LONDON, Jan 17: In the competitive realm of record-breaking dogs, a global scandal has emerged, prompting Guinness World Records to temporarily halt applications for both the oldest living dog and the oldest dog ever, as confirmed by The Post.

Bobi, a Rafeiro do Alentejo from Portugal, was celebrated as the oldest living and oldest ever dog, certified by Guinness World Records on February 1, 2023, at the age of 30 years and 266 days. Sadly, the canine passed away in October 2023, just months after celebrating his 31st birthday. Dr. Karen Becker, a veterinarian who had met Bobi on several occasions, confirmed his death on Facebook, expressing a heartfelt farewell to the beloved record-holder.

Despite the accolades, doubts have arisen regarding Bobi's status as the oldest dog ever, with some questioning the consistency of his appearance in photos throughout his life. Notably, discrepancies in the color of his paws have fueled skepticism, prompting a formal review by Guinness World Records. The review involves scrutinizing existing evidence, seeking new information, consulting experts, and reaching out to those associated with the original application.

While the investigation is ongoing, Guinness World Records has decided to pause applications for these specific records until all findings are confirmed and communicated. The organization emphasized that no actions have been taken against any record holders yet, and any decisions will be contingent on the outcome of the review. This development raises questions about the legitimacy of Bobi's title as the world's oldest dog and underscores the challenges in verifying such remarkable achievements.