Zeus, world's tallest dog
Zeus, a great Dane of Michigan, is the world's tallest dog, according to the Guiness Book of World Records.
He is 44 inches tall, from feet to withers (shoulders), when standing on all four legs. He is therefore able to drink water straight from the sink. Zeus towers at 7 feet, 4 inches tall when standing on his hind legs. Kids often ask whether Zeus is a horse!
The relatively light dog, at 155 pounds, consumes a tremendous amount of food - allegedly, 30 pounds per day - but otherwise seems normal, goin on walks and socializing.
Recently, a golden retriever positioned itself under Zeus' belly and nipped at his feet, startling him. In the altercation that ensued, the attacking dog died. The county cleared Zeus of any fault, since an autopsy found no puncture or crushing, or any cause of death. However, Zeus may not walk in public off-leash any longer.
The previous record was Giant George's, a great Dane of Tucson, who was one inch shorter but weighed 245 pounds, and passed away in October 2013 just short of his eight birthday. The new record holder may become Freddie, a British great Dane, which is yet growing and already 41 inches tall.
