Check out these “bone-a-fide” record-holders!
Yes, all dogs are amazing. But some canines really knock it out of the dog park! We’re talking about those four-footed fur-friends who top the charts in everything from size to special talents. Check out a few of the world’s most interesting and impressive canines. They’re “bone-a-fide” record-holders by Guinness World Records.
Tallest dog ever
Record holder: Zeus, Great Dane
Height: 1.118 m (44”)
Otsego, MI — October 4, 2011
Zeus, a Great Dane, holds the record for the tallest dog ever. The lofty canine measured a “skyscraping” 1.118 m (44”) tall on October 4, 2011. When standing, he reached 2.23 m (7’4”)! Clearly, counter surfing was no problem for this gentle giant!
His “mom”, Denise Doorlag, says Zeus weighed in at 70.30 kg (155 lb) and ate approximately 13.6 kg (30 lb) of food every two weeks.
True to his breed, Zeus had a very laid-back personality and got along well with humans and other animals. In fact, Zeus was a certified therapy dog who enjoyed visiting hospital patients.
Sadly, Zeus passed away in 2014, but he still holds the record for tallest dog ever.
Fastest 30 m on a scooter by a dog
Record holder: Norman
Time: 20.77 seconds
Marietta, GA – July, 2013
When professional dog trainer Karen Cobb brought home Norman, a Briard, little did she know her new best friend would set two Guinness World Records titles – “Fastest 30 m on a scooter by a dog” and “Fastest 30 m on a bicycle by a dog”.
Karen knew Norman was special right away. “We started introducing him to many of the kids’ toys in the backyard, so he would not be fearful. The scooter was one of them and he just loved it! Norman basically thought he was one of the kids — whatever they did, he wanted to try.”
Karen uses positive reinforcement with Norman. “Training forms such a strong bond between you and your pet.”
In addition to scootering and cycling, Norman can surf, longboard, jump rope, play basketball and even participate in dog sports. He achieved the highest level rally title – the RACH – in the summer of 2019.
Longest tongue on a dog
Record holder: Mochi
Tongue length: 18.58 cm (7.31”)
Sioux Falls, SD — August 25, 2016
Imagine the dog kisses! The longest tongue on a dog belongs to Mochi, a female St. Bernard. Her tongue measures an incredible 18.58 cm (7.31”).
Mochi was rescued by Carla and Craig Rickert when she was two years old. “We love her unconditionally despite that crazy, long tongue that causes people to stare and laugh,” said Carla.
Most tricks performed by a dog in one minute
Record holder: Hero, The Super Collie, with Sara Carson
Number of tricks: 49
Palmdale, CA — February 18, 2018
You may have seen this famous Canadian canine with her trainer and favourite person, Sara Carson, on the 12th season of America’s Got Talent. The pair placed an impressive 5th overall after showcasing some serious energy and talent on stage.
Sara and Hero have been working together since the Super Collie was four months old. Hero’s hundreds of tricks include walking on his front legs, dancing, spinning, and even landing on Sara’s back. The dynamic duo has traveled the globe, bringing smiles to faces everywhere.
Most skips by a dog and person in one minute
Record holder: Jessica, with Rachael Grylls
Number of jumps: 59
Lewdown, UK — December 1, 2016
Jessica, a Jack Russell Terrier, loves to jump and it shows! She and her human partner, Rachael Grylls, skipped 59 times in one minute. That’s almost one jump per second!
Highest jump by a dog
Record holder: Feather
Jump height: 191.7 cm (75.5”)
Frederick, MD — September 14, 2017
How high can you go?! Aptly named Feather (who flies through the air), a Greyhound rescued and trained by Samantha Valle, makes it look easy. She started off jumping 54” obstacles and progressed until she set the current record of clearing 191.7 cm (75.5”) in 2017. Impressive!
For more record holders, visit GuinnessWorldRecords.com.
AUTHOR PROFILE
Dana Cox is the co-founder, Chief Creative Officer and editor-in-chief of Redstone Media Group, which publishes Canadian Dogs Annual, Animal Wellness Magazine, Equine Wellness Magazine and Integrative Veterinary Care Journal, and associated websites. She regularly attends veterinary conferences to stay apprised of leading edge and best practice therapies and modalities. Dana lives in Peterborough, ON with her husband and fellow co-founder, Tim Hockley, and their family which includes two children, a dog and a cat.
