Kevin, a Great Dane from West Des Moines, Iowa, has been verified as the world’s tallest living male dog, measuring an impressive 0.97 meters (3 feet 2 inches) from his feet to his withers. This makes him as tall as an average three-year-old child, and significantly taller than the average male Great Dane, which typically stands around 0.76 meters (2 feet 6 inches).
Kevin succeeds his fellow Great Dane, Zeus, who held the record until his tragic death at age three last year. Kevin lives with his owners, Tracy and Roger Wolfe, their children Alexander (12) and Ava (10), and a variety of animal companions, including three other dogs, four cats, chickens, goats, and horses.
Despite his imposing size, Kevin is a quintessential “gentle giant.” He enjoys lounging on the couch and is known to “tattle” if someone occupies his favorite spot. He loves snuggling but is terrified of the vacuum cleaner and was even spooked by the measuring tape during his official record attempt.
“Kevin is the epitome of a gentle giant,” Tracy shared. “He is scared of most things, especially the vacuum. It can’t come within six feet of him! He’ll jump and run away from it.” Kevin’s fearfulness was evident when he attended his first training class with youth organization 4-H, where he was so scared he had an accident in the middle of the class. Now, however, he enjoys attending.
Tracy, who works at a veterinary clinic, describes Kevin as a “big baby” who often forgets his size. “When Kevin or any of my dogs come to my clinic, I put a baby gate up in the door of my office. That way, I can keep my door open but keep the dogs in.” She adds, “I don’t think he’s aware of how big he is. He tries to squeeze into small beds and sit on top of us, just like the smaller dogs.”
Kevin has a unique way of sitting that accommodates his long legs. “He doesn’t love to actually sit. He will either stand or lay down. I think his legs are too long. He will also back his rear end up and sit his back end on my lap while keeping his front feet on the ground.”
The Wolfes brought Kevin home after the loss of their previous Great Dane, Cora. Tracy recalls, “He reminded me so much of Cora. Both were black mantle Danes. My husband and I didn’t tell the kids, but we picked them up and went to see him. The timing was perfect for us.”
Kevin has become an integral part of the family, especially bonding with Alexander. He consumes between six and ten cups of food daily and maintains a svelte figure despite being a “lazy boy.” Tracy quipped, “Kevin’s favorite activity is probably taking naps. Holding the couch down is his favorite pastime.”
Despite his gentle nature, Kevin has a mischievous side, particularly when it comes to food. “Kevin can be stubborn and naughty, usually food-related. Otherwise, he’s usually a pretty good kid,” Tracy said. The family often jokes about Kevin’s size, with people frequently asking if he is a horse and suggesting he could be ridden.
Kevin enjoys the attention he receives wherever he goes. Tracy remarked, “To officially have Kevin as the world’s tallest dog is really exciting for our family. As a puppy, we kept thinking, ‘He just keeps growing and growing.’ To have that distinction is really exciting for the family.”
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