Looking at a Great Dane next to a Chihuahua can be pretty comical. While Great Danes often stand around 32 inches tall, a Chihuahua’s average height is under 9 inches.
Geneticists are still on the hunt for an explanation. In this age of modern domestication, why are the largest dog breeds up to 40 times bigger than the smallest? While the answer remains unclear, scientists have found a growth hormone variant that traces back to ancient wolves.
So, what are the biggest dogs across the canine world? Here are the pups that take the crown.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own a dog the size of a small horse? I certainly have! As a dog lover who’s always been fascinated by gentle giants, I’ve spent countless hours researching the world’s biggest pooches. Today, I’m gonna share everything I know about the most enormous dogs ever recorded – and boy, are they impressive!
The Record Holders: Who Takes the Crown?
When we talk about the “largest” dog, we need to be specific about what we mean. Are we talking tallest? Heaviest? Longest? Let’s break down these impressive canine records:
Tallest Dog Ever: Zeus from Michigan
The absolute record for the tallest dog ever recorded belongs to Zeus, a magnificent Great Dane from Otsego, Michigan. This gentle giant stood an astonishing 44 inches (111.8 cm) from paw to shoulder! When standing on his hind legs, Zeus reached a jaw-dropping 7 feet, 4 inches (224 cm) tall – taller than most basketball players!
Zeus was owned by Kevin Doorlag and was awarded his Guinness World Record title in 2011, taking the crown from another Great Dane named Giant George by just one inch. Despite his intimidating size, Zeus worked as a certified therapy dog, bringing comfort to hospital patients. Sadly, he passed away in 2014 at just 5 years old.
Heaviest and Longest Dog: Aicama Zorba of La-Susa
When it comes to sheer mass and length no dog compares to Aicama Zorba of La-Susa an English Mastiff who lived in London. This massive canine weighed an unbelievable 343 pounds (155.6 kg) as recorded in 1989! To put that in perspective, that’s about the weight of two average adult humans.
Not only was Zorba incredibly heavy, but he was also extraordinarily long, measuring 8 feet, 3 inches (252 cm) from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail For an English Mastiff, Zorba was truly exceptional, as males of this breed typically max out at around 230 pounds
Zorba even made an appearance on “Late Night with David Letterman” in 1989, where I’m sure he left the audience absolutely stunned!
Recent Record Holders
The world of enormous dogs doesn’t stop with the historical records. Several modern canines have claimed titles in recent years:
Zeus from Texas (2022)
In May 2022, another Great Dane named Zeus (yes, another one!) from Bedford, Texas, was confirmed as the tallest living male dog, standing 3 feet, 5.18 inches (1.046 meters) tall at the shoulder.
Owned by Brittany Davis, this Zeus was gifted to her by her brother Garrett when he was just an 8-week-old puppy. According to Brittany, “He’s been a big dog since we got him, even for a puppy. He had huge paws.”
Zeus has become a local celebrity at the Dallas Farmer’s Market, where vendors know him well and spoil him with treats. Like many Great Danes, he’s quite the gentle giant despite his size. His family frequently hears comments like “Wow, that’s a horse!” and “Can I ride him?” when they’re out in public.
Freddy
Another notable Great Dane was Freddy from Essex, England, who measured 40.75 inches (103.5 cm) tall. Freddy had quite the appetite, consuming two pounds of minced beef daily, plus casserole steak and liver. He was also apparently quite mischievous – his owner Claire Stoneman reported that Freddy and his sister Fleur destroyed 26 couches together! Unfortunately, Freddy passed away in 2021 at the age of 8.
Kevin
Most recently, a Great Dane named Kevin from West Des Moines, Iowa, held the title of “Tallest Living Dog.” Standing 3 feet, 2 inches (97 cm) tall at the shoulder, Kevin was known for his gentle temperament despite his intimidating size. Tragically, Kevin passed away just two weeks after receiving his Guinness World Record title.
The Biggest Breeds: Giants Among Dogs
While individual record-holders are impressive, certain dog breeds consistently produce larger specimens than others. Here are some of the biggest dog breeds by height and weight:
| Breed | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| English Mastiff | 27.5-30 inches | 120-230 pounds |
| Great Dane | 28-32 inches | 110-175 pounds |
| Saint Bernard | 26-30 inches | 120-180 pounds |
| Irish Wolfhound | 30-32 inches | 105-120 pounds |
| Neapolitan Mastiff | 24-31 inches | 110-150 pounds |
| Pyrenean Mastiff | 28-31 inches | 120-190 pounds |
The Gentle Giant Phenomenon
What I find most fascinating about these enormous dogs is that despite their intimidating size, they’re often described as “gentle giants.” Zeus from Texas lives with three miniature Australian Shepherds and even has a cat sibling named Penelope (though they maintain a respectful distance from each other).
Great Danes in particular are known for their sweet temperaments. Despite being bred originally for hunting wild boar, modern Great Danes like Zeus would be “absolutely terrified of a hog,” according to his owner. “He’s scared of rain, so hogs are out of the question.”
Challenges of Owning a Giant Dog
Owning one of these massive pooches isn’t without challenges. Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about adopting a giant breed:
- Food costs: Zeus from Texas eats 12 cups of “Gentle Giants” large breed dog food daily, split between morning and evening meals.
