By ISABEL DEBRE
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — The Argentine capital was filled with the cacophony of 2,397 barking dogs, breaking the unofficial world record for the largest gathering of golden retrievers.
Bosques de Palermo, a sprawling park in Buenos Aires, buzzed with excitement as golden retriever owners from all corners of Argentina gathered, turning the grassy expanse into a sea of yellow fur.
All ages of dog owners, covered in dog hair and slobber, sat on picnic blankets with their beloved goldens, enjoying the surreal sight of so many similar-looking dogs. Children played and petted the dogs with joy.
Families took selfies with their pets under the summer sun in the Southern Hemisphere.
Attendees sipped yerba mate, a traditional Argentine drink, and shared fun facts about golden retrievers’ abilities to detect low blood sugar and cancer. They also shared heartwarming stories of their retrievers being there for them through thick and thin.
“Since we were children, she’s been a constant presence in our family. We’ve had vacations with her. We’ve done everything together,” said Nicolás Orellana, a 26-year-old, petting his 13-year-old dog Luna. His family traveled an hour and a half from Buenos Aires province for the event.
“It’s a type of dog that’s known to create a special bond,” he said.
Costumed golden retrievers roamed around, from soccer jerseys to tutus, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Volunteers in yellow vests roamed to register each golden retriever present amidst the tail-wagging and treat-giving.
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A man plays with his dog at a Palermo neighborhood park as people try to set a world record of most Golden Retrievers gathered in a park, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
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A man plays with his dog at a Palermo neighborhood park as people try to set a world record of most Golden Retrievers gathered in a park, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
After painstaking counting, the final tally revealed that Argentina had broken the record with 2,397 golden retrievers. The event’s organizer, Fausto Duperre, expressed his joy and gratitude for the historic achievement.
Although hopes for a group photo of the dogs alone were dashed due to the lively nature of the dogs and the fear of losing them in the crowd, the event was deemed a success by participants.
“I was afraid I would lose her, I was afraid she would fight, I was afraid another dog would attack her,” said Elena Deleo, petting her golden retriever Angie. “But no, they’re all affectionate, all gentle. … It’s just a very lovely experience.”
