A recent encounter between the tallest and smallest surviving dogs in the world unfolded much like any typical dog park meeting, with plenty of tail wagging, sniffing, and energetic scampering, despite their stark size difference of 3 feet (0.91 meters).
Reginald, a towering Great Dane from Idaho, and Pearl, a diminutive chihuahua from Florida, hold prestigious Guinness World Records for their respective sizes. Surprisingly, the vast contrast between Reginald, who grows to the stature of a small horse, and Pearl, who fits within the palm of an adult’s hand, did not hinder their affectionate interaction.
Pearl, just 4 years old and standing at a modest 3.59 inches (9.14 centimeters), hails from a lineage of exceptionally small dogs. Her lineage includes her aunt Millie, the former record-holder in the same diminutive category, who remained under 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) until her passing in 2020. Interestingly, both Millie and Pearl weighed in at just 1 ounce (28.35 grams) at birth.
Vanesa Semler from Orlando, Florida, owner of the petite pooches, expressed her astonishment at winning the record again, exclaiming, “I was not expecting to once again have the record. That would be like unbelievable.”
The meeting of Pearl and Reginald, orchestrated by Guinness last month on Reginald’s expansive farm in Idaho Falls, was met with a degree of apprehension from Semler, despite Pearl’s love for dogs—large or small. “For me, it was a huge, pleasant surprise from day one because Reggie is like Pearl, in bigger size,” she commented. “He is so gentle, so friendly.”
Reginald, perhaps more enthralled by the accompanying Guinness film crew than Pearl’s petite stature, appeared quite taken by the human cameramen. “I would say he likes people a little bit more than he likes other dogs,” confided Sam Johnson Reiss, Reginald’s owner.
Pearl’s minuscule size posed a peculiar contrast to the colossal canine. “He was like very cautious, like a little anxious,” explained Reiss. “He was very careful, like he didn’t step on her or anything crazy. He was just very aware that she was there.”
Reggie’s impressive size was evident from an early age, particularly noted during dog park visits where he dwarfed other Great Danes even as a 9-month-old pup. “They would be shorter than him, and they were like full-grown,” Reiss recounted.
Their time together, though briefly marred by minor possessiveness over toys and beds, was predominantly harmonious as they spent two days exploring the Idaho farm peacefully.
“I think she found a good friend,” Semler reflected. Pearl, known for her distinct personality, selects her daily attire by pawing at her preferred choice, an endearing trait given the increasing media attention. “For us, she was always our diva,” Semler added. “Now she’s a diva for everyone.”
Pearl may not hold the exclusive diva designation, however, as Reiss described Reggie, now boasting his own Instagram presence, as having his diva tendencies. “He’s pretty high maintenance,” Reiss acknowledged. “Reggie’s just cheeky, like he’s kind of mischievous and silly and definitely tells you when he wants something.”