A Spanish man has earned a posthumous Guinness World Record for amassing the world’s largest collection of dog-themed items, totaling 5,025 pieces. The record belongs to Marià Gabarro, a retired sales manager from Terrassa, a town located about 30 kilometers from Barcelona, Spain. Interestingly, while Gabarro never had much fondness for real dogs, he developed a deep fascination with their miniature versions figurines, soft toys, and even walking sticks with carved dog heads.
Gabarro’s remarkable collection began rather late in life. He took up collecting in his 60s, slowly building what would eventually become a vast and diverse assortment of dog-related objects. Over the years, he scoured markets, antique shops, and specialty stores, adding piece after piece to his collection. So extensive was his hobby that he had to store his items across two separate houses.
Despite his lack of interest in living dogs, his love for their inanimate representations was undeniable. His dedication remained strong until his passing at the age of 94. After his death, his children decided to honor their father’s unusual but passionate hobby by applying for a Guinness World Record on his behalf. Their efforts paid off, as the collection was officially recognized as the world’s largest of its kind.
Teresa Gabarro, one of his four children, now cares for the collection. At 54, she shares a somewhat more balanced appreciation for dogs. While her parents may have only admired canine-themed objects, Teresa now owns a real dog, a West Highland White Terrier, that occasionally plays with some of the soft toys from the collection. “My parents really liked the non-real dogs, but not the live ones,” she recalled with a smile, reflecting on her parents’ quirky preference.
The collection stands as a unique tribute not just to Gabarro’s personal interests, but also to the unusual ways people find joy and fulfillment in their later years. His story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue a passion, no matter how unconventional. Whether it’s collecting figurines, painting, or learning a new skill, hobbies can offer a deep sense of purpose and identity, even into old age.
Though Gabarro never intended to achieve fame through his collection, his legacy now holds a special place in history. It’s a testament to the unexpected ways people can leave lasting impressions, through devotion, curiosity, and a few thousand dog figurines.