- Space requirements: These dogs need plenty of room to move around comfortably.
- Health concerns: Unfortunately, giant breeds often have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs due to their size.
- Property damage: As Freddy demonstrated with his 26 destroyed couches, big dogs can cause big damage!
- Public attention: Owners of record-breaking dogs report constant comments and questions from strangers.
Unusual Giant: The American Molossus
While researching this topic, I stumbled upon an interesting case: Euphrates, an American Molossus dog who measured 6 feet tall on her hind legs and weighed over 180 pounds as just a puppy in 2018!
The American Molossus is a relatively new breed created by crossing English and Neapolitan mastiffs. They’re bred to resemble the ancient Mesopotamian Molossus, a formidable canine that dates back to 5000 BCE and was used as a war dog by Alexander the Great.
How Guinness World Records Measures Dogs
For a dog to be recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest, heaviest, or longest, they must undergo an official measurement process. Here’s how it works:
- Measurements must be taken by a veterinarian or qualified professional
- Height is measured from the ground to the shoulder (not the head)
- Length is measured from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail
- For weight, official scales are used to ensure accuracy
- Documentation and evidence are submitted to Guinness for verification
Caring for Giant Breeds
If you’re considering adopting one of these massive breeds, here are some tips I’ve gathered from my research:
- Proper nutrition: Large breed puppies need special food formulated for their growth needs
- Joint care: Giant breeds are prone to joint issues, so supplements may be beneficial
- Regular exercise: Despite their size, these dogs still need regular, moderate exercise
- Training early: A well-trained giant breed is essential since they’re so powerful
- Spacious living: Make sure your home has enough room for your giant friend to move comfortably
The largest dogs ever recorded might be impressive for their physical dimensions, but what truly makes them special is their outsized hearts and gentle personalities. From Zeus the therapy dog to Zorba the television star, these dogs have left pawprints not just on the record books but on the hearts of people worldwide.
While I’m amazed by these record-breaking canines, I also have tremendous respect for the dedicated owners who care for these extraordinary animals. It takes a special kind of person to provide the proper care, training, and love that a dog of such magnitude requires.
Have you ever met an unusually large dog? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
What is the biggest dog in the world?
The most recent title holder was Kevin, a 3-year-old Great Dane from West Des Moines, Iowa. He stood at a stately 3 feet, 2 inches tall but his owners described him as a “gentle giant.”
Sadly, Kevin died less than two weeks after the Guinness Book of World Records crowned him the world’s tallest living dog. He was 3 years old.
“We are so glad that he was able to break the record and have that light on him,” owner Tracy Wolfe told USA TODAY. “He absolutely adored the attention. I wish these giant breeds, and all dogs, could live longer than they do. It’s never enough time.”
Guinness World Records has not yet declared another tallest living dog. The previous two record holders were both Great Danes named Zeus.
The late Zeus from Otsego, Michigan still boasts the title of world’s tallest dog ever. He stood just over 3 feet, 8 inches tall and was 7 feet, 4 inches on his hind legs. Despite an intimidating stature, owner Kevin Doorlag said his only transgression was slobbering on strangers. He regularly visited schools and hospitals as a therapy dog. Zeus died at age 5 in September 2014.
According to Guinness World Records, the longest and heaviest dog ever recorded was Aicama Zorba of La-Susa, an Old English Mastiff owned by London resident Chris Eraclides. In 1987, Zorba weighed 343 pounds and measured 8 feet, 3 inches from nose to tail.
The English Mastiff is the breed with the largest dogs. Male Mastiffs typically measure 30 inches or taller, and female Mastiffs will normally clock in around 27.5 inches or taller. The average weight for an English Mastiff is 160-230 pounds for a male and 120-170 pounds for a female dog. They typically live between 6 and 10 years, the American Kennel Club reports.
Here are some of the largest dog breeds by weight and height:
What is the smallest dog in the world?
The world’s smallest dog is Pearl, a 1.22-pound Chihuahua born in 2020. The Guinness World Record-holding pup is a mere 3.59 inches tall and 5 inches long.
Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed in the world and typically weigh no more than 6 pounds.
How long do dogs live?: Dog life expectancy based on breed and size
World Most BIGGEST Dog Ever!
FAQ
What is the biggest dog to ever exist?
What is the biggest canine ever?
The largest canine to ever exist was the extinct prehistoric canid, Epicyon haydeni, also known as Hayden’s bone-crushing dog. This “bone-crusher” was a member of the borophagine family and lived in North America during the Miocene epoch. It was massive, with some specimens reaching lengths over 8 feet and weights up to 375 pounds, a size comparable to a grizzly bear.
Is Titan the giant dog still alive?
Titan died March 31, 2010, due to complications resulting from a ruptured intestine.
Do any dogs weigh 200 lbs?
Yes, there are many dog breeds, particularly giant breeds, that can reach or exceed 200 pounds, including the English Mastiff, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, and Boerboel. While some breeds have average weights around this mark, individuals within these breeds can easily be over 200 pounds, with some record holders weighing significantly more.