"Kevin is a Basketball Player"… Tallest Dog Passes Away Two Weeks After Guinness Record Registration

3-Year-Old Great Dane
Over 2m Tall, Guinness Registered
"The Greatest Giant Companion Dog"

The world's tallest dog, 'Kevin,' passed away just two weeks after being listed in the Guinness World Records.

On the 26th (local time), foreign media including the New York Post, citing a Guinness World Records press release, announced that Kevin, who was registered as the world's tallest dog on the 13th, had fallen ill and undergone surgery but ultimately died.

Kevin, registered in the Guinness World Records as the tallest dog in the world. [Image source=Guinness World Records official website]

Kevin, who was three years old this year, was recognized as the tallest dog in the world with a length of about 97 cm from paw to withers (the prominent part between the shoulders). When standing on his hind legs, Kevin's height reached 213 cm. Kevin was a male Great Dane, one of the giant dog breeds.

Kevin's owner, Tracy Wolf, said, "Kevin was the greatest giant companion dog," and added, "Our whole family was shocked by Kevin's death." She continued, "Kevin loved attention," and said, "I hope all dogs, including these giant breeds, live long lives."

Tracy recalled that although Kevin was large, he had a gentle personality, was cheerful and friendly, and was so timid that he once had an accident during training out of fear. She said, "Kevin seemed unaware of how big he was," and "He kept trying to squeeze into small beds and do all the things small dogs do." Tracy also added, "Kevin loved taking naps the most," and "Kevin was fun and kind." She explained that she brought Kevin home when he was a puppy and named him after Kevin from the movie 'Home Alone.'

A spokesperson for Guinness World Records also expressed "deep sorrow" upon hearing the sudden news of Kevin's death. The spokesperson added, "Tracy did her best to treat Kevin after he fell ill."

The previous record holder for the world's tallest dog was also a Great Dane, a three-year-old named 'Zeus.' Zeus was reported to have a length of about 104 cm from paw to withers. Zeus also passed away last September due to bone cancer. According to the American Kennel Club, the average lifespan of Great Danes is about 8 to 10 years, which is shorter compared to smaller dogs, and the average height of males is about 76 cm.