From one of the nation’s largest states comes the world’s tallest dog – a Great Dane named Zeus, standing at an impressive 41 inches tall, hails from Bedford, Texas (per USA Today).
Meet Zeus, the World’s Tallest Dog
A genetic mutation may be responsible for the vast difference in size between the largest dog breeds and the smallest. Thanks to this variant in DNA, Zeus takes home the prize for World’s Tallest Dog. On his hind legs, the 3-year old grey and brindle giant reaches 7 feet, 4 inches.
Brittany Davis, Zeus’ owner, says her brother gifted her the pup when he was only 8 weeks old. Ever since she was a young girl, Davis hoped one day own a Great Dane. The duo enjoy walking around the neighborhood and heading to the farmer’s market.
“Zeus is pretty famous at the Dallas Farmer’s Market,” Davis told Guinness World Records. “Everyone knows him, and the vendors all know him. He gets extra treats and lots of attention.”
Less strenuous activities include napping by the window. According to Davis, Zeus enjoys a whopping 12 cups of “Gentle Giants” dog food per day. Davis informs reporters that feeding colossal canine can be expensive. She urges those wishing to own a large breed to be prepared to spend a lot of money on food, especially due to rising costs in production.
“The comment that we hear most often is ‘Wow, that’s a horse!’ ‘Can I ride him?’ or ‘Does he have a saddle?'” she said. “The answer to all those questions is ‘no.'”
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“Is That a Dog or a Horse?”
Previously, another Great Dane held the title for World’s Tallest Dog. Coincidentally, the dog’s name was also Zeus. Measuring 44 inches from foot to shoulders, Zeus was the same size as an average donkey. Despite his size, the gentle giant worked in therapy and would often visit schools. Like current titleholder Zeus, this colossal canine would receive comments on walks. “Is that a dog or a horse,” passerby’s would question. Zeus passed away in 2014.
Originally bred for hunting, Great Dane’s are known for their large size and laid back disposition. Their impressive statue can be intimidating. Historically, this trait was put to use when Great Danes would protect women riding in carriages by running alongside them.
Want to learn more about large breeds? Check out details here.
