7 feet tall and 210 pounds sounds normal for a professional basketball player, but a dog reaching that size is difficult to imagine. Luckily, we don’t have to imagine it, we can just see the real thing for ourselves. A Great Dane named Freddy was named the tallest dog in the world by Guinness World Records back in 2017 and his legend has continued to grow ever since.
Freddy stands 3 feet and 4.75 inches tall on all 4’s and reaches up to 7 foot 5 on his hind legs. At his peak, Freddy would be taller than anybody currently playing in the NBA.
Birthday
Not only is Freddie the tallest dog in the world, but he’s also the oldest Great Dane alive today. Nicknamed the “heartbreak breed”, some Danes only live to be 6-7 years old. Big Freddy turned 8 years old on May 17th and celebrated his special day with his family in Weeting, Norfolk in the United Kingdom. Freddie actually has a sister named Fleur, but she was born minutes after Freddie, allowing him his title of Oldest Dane.
“Freddy and Fleur had a great birthday party and they both had the best time. We decorated the garden and they got loads of their favorite treats and cuddly toys.”
Claire Stoneman, Owner
Dynamic Duo
Besides his sister Fleur, Freddy’s best friend is his 7-year-old neighbor named Erin. Before the coronavirus pandemic broke out, Erin would come to visit Freddy and Fleur virtually every single day. Much to everyone’s joy, the friends were thankfully able to reunite at Freddy’s 8th birthday party. The Great Dane’s befriended Erin from an early age and they’ve had an unbreakable bond ever since. Erin has known Freddy and Fleur for quite literally her entire life.
“She isn’t fazed by his height at all and has always been close to him… He’s so big that he towers over her. She cuddles up to him on the settee to watch television and he just towers over her, but they have a very sweet relationship.”
Peter Manley, Erin’s father
Diet
Clearly, a 210-pound pooch like Freddy is going to need to eat more than the average dog. The Stoneman’s claim to spend $630 a month on dog food and treats. Besides kibble, the big guy loves to munch on roast chicken, minced beef, and juicy steaks. Freddy’s days mostly consist of eating, playing with Fleur and Erin, taking a break for some cuddles, and then eating some more.
Gentle Giant
The sheer presence of a 7 foot 5, 210-pound dog would understandably intimidate some people. Stoneman tends to walk Freddy and Fleur in the early hours of the morning to avoid being swamped by big crowds. But despite their immense size, Great Danes are reputably mild-mannered, obedient, affectionate, and intelligent companions.
“They’re very kind-natured and put their paws on you if they know you’re upset. They love cuddling and I sleep with them on two mattresses in the living room at night.”
Claire Stoneman, Owner
Ironically, Freddy was the runt of the litter when he was adopted. Now he proudly sports ownership of multiple Guinness World Records and lives a life of pure happiness.
