I was interested in finding out what the world's tallest and world's smallest dog were (don't ask, I am just curious about these sorts of things), when I stumbled upon the Guinness World Records. I'll admit I haven't really thought about the Guinness Book of World Records since I was in middle school and it was "cool" to look at all the freakish and weird things people did in order to receive a coveted world record and a page in a book. Well, I found my answers and more rather interesting and "freakish" animal world records that I thought begged to be shared.

Highest Jump by a Pig

This has always been on my mind...how high can pigs jump? Not really. But, just in case you were wondering, World Record holding highest jump by a pig is 27.5"; achieved by Kotetsu, a pig from Japan in 2004.

Longest Ears on a Dog

Can you guess which dog breed has the longest ears? Yep, a bloodhound, named Tigger, currently holds the Guinness World Record for the longest ears. Measuring in at 13.75" (right ear), and 13/5" (left ear) in 2004.

Most Tennis Balls Held in Mouth - Dog

This is pretty amusing. I think it would be pretty entertaining to watch this record happen, don't you? Not surprisingly, a golden retriever holds the World Record for Most Tennis Balls Held in a Dog's Mouth. Augie, from Dallas, held five tennis balls in his mouth to set the record in 2003. I thought it was interesting that Guinness needed to make the Dog distinction... I can just picture someone trying to set a record with a cat or iguana.

Longest Domestic Goat Horns

I don't know much about goats, so I am not sure if there was a big line-up for this competition, but it is no doubt a special feat for this goat. Uncle Sam, a goat from Pennsylvania, received the Guinness World Record when his horns measured 52" from tip to tip in 2004.

Fastest Car Window Opened by a Dog

Now these are getting a little ridiculous! How many dogs can actually roll down car windows? Not many I'm guessing. But, Striker apparently had the talent, so his owners presented him to the Guinness World Record crew. Striker unwound a non-electric car window in 14.34 seconds, making this border collie the fastest...and record holder since 2004.

Smallest Living Dog

So I found the answer I was looking for...the Smallest Living Dog World Record belongs to Heaven Sent Brandy, a Chihuahua who measured only 6" from nose to tip of tail in 2005.

Tallest Living Dog

Finally I can put an end to my quest...the World's Tallest Living Dog is named Gibson, a harlequin great Dane...of course. The "lovable giant" measured in at 42.2" tall when he received the Guinness World Record in 2004. The story about Gibson continues though. He recently has his mighty long front right leg amputated due to complications with bone cancer. He is doing well on three legs and recovering at home.

These are not the only Guinness World Records associated with animals...trust me there are some odd ones I left off. If you need a good time waster, look to the Guinness World Record site to occupy your time.