Zeus, world’s tallest dog, dies of post-surgical issues

TEXAS: Zeus, the world’s tallest male dog and a holder of the Guinness World Records title, has died due to complications following treatment for bone cancer, as confirmed by Guinness World Records.

Standing at an impressive one metre tall, Zeus, a Great Dane, had been bestowed with the prestigious title in 2022. He was just three years old and would have celebrated his fourth birthday in November. Tragically, his life was cut short by pneumonia, a complication arising from surgery to remove his front right leg, necessitated after veterinarians diagnosed him with cancer.

In the early hours of Tuesday, Zeus peacefully left this world with his head cradled in the loving lap of his owner, Brittany, as shared by Donnie Davis, Brittany’s father.

Brittany, hailing from Bedford, Texas, expressed her grief on Guinness World Records’ official website, saying, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved dog, Zeus, the Guinness World Records title holder for the tallest living male dog. Zeus died Tuesday morning of amputation-related pneumonia. Zeus was a truly special dog. He was gentle, loving, very stubborn but always happy to see his family and many, many friends on his adventures around Dallas & Fort Worth. Zeus packed a lot of life into three short years and was primed to beat cancer’s butt. Zeus had the absolute best doctors and nurses working around the clock to help him, but in the end, he was just too sick.”

After Zeus’s illness was discovered, Brittany initiated a fundraising campaign to ensure he received the best possible treatment.

Zeus, often described as “very laid back,” was a gift from Brittany’s brother when he was just eight weeks old. She had always harbored a desire to own a Great Dane. He became a recognizable figure in Dallas and Fort Worth, with people often inquiring if they could ride him like a horse when they encountered him during his walks. The answer, without exception, was “no.”

Despite his calm demeanor, Zeus possessed a strong-willed personality, and his towering stature meant that he could easily reach the kitchen sink for a drink or pilfer food from countertops when feeling mischievous.

Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, fondly remembered Zeus, saying, “Zeus always brought a smile to our faces – he was such a larger-than-life character and spread joy wherever he went. That’s why it was so sad to hear that he was unwell, and now we’re heartbroken to learn of his untimely passing.”

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