A unique and vast collection of canine-related items, amassed over decades by a Spanish collector who surprisingly did not care for real dogs, has officially been awarded the Guinness World Record for the Largest Collection of Dog-Related Items.
The record, totaling a staggering 5,025 figurines, soft toys, and dog-head walking sticks, was achieved by the family of the late Marià Gabarró (and his wife, Rosa Galobardes), who dedicated years to building the collection.
Mr. Gabarró, a retired sales manager from Terrassa near Barcelona, began his unusual hobby in his 60s. Despite his lack of fondness for living canines, he became captivated by miniature representations of them, meticulously gathering figurines made from ceramic, glass, wood, porcelain, and various other materials.
The collection, which spanned across two houses, includes a diverse range of dog-themed objects, from elegant marble sculptures to whimsical pencil sharpeners.
Teresa Gabarró, one of the four siblings who pursued the record in honor of their parents, shared the family’s unique perspective: “My parents really liked the non-real dogs, but not the live ones.”
Following Mr. Gabarró’s passing last year at the age of 94, his children—Rosa, Marià, Nuri, Enric, Miquel, and Teresa Gabarró—meticulously counted and cataloged the immense haul. Their effort culminated in the official recognition on March 15, 2025, when the collection was verified as the largest of its kind.
The siblings stated they pursued the record as a heartfelt tribute to their parents’ unique passion, hoping to share their extraordinary dedication with the world. Ironically, Teresa now allows her own West Highland White Terrier to play with some of the soft toys, blending the family’s legacy with the warmth of a living companion.
The achievement stands as a quirky yet touching reminder that passion can manifest in the most unexpected ways, leading to world-record success.
