Great Dane Zeus now world's tallest dog

The king of the gods is now king of the dogs: Zeus, a Great Dane from Otsego, MI, is the world's tallest dog, according to the Guinness World Records 2013 book released today. The 3-year-old Zeus measures 44 inches from his shoulder to his foot -- just one inch more than Giant George, now relegated to world's second tallest dog.

When he's standing on his hind legs, Zeus is seven feet four inches tall, dwarfing owner Denise Doorlag. Zeus presents some challenges thanks to his size, though. Doorlag had to buy a van big enough for Zeus to fit into, and he eats 12 cups of dog food each day -- the equivalent of a 30-lb. bag. Doorlag also seems rather weary of the constant jokes about putting a saddle on the dog.

Doorlag says the whole family (which includes two other dogs, who appear positively toy in comparison) is proud of Zeus. Zeus has lots to brag about, as he's a therapy dog -- and he needed some therapy of his own to conquer his fear of the T-square, the device used to measure him. Attempts to gauge his size for Guinness began a couple of years ago, but his inability to tolerate the device meant accurate measurements couldn't be taken.

That's all behind him now, along with a fear of having his toenails clipped (his fear of brooms apparently continues unabated...aw), and Zeus is literally standing tall in the 2013 edition of the Guinness book.

Have you ever taken a pony ride on a Great Dane? Tell us in the comments!

Copyright © 2012 Yahoo Inc.

More on Shine Pets:
70-lb. Dachshund goes on drastic diet
Man builds box tower to cheer up cat
Kitten's amazing journey ends in new home