Small dogs have grown in popularity in the past few decades. With the stubby French Bulldog taking the place of America’s most popular breed, it’s clear that many people love small dogs. And they just keep getting smaller! With divisions of breeds known as “teacups” or “micro” dogs, smaller and smaller variants of toy breeds have become common. However, there can only be one of the official world’s shortest dog. That title has been taken by tiny but spunky Pearl the Chihuahua.
Chihuahua named world’s shortest dog
Pearl, a 2-year-old female Chihuahua from Orlando, Florida, has been crowned the world’s shortest dog living, according to Guinness World Records. Pearl is only 3.59 inches tall — slightly shorter than a Popsicle stick. Pearl’s owner, Vanesa Semler, told the host of Guinness’ Italian talent TV show “Lo Show Dei Record” that the pocket-sized dog is “a bit of a diva” despite her small size. She noted that this tiny record-winner enjoys “dressing up nice.”
Pearl may have broken the record for the world’s shortest dog, but it seems to run in the family. The previous record holder, Miracle Milly, was 3.8 inches. Milly sadly passed away in 2020, before Pearl was born in September to one of Milly’s identical sisters. Both dogs weighed less than an ounce at birth, according to Guinness World Records. Milly’s legacy lives on through tiny Pearl, who’s determined to show the world that small and mighty can coexist.
Other record-winning canines
Pearl descended from one legendary Guinness World Record-holding canine. But there are many other dogs who have been declared incredible by their own rights. An English Setter named Bisbee was named the canine with the world’s longest tongue. And one canine hailing from Portugal, a Rafiero do Alentejo named Bobi, was determined to be the world’s oldest canine at the ripe age of 30. That’s three decades with a beloved dog! While most of our pets aren’t going to be record-breakers, dogs are all incredible in their own way. While you might not think much of it, your dog might be the best at fetch in the neighborhood — and for your dog, that’s enough of a feat.
