A new furry celebrity has emerged from New York State, and his name is Finley Molloy, an irresistibly adorable Golden Retriever who has earned his place in the Guinness World Records for an astonishing feat — holding six tennis balls in his mouth at once. Finley’s record-breaking accomplishment, which took place in February 2020, was officially recognized in 2022 and has since captured the hearts of dog lovers around the globe.
The Journey to the Guinness World Record
Finley’s path to fame began in 2017 when his owners, Erin and Tom Molloy, first noticed their dog’s unusual talent. Finley, it turned out, had a knack for holding multiple tennis balls in his mouth — an ability that seemed to grow more impressive with each passing year. The Molloy’s decided to contact the Guinness World Records to see if their beloved Golden Retriever had a shot at taking the record.
After several years of back-and-forth communication with Guinness, the Molloy’s finally received the green light in 2020, allowing Finley’s amazing accomplishment to be officially recorded. The moment Finley received his certificate in May 2020 was nothing short of a celebration, and the Molloy family threw a party to mark the achievement, inviting friends and neighbors to join in the excitement.
Finley’s Playtime Passion
Finley’s love for tennis balls is no secret. According to Erin, they are his favorite toys, and he has developed a fascinating routine to entertain himself when the family is busy.
“He knows how to entertain himself, so when I tell him to go lay down … he will go to the side of the yard and he will usually have multiple balls in his mouth. Then he will lay on his back and put them up and then drops them into his mouth like he is playing catch with himself,” said owner, Erin Molloy.
In addition to his love of tennis balls, Finley is also a huge fan of swimming and playing fetch, keeping his energy levels high and his tail wagging. Whether he’s chasing animals around the backyard or splashing around in the water, Finley’s playful spirit and boundless enthusiasm have made him a local legend in his community.
Record Held Previously by another Golden Retriever
Before Finley, the record for the most tennis balls held in a dog’s mouth was held by another Golden Retriever, Augie, from Texas. Augie set the record in 2003 by holding five tennis balls. However, on February 23, 2020, Finley surpassed him, holding six tennis balls, and cemented his place in Guinness World Records.
The Fascinating World of Dog Records
Dogs are no strangers to the Guinness Book of World Records, which started in 1955, with various breeds and individual dogs earning their spots for feats ranging from the tallest dog to the most dogs in a single photo. For example, Zeus, a Great Dane, still holds the record for the tallest dog ever, standing at an impressive 44 inches (1.118 meters) tall.
Another record, the heaviest dog breed, is shared by the Old English Mastiff and the St. Bernard, both of which typically weigh between 170-200 pounds (77-91 kg).
Finley’s accomplishment highlights the diverse and often quirky world of animal records, proving that even our four-legged friends can achieve greatness and leave their mark in the world.
