The World's Tallest Dog Was A True 'Gentle Giant'

Giant dog breeds don't appeal to everyone. Some people fear that handling such a large dog and having it roam around the house could be too challenging. A Texas woman named Brittany experienced this firsthand when bringing home an 8-week-old Great Dane, whom she named Zeus, but love quickly replaced her nervousness when she met him. As the pup grew, he became a bit larger and taller than expected. In fact, he snatched the Guinness world record for the tallest living dog in 2022, measuring 3 feet, 5.18 inches tall at his withers while on all fours.

He received the iconic award after both Brittany and her veterinarian measured him, and later became a bit of a celebrity, just as every other dog that held the title before him. His mom described him as a "very stubborn" dog because when you're that tall, who's going to boss you around, right? Despite his strong-willed nature, she said he was also "very laid back" and "loved everybody."

Sadly, Zeus crossed the rainbow bridge in September of 2023 just two months shy of his fourth birthday from amputation-related pneumonia. He was diagnosed with cancer prior to the surgery. This gentle giant brought a great deal of joy not only to Brittany and her family, but to everyone who met him or saw him in a photo or video. His short life of fame has prompted a simple question: What's it like to own such a big, tall dog?

In many ways, Zeus behaved just like any other dog. He loved walks around the neighborhood, napping near windows, and running around outside, but he had mischievous moments, too; he occasionally swiped his human sister's pacifier or helped himself to food from the kitchen counter. Speaking of food, Zeus guzzled up 12 cups of kibble a day, and the kitchen sink served as his drinking station.

Coincidentally, another Great Dane named Zeus from Michigan wore the crown as "the tallest dog in the world" until he passed away in 2014. At 44 inches tall at the withers, he still holds the record of being the tallest dog ever. He ate a 30-pound bag of food every two weeks and also drank directly from the kitchen faucet. This pair of behemoths seemed oblivious of their massive size, one of the things you'll understand if you have a big dog. Both of them, along with another former record holder Great Dane named Kevin, loved lying on their humans' laps and cuddling in small spaces like they were small dogs that weigh 10 pounds.

Now that this trio of gentle giants has passed, a 7-year-old Idaho Great Dane named Reggie is now the world's tallest living dog, measuring 39 inches tall at his withers. His parents describe him as "a tall, friendly giant who still acts like a puppy." Denise, his mom, told East Idaho News that he also sometimes behaves like a stubborn 3-year-old who "talks back" and is very much "part of the family."