At just three years old, Great Dane Kevin died shortly after obtaining the record for the largest living dog in the world, awarded by Guinness World Records.
Die after breaking a world record? This is the story of Kevin, who died last week following surgery when he was only three years old after receiving the title of tallest living male dog on June 13 in the world.
“Our entire family is devastated about Kevin,” Tracy and Roger Wolfe, owners of the Great Dane, said in a statement. The one described by his owners as “the epitome of the gentle giant” measured 0.97 m at the withers and 2.13 m standing on his hind legs, while the average Great Dane measures 0.76 m at the withers.
“We’re so happy that he was able to break the record and have that spotlight on him. He loved the attention. I wish these giant breeds and all dogs could live longer. It’s never enough time,” said Tracy Wolfe, a veterinary clinic worker and resident of Des Moines, Iowa.
AN ATTACHING DOG
Kevin is described by his family as a funny dog, very kind and fearful despite his imposing size. His biggest fear: the vacuum cleaner, which he didn’t let near him.
He was “a big baby,” according to his mistress. He didn’t realize he was so big and had adopted all the habits of small dogs. He tried to sit on his masters’ laps and sneak between their paws. However, his diet was nothing like that of a small animal. On the menu, 6 to 10 bowls per day, or 1.5 kg to 2.5 kg of food.
Kevin was able to receive the title of tallest male dog in the world after the death of Zeus, an American mastiff who measured more than one meter at the withers and who also died at three years old.
