Despite his massive size, owner Denise Doorlag described Zeus as “laid back and gentle,” telling Guinness in 2012 that her dog was very comfortable around people and other animals. Zeus was well-known in his community for frequently visiting schools and hospitals as a therapy dog.
Zeus, the seven-foot-tall dog who in 2012 was declared the tallest dog ever in world history, has died. A five-year-old Great Dane from Otsego, Michigan, Zeus earned the Guinness World Record in 2012 after measuring 44 inches from foot to withers. When standing on his hind legs, Zeus could be as tall as seven feet four inches.
The sight of the huge hound often provoked reactions from stunned locals. “The most common thing people ask is: Is that a dog or a horse? Doorlag said in 2012.
Doorlag’s husband Kevin told the Kalamazoo Gazette that Zeus died of symptoms of old age. He called Zeus a “wonderful dog” and said he will miss seeing the joy he brought to others.
Though Great Danes generally don’t live very long — the average lifespan is around nine years — Zeus’ untimely passing still comes as a surprise. The only information the family has released is that Zeus died from symptoms of old age.
Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals. Email Let Dogster answer all of your most baffling canine questions!
His owner, Kevin Doorlag, says his family and the town they lived in, Otsego, Michigan, will miss the dog. He was well-known in and around area as a therapy dog, visiting schools and hospitals. Doorlag told Michigan Live that the joy he brought others is one of the things he’ll miss most about Zeus.
“Those are some of the things I’ll never forget about him,” Doorlag said. “He was definitely a great dog.”
At 44 inches tall at the shoulder and 7 feet, 4 inches on his hind legs, Zeus became the Guinness World Records’ Tallest Living Dog in 2012. Just two years later, he’s gone. According to his owner, he died from old age. Zeus was just five years old.
The Kalamazoo Gazette reported Thursday that the 165-pound dog died of old age last week. Zeus, considered the worlds largest dog by Guinness World Records, was 5 years old.
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Zeus, the Great Dane with a slobbery mouth who held the record for worlds tallest dog, has died.
Doorlag said the entire family will miss Zeus, especially letting him sit on their laps when they grill on their deck.
“Those are some of the things Ill never forget about him,” Doorlag said. “He was definitely a great dog.”
His owner, Otsego resident Kevin Doorlag, said Zeus ate a 30-pound bag of food every two weeks and despite his intimidating stature did nothing more than slobber on strangers.