The tallest and tiniest living dogs, according to Guinness World Records, recently had a playdate — and despite their extreme size difference, it played out like a typical dog park hangout, full of sniffing, tail wags, and playful running around.
Reginald, a 7-year-old Great Dane from Idaho, and Pearl, a 4-year-old chihuahua from Florida, hold official records as the world’s tallest and shortest dogs. While Reginald, also known as Reggie, stands over 3 feet tall (3 feet 3 inches or 1 meter), Pearl is just 3.59 inches (9.14 cm) tall — about the size of an apple. Despite the staggering contrast in stature, the two bonded with ease.
Pearl comes from a line of record-holding chihuahuas. Her late aunt, Millie, also held the title of the world’s shortest dog before passing away in 2020. Both Pearl and Millie weighed just one ounce at birth.
“I never imagined I’d have another dog break the same record,” said Vanesa Semler, Pearl’s owner from Orlando, Florida.
Guinness organized the two-day meet-up in Idaho Falls, where Reggie lives. Although Pearl has a fondness for dogs of all sizes, Semler admitted she was nervous due to Reginald’s towering presence.
“To my surprise, Reggie was just like Pearl — but in giant form,” she said. “He’s incredibly gentle and friendly.”
Reginald seemed more intrigued by the film crew than Pearl herself, according to his owner, Sam Johnson Reiss.
“He’s a people dog more than a dog’s dog,” Reiss said. Reggie approached Pearl with caution, showing an awareness of her tiny frame. “He was careful not to step on her. He was alert and a little unsure.”
Reggie’s remarkable height was evident from a young age — even at 9 months, he was taller than adult Great Danes at the dog park.
Although the two dogs had minor disagreements over toys and beds, they eventually enjoyed exploring the Idaho farm together.
“I think Pearl made a great new friend,” Semler said.
Pearl, a true diva at heart, even chooses her outfits each day by placing a paw on her preferred clothes — something Semler says helps when media outlets request interviews. “She’s always been our diva. Now, she’s everyone’s diva.”
But Pearl isn’t the only one with a flair for drama. Reiss admits that Reggie can be just as fussy.
“He’s got diva tendencies too,” Reiss said. “Reggie’s cheeky, mischievous, and he definitely knows how to get what he wants.”