was certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest dog in February 2023, purportedly at 31 years old. However, Bobi passed away later that year in October 2023. Following Bobi’s death, several veterinarians raised concerns about the evidence supporting his age. There were suggestions that a younger dog may have assumed Bobi’s identity. Consequently, Guinness World Records suspended Bobi’s record pending further investigation. This has led to Bluey temporarily regaining her 85-year record as the world’s oldest dog.

Other Long-Living Dogs

While Bluey holds the top spot, there have been other dogs who have reached impressive ages. Some notable examples include:

  • Taffy, who lived to be 27 years and 211 days old
  • Adjutant, who lived to be 27 years and 98 days old
  • Pusuke, who lived to be 26 years and 8 months old

Factors Affecting Dog Lifespan

Dog lifespan is influenced by various factors. Generally, larger, heavier dogs tend to have shorter lifespans. This is because there is typically an inverse relationship between a dog’s size and its longevity. Additionally, mutts often live about a year longer than purebreds. A study in the UK found that average life expectancies vary greatly between dog breeds. For example:

  • The Bernese Mountain Dog has a life expectancy of around 7 years.
  • The Irish Wolfhound has a life expectancy of approximately 6.2 years.
  • The Bulldog’s life expectancy is around 6.7 years.
  • The Chihuahua can be expected to live about 15 years.
  • The Miniature Pinscher’s life expectancy is around 14.9 years
  • The Boston Terrier and the Chihuahua have average lifespans of 15 years.

It’s worth noting that these figures may vary depending on factors like the dog’s lifestyle, genetics, and health care. In the case of Bluey, her remarkable age may be an extraordinary exception to these general lifespan trends.

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