A Great Dane named Kevin is now the new record holder for tallest dog in the world. According to Guinness World Records, 3-year old Kevin stands at an impressive 3 feet, 2 inches tall. For comparison, male Great Danes usually grow up to 2 feet, 6 inches tall. And while there is no official measurement of Kevin’s height when he’s on his two hind legs, his two-legged standing height definitely gives you an idea of just how big he actually is, even compared to humans. Kevin was confirmed as the world’s tallest living dog on March 20.
Kevin lives in West Des Moines, Iowa with his human family, Tracey and Roger Wolfe, and their children Alexander and Ava. There, Kevin also lives with three other dogs, four cats, and some chickens, goats, and horses.
A friend of the Wolfes’ posted about Kevin when he was the last puppy of his litter that needed a home. With the recent loss of their previous Great Dane, the Wolfe family didn’t hesitate to take Kevin in. The record-holding Great Dane is named after Kevin McCallister from the popular 1990 holiday movie “Home Alone” because of how much reminded the family of the character.
Even though he stands 3’2″ tall, Kevin is known for his gentle nature. His human mom, Tracey, describes him as the “epitome of a gentle giant.” However, Kevin does have his funny quirks. Wolfe shares that the 3-foot dog is afraid of the vacuum and will avoid it at all costs.
Kevin’s story is proof of the wonderful character that Great Danes possess, making them amazing family pets despite their size. His record-breaking height may have brought him into the spotlight, but it’s his gentleness that makes him the lovable giant that he is.
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Other Record Holders of Impressive Animal Sizes
Before Kevin, the record was held by another Great Dane named Zeus. Hailing from Texas, Zeus stood 3 feet, 5.18 inches tall. Sadly, Zeus passed away in September after developing pneumonia that developed from his amputation in addition to a bone cancer diagnosis.
On the other end of the spectrum, the record for the shortest living dog belongs to a Chihuahua named Pearl, measuring just 3.59 inches in height, 5 inches in length, and weighing 1.22 pounds. Pearl was given this title after the death of her aunt Milly, who was the previous record-holder.
No matter their size, these stories show the great diversity among dogs that’s not only limited to breed. From giants like Great Danes to tiny Chihuahuas, every dog has special traits that make them the fun and wonderful companions they are.
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Why Great Danes Are So Lovable
There’s so much to love about Great Danes. Besides their large size, these are the many other endearing qualities that these majestic dogs are known for:
- Gentle Giants: Widely dubbed as gentle giants, Great Danes are typically very soft with people, especially children, making them excellent family pets.
- Affectionate: These dogs are often very affectionate and loving towards their owners. They enjoy spending time with their family members and enjoy human companionship.
- Loyal Companions: Great Danes are known for their loyalty. They form strong bonds with their families and are protective of them, making them reliable pets to have in the home. (more on their protective instincts below)
- Playful Nature: Great Danes also have a playful side. They enjoy playtime and can be quite goofy, which adds to their charm and makes having them around a lot of fun.
- Easygoing Temperament: Generally, Great Danes have an easygoing temperament. They are typically good-natured and adaptable, which makes them suitable for various living situations, including apartments (provided that their exercise needs are met).
- Protective Instincts: While they are gentle, Great Danes also have a protective side to them. They can be very good at alerting their owners to potential threats, which makes them excellent watchdogs.
- Low to Moderate Exercise Needs: Even with their big build, Great Danes don’t require a lot of exercise. But they do enjoy daily walks and play sessions.
- Minimal Grooming: Great Danes have short coats that are easy to maintain. They don’t shed too much and only require regular brushing to keep their coat nice and healthy.
If you’ve been looking into taking a Great Dane in, consider the qualities listed above. You can also take Kevin’s story as your sign to welcome a giant into your loving home.