What Age Was The Oldest Dog In The History Of The World?

Dogs have been our beloved companions for thousands of years, and we all wish they could live forever. While most dogs live between 10 and 13 years, some have pushed that boundary even further, shattering records for the oldest dog alive. This record is currently held by Bluey — not to be confused with the popular Australian kids' show— an Australian cattle dog from Victoria, Australia. Australian cattle dogs are smaller, with a lifespan of about 12 to 16 years. Bluey shattered these records by living an astonishing 29 years and 5 months.

Born in 1910, Bluey spent two decades working as a cattle and sheep dog before retiring at age 20. An active lifestyle, nutritious diet, and genetic factors may have contributed to his extraordinary longevity. For nearly a century, Bluey held the Guinness World Record as the oldest verified dog in history. 

However, in 2023, another dog — Bobi, a Portuguese Rafeiro do Alentejo — briefly claimed the title. This sparked controversy, as experts questioned the validity of Bobi's reported age. Guinness eventually revoked Bobi's record, reaffirming Bluey's place in history. By examining Bluey's life, we can guess at why some breeds are the longest-living dogs out there.

Bluey's lifespan of nearly three decades remains an outlier when dogs tend to live such short lives compared to humans. This long life also eludes veterinary science in general. What made him live so long?  One possibility is that he kept moving. Bluey worked as a herding dog for 20 years, keeping him physically active and mentally engaged. Regular exercise is linked to longer lifespans in both humans and animals. 

Another possibility is Bluey's natural environment. Bluey lived on a farm, had plenty of space to roam, and was not confined like many urban dogs today. Fresh air, sunlight, and a low-stress environment likely contributed to his health. Finally, he ate simple and healthy, similar to the human-grade pet foods of today. Kibble and commercial dog foods were still in their infancy, so many working dogs relied on cooked meats, grains, and lard. Luckily, Bluey was still alive by the time canned dog foods became popular in the 1920s. 

In February 2023, Guinness World Records briefly awarded the title of the oldest dog ever to Bobi, a Rafeiro do Alentejo from Portugal, who was claimed to have lived 30 years and 165 days. However, this record was met with immediate skepticism. Veterinary experts questioned the evidence, as Portugal's national pet database did not require proof of microchipping for dogs until 2008.

In October 2023, Bobi passed away, and Guinness launched an official investigation. By February 2024, they determined there was insufficient proof to support Bobi's claim and revoked his record. This decision reinstated Bluey as the oldest verified dog in history, with nearly 30 years of documented evidence.

Bluey's record sets a real-world benchmark in veterinary science that will continue to help inform research initiatives — such as the Dog Aging Project — into how genetics, lifestyle, and environment contribute to extreme canine longevity. As we continue to explore ways to help dogs live longer, healthier lives, we humans may also benefit from learning the tricks of our canine companions.