Even as a pup, Zeus had "huge paws," mistress Brittany Davis told the Guinness Book authors.
Today, the gentle giant holds the world record and even towers over two-meter men standing.
Male mastiffs are among the largest dogs ever.
An adult male reaches an average height of 80 to 90 centimeters at the withers.
The withers are the highest point at the junction of the neck and back of four-legged friends.
But there are also Great Danes that fall out of the grid - and get even bigger.
This includes Zeus, who measures 104.6 centimeters at the withers.
On March 22, 2022, he was officially awarded the title of "World's Biggest Dog".
It also secures a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
When Zeus sits on the sofa next to his mistress Brittany Davis, it becomes clear: This dog needs a lot of space.
He gets it on the Davis family estate in Bedford, Texas.
The four-legged giant is also a financial challenge: it needs around twelve bowls full of dry food every day to satisfy its hunger.
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Great Danes are among the dogs that can reach enormous sizes.
But they are often gentle giants who are suitable as family dogs because of their friendly and loving nature.
(symbol photo)
© KH/IMAGO
Honestly, he sleeps most of the day.
Brittany Davis
World's tallest dog measures over two meters when standing on its hind legs
When Zeus, weighing around 77 kilograms, stands on his hind legs, he is a proud 2.13 meters tall - and thus towers over even the tallest men.
However intimidating his appearance may be to some, Zeus is a gentle family member whose favorite pastime is sleeping.
"Honestly, he sleeps most of the day," says his mistress Brittany in a documentary for on-demand streaming service iWonder: "He likes to just sit in his crib and chew on his toys."
Difficult Dogs to Train: Seven popular breeds that are unsuitable as first-time dogs
Dalmatians are one of the smartest dog breeds.
That's a good thing in itself, but these spotted four-legged friends mix intelligence with a good deal of stubbornness.
The good-natured four-legged friends understand commands accordingly - but follow them rather reluctantly.
Clear leadership and intensive training are extremely important when raising Dalmatians, otherwise they will build up frustration and this can result in undesirable behaviors such as biting and growling.
© Roman Maerzinger/Imago
The chow chow looks like an oversized teddy bear.
But the Chinese dog breed is not an animal that everyone likes to cuddle.
The breed is considered stubborn and is less suitable as a family dog because it is rather skeptical and cautious towards children.
He is also often dismissive of strangers.
He likes to fixate on a reference person.
A distinctive territorial behavior is also typical of his nature, which makes him a good watchdog.
© Imago/Panthermedia
The Basset Hound is a good-natured, calm, and even-tempered breed of dog that is affectionate and gentle with their family and generally has no problem with strangers.
However, due to its stubborn nature, the basset hound is considered to be rather difficult to train.
Unconditional obedience is not his thing.
Are you looking for an inquisitive companion who enjoys learning new tricks and commands?
Then your choice should not fall on the characterful Basset Hound.
© Imago/Panthermedia
Are you a big dachshund fan?
You are not alone in this.
The dachshund, also known as the dachshund, has cult status.
"Even Kaiser Wilhelm with his passion for the dachshund was an important source of inspiration.
The dachshund was probably the first fashion dog in Germany," quotes Die Welt Udo Kopernik, spokesman for the German Dog Association (VDH).
The dachshund is not an easy dog.
Bred for hunting, as a so-called ground dog for hunting foxes and badgers, its hunting instinct is usually strong.
Many owners also describe their darling as independent and headstrong.
If you want a dog that is easy to train, you should better keep your hands off the dachshund.
© D. Maehrmann/Imago
Couple walking in the park, man wants to play with dogA beagle looks cute but not suitable for beginners.
The reason: it was bred in England for hunting rabbits and other game.
Accordingly, his hunting instinct is extremely well developed.
Without a leash, he has therefore quickly succumbed to a scent and forgets everything around him.
The drive is often so strong that consistent training does not have the desired effect.
© Imago
Welsh Terriers and a Boston Terrier are playing in the foliage. The Welsh Terrier (pictured here on the left) is also a breed that was specialized in hunting.
The hardworking dog was and is sometimes still used to lure otters, badgers and foxes out of their dens.
The deeply rooted hunting instinct, the activity and activity-intensive nature of the Welsh Terrier and also a certain pugnacity make the dog breed the perfect companion for an active and experienced dog owner.
© Ardea/Imago
Husky curiously sniffs the cameraThe Siberian Husky is a sled dog breed from the USA.
It's one of those breeds that are often chosen as a first-time dog for their looks - which can have serious consequences.
It is not uncommon for dog owners who are overwhelmed to give their four-legged friend to the animal shelter because they cannot meet the needs of the husky.
As a result, the dogs can exhibit aggressive behavior.
What makes the sociable and sporty dog a demanding companion for advanced users: huskies need a lot of exercise, and simply going for a walk is usually not enough for them.
They also dislike being alone, have a strong hunting instinct and can be headstrong and stubborn.
© Dmitry Akhmadullin/Imago
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Zeus is one of the lazy four-legged friends, his active phase lasts only 15 to 20 minutes a day, according to his mistress.
He likes to relax for the rest of the day.
But two things make the Great Dane wide awake: From time to time he gets peanut butter, which, according to his owners, he loves dearly.
And visiting the farmer's market is also one of his favorite pastimes.
Insta-Star: Why is Zeus so big?
Zeus' greatness is a vagary of nature.
But there are people who suspect that his owners give him special food, like his mistress.
But that is not the case, he primarily gets special food for Great Danes.
Check out this post on Instagram
A post shared by Zeus the Great Dane ⚡️🦴 (@zeus_king_dane)
When the Davis family is out and about, they are the absolute eye-catchers - primarily because of Zeus' enormous size.
Although owner Brittany still can't believe that she is supposed to have the biggest dog in the world, she is happy about the interest in Zeus.
Zeus is not only a star in real life, but also on Instagram.
There are already 9,172 followers who regularly like and comment on photos and videos with the Great Dane.
"So adorable", "Soo sweet" or "I wanna hug him" are just a few of the many beautiful ones Comments from Zeus Fandom.
Rubric list image: © Instagram/zeus_king_dane