Biggest Dog in the World: Zeus the Great Dane
Here’s a quick bio on the Great Dane named Zeus, famous for holding the title of the biggest, tallest dog in the world by the Guinness World Records.
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Imagine if your dog was the size of a donkey or even a horse!
That's how Guinness World Records described Zeus, the world’s tallest dog.
Great Danes have held the record for the last two decades (though it’s worth mentioning that Irish Wolfhounds, another huge breed, are often close runners-up).
The tallest dog recorded in Guinness World Records history is Zeus, a humongous Great Dane of mythical proportions who stood over seven feet tall.
Let’s learn more about the life of Zeus and the “Gentle Giants” we know as Great Danes.
Zeus, The Greatest Dane
Despite her husband’s objections and desire for a “cuter” name, Denise Doorlag preferred a name fit for a god, and “Zeus” was perfect. The Doorlag family treated Zeus as if he was their own child; he was a lap dog despite his very not-lap-dog size.
Zeus was a certified therapy dog and performed his job well, frequently traveling to hospitals and schools in the Kalamazoo area to bring good vibes and help ease anxious patients and students alike.
He touched the lives of many, both locally and internationally, and had a fervent Facebook following.
Being the titan he was, Zeus consumed approximately 12 cups of food per day (now that’s a lot of food!). He weighed 155 lbs, and was so tall that he could drink water directly from the kitchen faucet.
Zeus lived from 2008 until 2014, when he sadly passed away from old age at six years old.
In an interview with The Kalamazoo Gazette shortly after Zeus passed, Kevin and his wife Denise said they would especially miss letting Zeus sit on their laps while out grilling on their deck.
Zeus was truly loved by his family.
Guinness World Record: Biggest Dog in the World
In October 2011, Zeus the Great Dane was named the world’s tallest dog by Guinness World Records.
Dog height is measured from the base of the foot up to the withers — which is the highest point above a dog’s shoulder blade. At the age of three, Zeus already measured 44 inches tall (i.e. 3 feet 8 inches, more than 1.1 meters!).
Standing on his hind legs, Zeus was even taller — stretching out to 7 ft 4 in, landing him the title of “Biggest Dog in the World.”
Other Record-Holding Great Danes
Preceding Zeus was another Great Dane named Giant George, who was actually a Great Blue Dane. Giant George was one inch shorter than Zeus, measuring in at 43 inches. For a visual reference, just think about two average-sized Golden Retrievers stacked on top of each other.
Giant George passed away at the ripe old age of seven (which is about average for dogs of his size).
After George, Freddy the Great Dane was named the next biggest dog in 2016. Freddy’s owner, Claire Stoneman from Essex, UK, mentioned that Freddy was actually the runt of the litter, but still grew as tall as 7 ft 5.5 in when standing on his hind legs. Later on, Freddy passed away at the even riper age of eight and a half years old.
The current Great Dane holding the record for the world’s biggest dog is Atlas, who is a German Harlequin Great Dane residing with his owners in Navarre, Florida. At six years old, Atlas weighs 225 lbs. He stands 4 ft, 4 in from his paws to his shoulders, just a few inches shorter than Zeus.
Great Danes FAQs
Great Danes are truly a giant breed.
The breed is said to have originated in Germany in the 1800s and was bred specifically for boar-hunting. However, their history seems to date back much further into Egyptian times, with drawings resembling this beautiful breed found on Egyptian monuments dating as far back as 3,000 B.C.
Are Great Danes Really Gentle Giants?
Today, the Great Dane is known as the “Apollo of Dogs.” That said, don’t let their size fool you — Great Danes are an affectionate, social breed that is a great fit for families and kids. They have a calm personality, living up to their nickname of “Gentle Giant.” Great Danes are also a patient breed that loves to please, making them one of the easiest breeds to train.