A GREAT Dane named Zeus has nabbed the top spot for the tallest living male dog in the world. The 2-year-old canine from Bedford, Texas, the U.S. has taken over the crown from another dog similarly called Zeus who was from Michigan who sadly passed away in 2014. Zeus’ mega height and status as the world’s tallest male dog has since been confirmed by Guinness World Records. Zeus’ height measures an impressive 1.046 meters. The gray and brown Great Dane pup is also only 2 years old. Zeus’ owner, Brittany Davis, told Guinness Book of World Records: “We didn’t think that was even a possibility but once we measured him, we realized he probably was. “This has been a whirlwind and unexpected. We never thought we would own the largest living dog.” Brittany first got Zeus when he was 8 weeks old. “He’s been a big dog since we got him, even for a puppy. He had huge paws,” she said. While Zeus’ mega size would make him perfect for Great Danes’ original intended purpose — hog hunting and protecting women — Brittany joked how Zeus would be absolutely terrified of a hog. “He’s scared of rain, so hogs are out of the question,” she said. It’s no surprise that Zeus gets a lot of attention — as a staggering three foot dog, he’d be pretty hard to miss. However, Davis explained he’s pretty famous at the Dallas Farmers’ Market. “Everyone knows him, and the vendors all know him,” she said. “He gets extra treats and lots of attention.” Despite Zeus’ size being not dissimilar to that of a horse, Davis explained she often has to tell people he doesn’t have a saddle and cannot be ridden. However, while he gets along with his three Australian Shepherd siblings, Davis said Zeus and the cat have a mutual agreement to stay away from each other. With great height also comes great opportunity to nab things from places too high for other animals to reach. Davis noted Zeus often steals the baby’s pacifier off the counters or really any food left on the side. He also jumps onto the fence between Davis’s house and next door to talk to the neighbor’s dogs. While she loves Zeus, Davis warned potential big dog owners to really consider the commitment which comes with having such a large pet. Zeus requires a total of 12 cups of “Gentle Giants” large breed dog food each day — six in the morning and six in the afternoon — which Davis noted becomes expensive. However, she explained that having such a large dog is like having another person in the family. (SD-Agencies) | 