When it comes to tongues, Mochi “Mo” Rickert, a female St Bernard from South Dakota, USA, has the competition licked.

Officially measured by a vet at 18.58 cm (7.3 in) – the equivalent of two-and-a-half Jenga blocks in a row – Mochi’s was verified as the Longest tongue on a dog (current) in 2016.

sd

Guinness World Records recently visited this remarkable canine and her owners Carla and Craig Rickert to do a photoshoot for our all-new Amazing Animals book, which is out now.

“When we open the Guinness World Records book and see Mochi’s picture in there, we’re going to feel very proud,” said Carla. “It will make all the slobber we’ve cleaned up over the last six-and-a-half years worth it!”

The couple got their extraordinary, peanut-butter-loving pooch from Big Dogs Huge Paws rescue home when she was two years old.

“With this record, we hope to bring attention to how much joy rescued animals can bring to their new family,” said owner Carla.

“Mo is resilient, comical, loving and eternally grateful and loyal to us – her forever family. This once abused and neglected pup has taught us that it’s okay to be different. We are proud of her unique feature.”

Mo also enjoys dressing up in costumes, having her picture taken, spending time with her family and snacking on sweet potatoes.

Obstacles Mochi faces as a result of her long tongue include breathing challenges, extra slobber when she’s nervous, dirt, dust and leaves sticking to her tongue and needing help when picking things up off the floor.

On Mochi’s achievement, Carla said: “It still does not seem real! Mochi is so humble, she never brags or boasts but I know that she is as proud of her new record as we are. It feels truly amazing to be a part of the Guinness World Records: Amazing Animals book! We are so grateful for the opportunity to make other's smile.”

On announcing the new record title, Craig Glenday, Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief said: “We are very excited to welcome Mochi and her record-breaking tongue to the Guinness World Records family as part of our new publication, Amazing Animals. Amazing Animals is not your typical animals’ reference book. Instead, it takes a sideways look at our favourite pets and wild animals, and is a chance for us to celebrate the barking mad side of animal record-breaking. So alongside the classic fastest, largest and tallest record-holders, you’ll find the most talented, most followed and most pampered creatures on Earth. It’s a hoot!”

Mochi may have the longest tongue on a living dog, but the Longest tongue on a dog (ever) belonged to Brandy, a boxer, and measured an incredible 43 cm (1 ft 5 in). She lived with her owner John Scheid in St Clair Shores, Michigan, USA, until September 2002.