The world’s tallest male dog, Kevin, who could stretch to about 7 feet tall when standing on his hind legs, has died shortly after his record-breaking height was announced, according to Guinness World Records.
Kevin, a three-year-old Great Dane from West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away this week after an unplanned surgery due to illness, as reported by Guinness.
“We are devastated about Kevin. He was the best giant boy,” said his owner Tracy Wolfe. “We are glad he broke the record and got some attention. He loved it. I wish these big dogs and all dogs could live longer. It’s never enough time.”
Kevin’s official height was 3 feet 2 inches from his feet to his withers, though he was about 7 feet tall on his hind legs.
“Kevin loved taking naps and holding down the couch,” Wolfe said. “He was funny and very friendly, sometimes too friendly. Everyone loved seeing him, as long as they didn’t get hit by his tail.”
The average Great Dane is about 2 feet 6 inches tall at the withers. Kevin was taller than his other owner, Roger Wolfe, when standing on his hind legs.
“He was scared of the vacuum and would run away from it,” Guinness mentioned in their announcement of his death.
A spokesperson for Guinness World Records said: “We are very sad to hear about Kevin’s sudden passing due to unexpected health issues. Tracy and her team at the vet clinic did everything they could to save him. Our thoughts and support are with the Wolfe family during this difficult time.”