World's tallest and smallest dogs meet up for a playdate
Share and Follow


A playdate between the world’s tallest and smallest living dogs went the way of most dog park encounters despite the 3-foot (0.91-meter) height difference lots of tail wagging, sniffing and scampering.

Reginald, a 7-year-old Great Dane from Idaho, and Pearl, a chihuahua from Florida, are both certified winners in their respective height titles by Guinness World Records. The fact that Reginald is the size of a small horse and Pearl is as small as an apple didn’t stop them from getting along famously.

Pearl, a 4-year-old who stands at 3.59 inches (9.14 centimeters), comes from a long line of short dogs. Her aunt Millie, a previous record-holder in the same category, until she died in 2020, also was under 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) tall.

Both Millie and Pearl weighed 1 ounce (28.35 grams) at birth.

“I was not expecting to once again have the record,” said Vanesa Semler of Orlando, Florida, owner of both tiny dogs. “That would be like unbelievable.”

Guinness arranged the two-day meet up between Pearl and Reginald who also goes by Reggie and measures in at a whopping 3-foot-3 (1 meter) last month at his home in Idaho Falls.

Even though Pearl loves dogs, even big dogs, Semler said she was anxious because of Reginald’s size.

“For me, (it) was a huge, pleasant surprise from day one because Reggie is like Pearl, in bigger size,” she said. “He is so gentle, so friendly.”

Reggie, for his part, might have been more interested in the Guinness film crew that accompanied Pearl than the tiny dog herself.

“I would say he likes people a little bit more than he likes other dogs,” said Sam Johnson Reiss, his owner.

Pearl’s tiny size was also strange for the big boy.

“He was like very cautious, like a little anxious,” Reiss said. “He was very careful, like he didn’t step on her or anything or anything crazy. He was just very aware that she was there.”

Reggie’s super size was evident early on, especially on a dog park visit when he towered over other Great Danes despite being only 9 months old.

“They would be shorter than him, and they were like full-grown,” Reiss said.

There might have been a little jealousy shown over toys and beds, but Reggie and Pearl found common ground during their two days roaming the Idaho farm together.

“I think she found a good friend,” Semler said.

Semler said Pearl is her prima donna, with the chihuahua even picking out the clothes she wants to wear every day by placing her paw on the outfits laid out before her. That comes in handy when news crews are lining up for interviews.

“For us, she was always our diva,” Semler said. “Now she’s a diva for everyone.”

Pearl doesn’t have the top diva title quite yet, with Reiss saying Reggie who has a new Instagram account has his own diva moments.

“He’s pretty high maintenance,” Reiss said. “Reggie’s just cheeky, like he’s kind of mischievous and silly and definitely tells you when he wants something.”

___

Thiessen reported from Anchorage, Alaska.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Volodymyr Zelensky says US is offering Ukraine 15-year security guarantee in latest peace plan

US Proposes 15-Year Security Guarantee for Ukraine in New Peace Plan, Says President Zelensky

In a recent development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that the United…
State officials and daycare manager push back on viral video fraud allegations in Minnesota

Minnesota Daycare Fraud Allegations Debunked: State Officials and Manager Defend Against Viral Video Claims

On Monday, Minnesota officials and a daycare manager refuted accusations of fraud…
Russia says Ukraine peace talks 'proceeding constructively,' as Kremlin launches deadly strike on Odesa

Zelenskyy Refutes Russian Allegations of Ukrainian Strike on Putin’s Residence

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed accusations from top Kremlin officials on Monday,…
Feds launch 'massive' investigation after viral video alleges Minnesota daycare fraud

Federal Authorities Initiate Major Investigation Following Viral Video on Minnesota Daycare Fraud Allegations

Federal authorities launched an extensive investigation in Minnesota on Monday, prompted by…
Taylor Swift leaves stadium worker in tears over remarkable generosity

Taylor Swift’s Heartfelt Gesture Moves Stadium Employee to Tears

Taylor Swift has once again demonstrated that her generosity off the stage…
3 takeaways from the Trump-Zelensky meeting at Mar-a-Lago

Key Insights from the Trump-Zelensky Mar-a-Lago Meeting: Diplomatic Discussions Unveiled

In a significant diplomatic encounter, former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President…
Man fatally shot in officer-involved shooting in Jacksonville's Oceanway neighborhood

Tragic Officer-Involved Shooting in Jacksonville’s Oceanway: What We Know So Far

The sheriff’s office has launched an investigation into a fatal officer-involved shooting…
Man dies in Merrionette Park Oak Lane mobile home fire on Homan Avenue, neighbors and officials say

Tragic Merrionette Park Mobile Home Fire Claims Life on Homan Avenue: Neighbors and Officials Respond

A tragic fire claimed the life of a man in his 70s…