Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Guinness World Records honours world’s tallest dog
World's tallest dog
"He is not just the tallest Great Dane ever, he is the tallest breed ever. He is truly exceptional."

Great Dane Zeus measured an incredible 1.12m high

The world's tallest dog has been honoured as part of the Guinness World Records 60th anniversary.

The Great Dane, named Zeus, measured a whopping 1.12m from foot to withers - about the same size as average donkey. When he stood on his hind legs he was 2.24m - towering above his owner Denise Doorlag.

The humungous hound sadly passed away in September 2014, just two months shy of his sixth birthday.  He died from natural causes after having shown symptoms of old age for some time.

Zeus weighed 70.3kg and ate around 12 cups of food a day, which is equivalent to one whole 30-lb bag of food.

Speaking before Zeus' death in September, Denise Doorlag said: "Zeus is an awesome dog. The only downside is that everything costs more; the food, medicines, transport. We had to get a van to be able to transport him, oh, and if he steps on your food - he leaves bruises!"

Dr Karl Shuker, Animal Consultant at Guinness World Records, said: "He is not just the tallest Great Dane ever, he is the tallest breed ever. He is truly exceptional."

Zeus breaks the record of previous record breaking-pooch Giant George, who is 1-inch shorter, making Zeus the tallest dog ever recorded in history. 

Image (C) Guinness World Records

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.