The theatre between the tallest and smallest dogs in the world took the path of most dog park encounters despite differences in height of 3 feet: tail shaking, sniffing and running around.
Reginald, a seven-year-old Great Dane from Idaho, and Pearl, a Chihuahua from Florida, are recipients who have been recognized for their respective height titles by the Guinness World Records. The fact that Reginalds are small horse sizes and as small as apples did not stop them from becoming famous.
The 3.59 inch 4-year-old Pearl comes from a long line of short dogs. Aunt Milly, a former record holder in the same category, was less than four inches tall until her death in 2020.
Both Millie and Pearl weighed 1 ounce at birth.
“I didn’t think I’d have a record again,” said Venesa Semler of Orlando, Florida, who is the owner of both Tiny Dogs. “It’s incredible.”
Guinness arranged a two-day competition between Pearl and Reginald. Reginald is also taking measures at 3 feet 3 feet 3 feet 3, and is a month at his home in Idaho Falls.
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Pearl loves dogs, even big dogs, but Semler said he was worried because of the size of Reginald.
“For me, (it was) a huge, pleasant surprise from day one. “He’s so kind and very friendly.”
Reggie may have been more interested in the Guinness movie crew accompanying Pearl than the small dog on his side.
“I think he likes a little more people than he likes other dogs,” said his owner, Sam Johnson Reese.
The small size of the pearl was also strange for a big boy.
“He seemed very careful and a bit uneasy,” Reiss said. “He was very careful, like he didn’t step on her or anything. He was very aware that she was there.”
Reggie’s super size was apparent early on, especially when he was towering over other great Danes, especially on a visit to the dog park, despite being only nine months old.
“They were shorter than him and they seemed to have grown completely,” Reiss said.
There may have been a bit of jealousy in the toys and beds, but Reggie and Pearl found common ground while roaming together around the Idaho farm for two days.
“I think she found a good friend,” Semler said.
Semler said Pearl was her primadna and Chihuahuas even placed their feet on the outfit laid out in front of her and chose the clothes they wanted to wear every day. That’s useful when news crews line up for interviews.
“For us, she has always been our diva,” Semler said. “Now she’s a diva for everyone.”
Pearl doesn’t have the title of the top diva yet. Reiss says Reggie, who has a new Instagram account, has his own diva moment.
“He’s got pretty high maintenance,” Reiss said. “Reggie is just cheeky, like he’s mischievous and stupid, and he definitely tells you when he wants something.”
By Mark Thiessen
