The New King: Meet Reginald "Reggie" Johnson Reiss, The World's Tallest Dog (Updated 2025)

The title of "The Biggest Dog of the World" is a fiercely contested and frequently updated record, typically measured by height from the paw to the top of the shoulder (the withers). As of the most recent official verification in early 2025, the crown belongs to a colossal Great Dane whose massive stature has captured the global imagination, officially setting a new benchmark for giant dogs everywhere. This article dives deep into the identity of the current champion, the tragic story of the previous titleholder, and the historical giants that hold the all-time record.

The term "biggest" is often synonymous with "tallest" in the world of canine records, and the current undisputed champion for the "Tallest Dog Living" is a magnificent specimen from the United States, whose measurements just edged out the previous titleholder in a stunning, and very recent, update from Guinness World Records.

The Current Reigning Champion: Reginald "Reggie" Johnson Reiss

The official title for the "Tallest Dog Living (Male)" was recently bestowed upon a gentle giant named Reginald "Reggie" Johnson Reiss. His record is a testament to the immense size potential of the Great Dane breed, often referred to as the "Apollo of Dogs."

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Reginald "Reggie" Johnson Reiss: Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Reginald "Reggie" Johnson Reiss
• Breed: Great Dane
• Title: Tallest Dog Living (Male)
• Record Height: 1.007 meters (3 feet 3.65 inches)
• Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho, USA
• Date of Verification: January 27, 2025
• Age: 7 years old (at the time of the record verification)
• Owner: The Johnson Reiss Family

Reggie’s towering height of 1.007 meters (3 ft 3 in) is measured from the floor to the top of his shoulder, or withers. This measurement is the official standard used by Guinness World Records to determine the tallest living dog. At seven years old, Reggie is a mature Great Dane, and his massive stature is now officially recognized as the largest in the world, surpassing the previous record by a small but significant margin.

The Great Dane is consistently the breed that dominates this category, known for its incredible height and generally gentle temperament, earning them the moniker "gentle giants." Reggie, despite his colossal frame, is described as a playful and affectionate member of his family in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

The Tragic Tale of the Previous Titleholder: Kevin

The transition of the "Tallest Dog Living" title is often a moment of celebration, but in the case of the previous holder, it was marked by tragedy. The record was briefly held by another Great Dane named Kevin from West Des Moines, Iowa.

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Kevin was officially recognized as the world’s tallest living dog in mid-2024. He stood at an impressive 3 feet 2 inches (96.5 cm) tall, measured to his withers. When standing on his hind legs, Kevin reportedly topped 7 feet in height, towering over his owner, Tracy Wolfe.

The world was captivated by Kevin's story and his "gentle giant" personality. However, in a heartbreaking turn of events, Kevin passed away just days after receiving the official Guinness World Records title. The sudden loss shocked the dog community, highlighting the unfortunately short lifespan that is common among giant dog breeds like the Great Dane.

The rapid succession of the record from Kevin to Reggie, verified in January 2025, underscores the dynamic nature of these records and the continuous search for the most current information on the world's biggest dogs.

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The All-Time Record: Zeus, The Tallest Dog Ever

While Reginald "Reggie" Johnson Reiss holds the title for the "Tallest Dog Living," there is a separate and more daunting record for the "Tallest Dog Ever." This historical record belongs to a legendary Great Dane who set a benchmark that has yet to be surpassed.

The record holder for the Tallest Dog Ever is another Great Dane named Zeus. Zeus, who lived in Otsego, Michigan, USA, reached an astonishing height of 1.118 meters (44 inches) tall on October 4, 2011. This measurement is a full four inches taller than the current living record holder, Reggie.

Zeus was owned by Denise Doorlag and her family. His colossal size meant he consumed a massive amount of food—reportedly 12 cups of food per day. Zeus passed away in 2014 at the age of five, a common age for giant breeds that typically have a shorter lifespan of 7–10 years.

Zeus remains the gold standard for canine height, a true giant whose legacy continues to define the extreme end of dog size. The sheer difference between the "Tallest Dog Living" (Reggie at 3 ft 3 in) and the "Tallest Dog Ever" (Zeus at 44 in) is a stark reminder of how rare a truly monumental dog can be.

The Biggest Dog Breeds: More Than Just Great Danes

While the Great Dane dominates the "tallest" category, the title of "biggest dog" can also refer to mass and overall weight. To gain true topical authority on the subject, it’s important to look at other giant dog breeds that contend for the title of "largest dog breeds in the world."

These massive canines are categorized by their overall bulk, weight, and general massive stature, often outweighing even the tallest Great Danes.

• English Mastiff: This breed often holds the record for the heaviest dog. They are known for their incredible bulk and can easily weigh over 200 pounds, with some records pushing past 250 pounds.
• St. Bernard: Famous for their rescue work in the Swiss Alps, St. Bernards are another breed known for their sheer mass and powerful build, often competing with the Mastiff in terms of weight.
• Irish Wolfhound: While the Great Dane holds the official "tallest" record, the Irish Wolfhound is often cited as the tallest dog breed on average. They are long-legged and can routinely reach heights of up to 3 feet at the shoulder, giving them a towering presence.
• Newfoundland: Known for their thick coats and water-rescue abilities, Newfoundlands are large, powerful, and heavy dogs, possessing a bulk that makes them one of the biggest breeds by volume.
• Neapolitan Mastiff: A truly imposing breed, the Neapolitan Mastiff is characterized by its loose, wrinkled skin and massive bone structure, making it one of the heaviest and most intimidating in appearance.

The pursuit of the "biggest dog of the world" is a fascinating journey that highlights the incredible diversity in the canine kingdom. Whether measured by the towering height of Reginald "Reggie" Johnson Reiss, the historical record of Zeus, or the sheer bulk of the English Mastiff, these giant dog breeds command respect and admiration for their colossal size and often, their gentle hearts.