Have you ever wondered how tall pet dogs can become? Well, the gentle giant named Minnie, a Great Dane, has just been crowned the tallest living female dog in the world! Contrary to her name, Minnie stands 3 feet 2 inches (that is, 97.5 cm) from paw to shoulder. Here’s her story and what led to her whopping height:
How Minnie became the world’s tallest female dog
When Minnie was first brought home by her pet parents, Ken and Lisa Nogacek, in North Stonington, Connecticut, she was just a tiny two-month-old pup they could cradle in their arms. But now? She’s a living, breathing miracle who fills their home (and our hearts) with boundless love and a whole lot of tail-wagging joy.Can you imagine that itty-bitty fluffball ballooned to 35 pounds (roughly 16 kg) by her first birthday? By the age of 2.5 years, her massive head was peering over kitchen counters as she begged for treats, her parents shared, as reported by Kids.guinnessworldrecords.com.So, when did Ken and Lisa discover that Minnie was different from other Great Danes and could be one of the tallest in the world? Well, it was their daughter – a veterinary technician who also owns Minnie’s sister from the same litter – who spotted her record-breaking potential. While searching the internet for giant pups, she wondered, could Minnie be the tallest? And it turned out she absolutely is.Getting an official record for Minnie as the tallest female dog in the world was no small feat. Ken laughs (with that warm, exasperated dad love) about using a miniature horse measuring stick just to get Minnie to stand tall and measure her height. “We bribed her with peanut butter, which is her absolute favourite!” he shared. Picture the scene: Minnie, all 150-plus pounds (68 kg) of quivering excitement, finally standing still long enough for Guinness officials to confirm her title. She’s just one inch shorter than Reggie, the world’s tallest male dog (also a Great Dane), who had his own adorable meet-cute with tiny Pearl the Chihuahua in 2025.
All about Minnie
Minnie is not just tall – she’s a bundle of happiness for her human family. Her parents beam when they say she’s “very happy” with her fame. And when strangers spot her, she lights up, spinning in gleeful circles, her tail thumping like a drum solo. Lisa shared, as per Kids.guinnessworldrecords.com, “Everyone wants to pet her, stare in awe at her stunning brindle coat, and tell her how gorgeous she is.”A day in Minnie’s world is pure, simple bliss that tugs at your soul. She sprawls queen-like on the couch (hogging every cushion), burns off zoomies in the yard, or masterfully snags forbidden snacks from counters she’s tall enough to raid. Long walks, car rides, and frisbee chases are all her favourites, leaving her panting with puppy joy.Interestingly, Ken and Lisa also own horses, including a miniature pony that is shorter than Minnie.Minnie’s story isn’t just about records; it’s about unconditional love stretching taller than any measurement.
