Pomeranian Is Guinness' Fastest Dog on All Twos
Spry pup holds speed records in two categories.
A spry Pomeranian named Jiff has been named the fastest dog on two legs, in two categories, by Guinness World Records.
Jiff now holds the fastest time for a dog traversing 10 meters on its hind legs, and for covering 5 meters on its front paws. He ran the front-pawed 5 meters (16.4 feet) in 7.76 seconds and the hind-legged 10 meters (32.8 feet) in 6.56 seconds.
The nimble pup will be featured in the 60th edition of the Guinness World Record book, due on September 10.
Jiff does all of his training out of his home in Los Angeles, where he keeps himself sharp by doing the hind- and front-leg-running thing every day. His owners are unknown to the public and wish to keep it that way.
And, oh, by the way, Jiff can also ride a skateboard, shake hands, stamp out his "autograph" and bow.
As would be expected, Jiff is already an Internet celebrity, with his own thriving Facebook presence -- to the tune of more than 1 million "Likes" -- and strong followings on the social-media triumvirate of Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. He's even appeared in a few television ads and a video by singer Katy Perry.
Jiff gives hope to any person or pet who has ever stood on their hands and thought, "What if I run over there, really fast?"
Jiff, a record-setting Pomeranian
On Sunday, July 13, the 2014 Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog competition took place at San Diego, Calif.'s Imperial Beach. With events held for large, medium, and small dogs, as well as a tandem event, there was more than enough action for spectators and four-legged-participants alike. In its ninth year, the event raises money for the Humane Society, and this year's competition saw 50 dogs take to the water. Following are some of the gritty (and wet) canine surfers in search of that perfect wave. Above, three dogs find out how easy surfing is when you're not in the water.
"Steady, steady ... heyyy, I got this."
Some dogs needed less help than others.
Goggles, and a fake shark, were this pup's accessories of choice.
Small but tough -- and graceful!
A low center of gravity can come in handy when you're a surfing bulldog.
"Look - three legs!"
Big surf board. Small dog. Big fun.
An eager dismount for one dog, while another pilots along the edge of the surf.
Sense of direction among dog surfers isn't always going to be perfect. Or maybe this one's just showing off.
Cheering handlers rally another pup to the beach.
Heading in, heading out...
And at the end of the ride, a nice thirsty towel! Not to mention a vague resemblance to a famous extraterrestrial.