The New King: Meet Reginald “Reggie” Reiss, The World’s Tallest Dog Living, Confirmed In 2025
The title of the world's tallest dog is one of the most dynamic and fascinating records in the Guinness World Records, and as of December 2025, the crown has a new, towering occupant. The sheer size of these colossal canines captures global attention, turning gentle giants into international celebrities overnight. From the all-time record holders who set untouchable benchmarks to the current living champions, the story of the biggest dogs in the world is a captivating tale of genetics, care, and monumental stature.
This article dives deep into the most recent, verified data, confirming the current record holder, exploring the history of the most enormous dogs ever recorded, and breaking down the colossal breeds that consistently produce these magnificent record-breakers. We will cover the new titleholder, the tragic and brief reign of the previous champion, and the undisputed giants of the past.
The New Reign: Meet Reginald "Reggie" Reiss, The Tallest Living Dog (2025)
After a period of rapid turnover, the title of the Tallest Dog Living (Male) has been officially claimed by a new Great Dane, whose height is truly astonishing. The current holder is Reginald "Reggie" Johnson Reiss, a seven-year-old Great Dane from Idaho Falls, Idaho, USA.
Reginald “Reggie” Johnson Reiss: Biography and Record Details
- Breed: Great Dane
- Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho, USA
- Official Height: 1.007 meters (3 feet 3 inches) from foot to withers.
- Date Verified: January 27, 2025.
- Owner: The Reiss Family
- Nickname: Reggie
Reggie is a magnificent "gentle giant" who stands taller than most three-year-old human children when measured to his withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades). His confirmation as the tallest living dog follows a period of transition after the tragic passing of the previous titleholder, highlighting the fleeting nature of this incredible record. Reggie's owners noted that his massive size was apparent even when he was a puppy, making him a natural contender for the title.
The Recent Turnover: Kevin and Zeus
Reggie's reign follows a brief and heartbreaking period in the record books. The title was previously held by Kevin, a three-year-old Great Dane from West Des Moines, Iowa, who measured 0.97 m (3 ft 2 in). Kevin tragically passed away shortly after receiving the record due to complications following an unplanned surgery. Kevin had, in turn, succeeded another Great Dane named Zeus from Texas, who had measured 1.046 metres (3 ft 5.18 in) before his own passing. [cite: 4, 7, 11 in step 2] This rapid succession of colossal canines illustrates the dominance of the Great Dane breed in the height category.
The Undisputed Giants: All-Time World Records
While the title of the tallest *living* dog changes hands, two records stand in the history books as the most massive canines ever officially recorded, one for height and one for weight. These all-time champions set benchmarks that have yet to be surpassed.
The Tallest Dog Ever: Zeus (The Original)
The record for the tallest dog ever belongs to a different Great Dane, also named Zeus, who lived in Otsego, Michigan, USA. This Zeus was a true giant, setting a record that has stood for over a decade.
- Name: Zeus
- Breed: Great Dane
- Record Height: 1.118 meters (44 inches or 3 feet 8 inches) to the withers. [cite: 10, 11 in step 1]
- Standing Height: When standing on his hind legs, Zeus measured an incredible 2.26 meters (7 feet 5 inches). [cite: 11 in step 1]
- Record Date: October 4, 2011. [cite: 10 in step 1]
Zeus was so large that his food was measured by the pound, consuming over 30 pounds of kibble every two weeks. His massive frame made him a local celebrity and a global icon of canine size.
The Heaviest Dog Ever: Zorba the English Mastiff
When considering the "biggest" dog, the category of weight offers another dimension of size, and the all-time champion remains an English Mastiff named Zorba. Guinness World Records generally no longer encourages the "heaviest dog" category to promote healthy animal welfare, but Zorba's record is a historical marvel.
- Name: Zorba
- Breed: English Mastiff
- Record Weight: 142.7 kilograms (314.5 pounds). [cite: 8 in step 1]
- Record Date: November 1989. [cite: 8 in step 1]
Zorba’s sheer bulk made him a true titan. To put his size in perspective, Zorba weighed more than an average adult female human. The English Mastiff is consistently cited as the world's largest dog breed by mass and volume, often outweighing even the tallest breeds.
The Titan Breeds: The Biggest Dogs in the World by Average Size
While individual dogs like Reggie and Zeus capture the records, several giant dog breeds consistently produce the largest specimens, earning them the title of the world's biggest dogs by average size and weight. These breeds, known as Molossers and Sighthounds, require special care, including specific diets, joint supplements, and a shorter average lifespan (typically 6-10 years).
1. The Great Dane (The Record-Holder)
The Great Dane, or "Apollo of Dogs," is the undisputed champion of the height record, as evidenced by the multiple Great Danes holding the title. The breed was originally developed in Germany to hunt wild boar. Interestingly, the Great Dane is believed to be a cross between the size and power of the English Mastiff and the speed and sleekness of the Irish Wolfhound or Greyhound.
2. The English Mastiff (The Weight Champion)
The English Mastiff is the heaviest dog breed by average, with males often exceeding 200 pounds (90 kg). They are massive, muscular, and blocky, making them the largest by sheer volume. Historically, they were used as war dogs and estate guardians. Despite their intimidating size, they are known for their gentle, docile temperament, making them superb family pets (if you have the space!).
3. The Irish Wolfhound (The Tallest Breed Average)
While the Great Dane holds the individual height record, the Irish Wolfhound is often cited as the tallest dog breed on average, with males regularly exceeding 32 inches (81 cm) at the shoulder. They are Sighthounds, bred to hunt wolves and elk in Ireland. Their immense height, combined with a leaner, more rugged frame than the Great Dane, gives them a majestic, imposing appearance.
4. The Saint Bernard
Famous for their rescue work in the snowy Swiss and Italian Alps, the Saint Bernard is a powerful working dog known for its massive head and powerful build. They are a Molosser breed, typically weighing between 140–180 pounds (64–82 kg). Their thick double coat adds to their overall imposing size.
5. The Neapolitan Mastiff
A descendant of the Roman war dogs, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a powerful, heavily wrinkled breed known for its protective nature. They are dense and large, with males often reaching 150 pounds (68 kg) or more. Their loose, abundant skin and heavy bone structure contribute to their intimidating, massive appearance.
Other Notable Giant Breeds
The world of giant dogs is rich with other impressive breeds, all of which require significant commitment from their owners. These include the Newfoundland (a powerful water rescue dog), the Leonberger (a mix of Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and Pyrenean Mountain Dog), the Great Pyrenees (a livestock guardian), and the Dogue de Bordeaux (the French Mastiff). Each of these breeds, while not typically breaking the height records, are true giants of the canine world, demanding respect and specialized care.
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