The world’s tallest male dog, a Great Dane named Kevin, has tragically passed away just days after being officially recognized by Guinness World Records (GWR). The 3-year-old record holder died following an unexpected illness and unplanned surgery.
Kevin’s owners, Tracy and Roger Wolfe from West Des Moines, Iowa, are devastated by the loss. “He was just the best giant boy,” Tracy expressed in a press release by GWR.
Kevin measured an impressive 0.97 meters (3 feet 2 inches) from his feet to his withers—the area just above his shoulders. When standing on his hind legs, Kevin reached an astonishing height of about 2.13 meters (7 feet), towering over his owner Roger.
Despite his imposing size, Kevin was known for his gentle and timid nature. Tracy fondly remembered how Kevin was easily spooked, even by the measuring tape used to confirm his record, and was “terrified of the vacuum.” During his first training class, Kevin was so frightened that he had an accident in the middle of the session.
“He doesn’t seem to realize how big he is,” Tracy shared earlier this month. “He constantly tries to squeeze into small beds, sit on our laps, and do everything smaller dogs do.” Kevin’s favorite pastime was napping, and his diet consisted of six to ten cups of food daily, along with occasional snacks swiped from the kitchen counters.
Kevin’s endearing personality made him a beloved member of the Wolfe family. He was named after the character Kevin from the movie “Home Alone” and continued to grow until he was even larger than the family’s pony. His playful antics and friendly demeanor made him a local favorite, though his exuberant greetings sometimes led to accidental tail whippings.
Kevin’s rise to fame came when he was officially named the world’s tallest male dog, surpassing the previous record held by another Great Dane, Zeus, who also passed away at the age of three due to bone cancer.
Great Danes, known for their large size, typically have shorter lifespans compared to smaller breeds, averaging 8-10 years. Males usually stand about 2.5 feet (0.76 meters) tall, according to the American Kennel Club.
Kevin’s untimely passing highlights the challenges and joys of owning a giant breed. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and all who were charmed by his gentle giant nature.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram @guinnessworldrecords
