It is rare to find two record breakers in the same room, especially cute ones, but that is exactly want happened when the world's tallest and shortest dogs met up
Guinness World Records has brought together the tallest and shortest dogs, Reginald (Reggie) a Great Dane from Idaho and Pearl a chihuahua from Florida as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations this year.
At 3.59 in (9.14 cm), four-year-old Pearl, the shortest dog living, looks up to seven-year-old Reggie, the tallest dog living (male), who stands 3 ft 3 in (1.007 m) tall. A three-foot (91.56 cm) height difference! That’s about the same height as a baseball bat or in the record-breaking world: the tallest stack of waffles which measures 36.02 in (91.5 cm).
The two record holders met up earlier this month at Reggie’s home in Idaho, coordinated by Guinness World Records.
Pearl and her owner, Vanesa Semler, made the journey from Florida to Idaho for the meet up. “When Pearl meets bigger dogs, she is really friendly. I think she has no idea she is a small dog. Normally she’s really playful with bigger dogs, she just wants to be around [them],” shared Vanesa as they prepared for the big moment.
Before meeting Pearl, Reggie’s owner Sam Johnson Reiss, predicted that he would be “really stoked” to meet Pearl because he “gets along really well with other dogs and other human beings.” Sam was excited to get to know Pearl and her owner Vanesa Semler!
They said: “I’m not worried that [Reggie] won’t be careful around Pearl. He’s very, very cautious and aware. I anticipate that he will be really good with her and probably be more interested in Pearl’s owners than maybe Pearl herself!”
Their owners know them well – their predictions were correct. The two pooches had a ball!
While both dogs love being the centre of attention, Reggie, aware of his size, was very careful around Pearl. His awareness eased both owners’ anxieties about the meeting.
Sam, said: “Obviously, bringing the smallest dog in the world with the tallest dog in the world, there was a little bit of anxiety, but I think he was very gentle [and] very, very kind [to Pearl], as best as he could be. And then, when he was done, he was done”
Vanesa agreed: “I think that was the main reason, he was trying to be careful around her, so I think that may be the main reason he wanted to stay away because he was really, you know, gentle with her.” She continued, “That’s an amazing quality. That talks a lot about how caring and loving he is!”
Both dogs had such a great day that when the pup-arazzi turned to the owners to hear their thoughts on the day, the two took some well-earned naps. It was far from a ruff day for them.
Sam said: “[big dogs and small dogs] are just more alike than they are different!” They gave the example that “small dogs are kind of known to be high maintenance or like a prop, when I feel like big dogs are more that kind of way.” He may not be pocket-sized, but Reggie can be high-maintenance too!
Vanesa and Sam together reflected on their dogs record holder status. As Sam said:“If Reggie gives happiness to any one person, that will be great for him and that will make him happy.
Vanessa added: “I think you can see through the photos and videos the love we have for our pets, they’re part of the family.”
It’s safe to say that Reggie and Pearl (and their owners) will be friends fur-ever.
Inspired by Reginald and Pearl’s stories to achieve a record of your own? Choose your challenge at www.guinnessworldrecords.com
