Tallest dog Kevin dies just days after record is announced

The world’s tallest male dog Kevin has tragically died just days after his record-breaking achievement was announced to the world, Guinness World Records is saddened to learn.

The three-year-old Great Dane, who lived in West Des Moines, Iowa, USA, with his loving family, passed away this week following an unplanned surgery after falling ill.

Kevin’s owner Tracy Wolfe said in tribute: “Our whole family is devastated about Kevin. He was just the best giant boy!  

"We are so glad that he was able to break the record and have that light on him. He absolutely adored the attention. I wish these giant breeds, and all dogs, could live longer than they do. It’s never enough time."

Kevin, who we filmed at his home in early May, claimed his record after measuring in at 0.97 m (3 ft 2 in) tall from his feet to his withers, although he was around 7 ft tall when he stood up on his hind legs.

The average Great Dane is around 0.76 m (2 ft 6 in) to the withers.

Kevin was a big presence around the home, bringing endless joy to Tracy, her husband Roger and their kids Alexander, 12, and Ava, 10.

Descried as a “gentle giant”, Kevin loved nothing more than snoozing on the sofa.

Tracy said of him when we announced his record: “Kevin’s favourite activity is probably taking naps. Holding the couch down is his favourite pastime, I think.

“Kevin is funny and he is super duper friendly. In fact, overly friendly. You don’t want to keep your mouth open too much when he’s around...

“But everybody loves seeing him as long as they don’t get whipped by his tail.”

He was also a bit of a scaredy cat who was terrified of the vacuum and would run away whenever it came near him.

Kevin joined Tracy’s family when he was a puppy and had a particularly close bond with Alexander, who took him along to training classes.

Kevin got a lot of attention wherever he went and Tracy and her family were excited to have him enter the record books.

We’re sad his stint as a record breaker has been cut short in such a tragic way.

A spokesperson for Guinness World Records said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that Kevin suddenly passed away after unexpected health complications. 

"Tracy and the team at the vet clinic she works in did everything they could to save Kevin after he became ill. Our thoughts and support are with the Wolfe family as they navigate this difficult time."