8 Colossal Facts About Giant George The Great Dane: The Dog Who Was Too Big For His Own Bed

Despite passing away over a decade ago, the legend of Giant George, the record-breaking Blue Great Dane, continues to fascinate dog lovers and record enthusiasts worldwide. As of December 13, 2025, his story remains a powerful benchmark in the history of the world’s largest dogs, illustrating that sometimes, being a "gentle giant" means needing a queen-sized mattress all to yourself.

Giant George was more than just a large dog; he was a global celebrity, an Oprah guest, and a loving companion who briefly held the title of the tallest dog ever. His colossal size—weighing over 245 pounds—presented his owners, David and Christie Nasser, with unique, often hilarious, challenges that cemented his status as a beloved figure in popular culture.

Giant George: Biographical Profile & World Records

The life of Giant George, a truly monumental Great Dane, was short but filled with record-breaking achievements and international fame. He captured the public’s imagination with his staggering size and surprisingly gentle demeanor, defining what it means to be a "gentle giant."

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• Full Name: Giant George
• Breed: Blue Great Dane
• Owners: David (Dave) and Christie Nasser
• Hometown: Tucson, Arizona, USA
• Date of Birth: November 17, 2005
• Date of Death: October 17, 2013 (one month shy of his 8th birthday)
• Height (Paw to Shoulder): 43 inches (1.09 meters)
• Length (Nose to Tail): Over 7 feet (2.2 meters)
• Weight: Over 245 pounds (111 kilograms)
• Guinness World Record Titles: Tallest Living Dog (2010) and Tallest Dog Ever (briefly)

8 Colossal Facts That Defined Giant George’s Record-Breaking Life

Giant George’s life was anything but ordinary. His immense size meant he lived a life of extraordinary scale, from his sleeping arrangements to his monthly food bill. These facts highlight the unique challenges and joys of owning a record-breaking canine.

1. He Was Briefly the 'Tallest Dog Ever'

In 2010, Giant George was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the Tallest Living Dog, surpassing the previous record holder, a Great Dane named Titan. More impressively, he was also briefly named the Tallest Dog Ever. However, his record was later surpassed in 2011 by another Great Dane named Zeus, who measured 44 inches tall.

This history places George in an elite lineage of record-breaking canines, confirming the Great Dane breed's dominance in the "tallest dog" category.

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2. George Slept on His Own Queen-Sized Bed

Forget a standard dog bed; George required his own human-sized sleeping arrangements. His owners, Dave and Christie Nasser, purchased a queen-sized mattress specifically for him to sleep on. This enormous bed was necessary because, when standing on his hind legs, George could easily reach over seven feet (2.2 meters) in height, making traditional dog furniture entirely impractical.

3. His Monthly Diet Was Astounding

Feeding a dog that weighs over 245 pounds is a major undertaking. George consumed approximately 180 pounds (82 kg) of dog food every month. This massive consumption highlights the significant financial and logistical commitment required to care for such a large animal, a detail that often surprises people learning about the "gentle giant."

4. He Was Picked On as a Puppy

Despite his intimidating adult size, Giant George had a challenging start. His owners revealed that as a puppy, he was actually picked on by other dogs because he was too big for the standard puppy play group. This anecdote provides a heartwarming perspective on his life, showing that his journey from an oversized, shy puppy to a world-famous dog was a true underdog story.

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5. He Was a Global Media Star, Including an Oprah Appearance

George's fame extended far beyond the pages of the Guinness book. He became a media sensation, appearing on numerous television shows and gaining a massive following. One of his most notable appearances was on The Oprah Winfrey Show, a testament to his global appeal and celebrity status.

6. The Great Dane Breed is Prone to Gigantism

George's record-breaking size, while extreme, is characteristic of his breed. Great Danes are a German breed of large mastiff, historically bred for hunting boar and other large game. They are often referred to as the "Apollo of Dogs" and are known for their imposing stature and short lifespan, which is unfortunately common among giant dog breeds.

7. His Owners Wrote a Book About Their Life With Him

To share their unique experience, David and Christie Nasser chronicled their life with the record-breaking canine in a book titled "Giant George: Life With the World's Biggest Dog." The book provides an intimate, heart-warming story of their journey, covering everything from George's early days as a puppy to his international fame and eventual passing. This literary tribute ensures his legacy endures for new generations of dog lovers.

8. His Legacy Endures Despite Being Dethroned

While Zeus officially took the title of the Tallest Dog Ever in 2011, Giant George's place in history is secure. His measurements, especially his length and weight, remain staggering figures in the world of large dogs. The continuous interest in George, years after his death, confirms his status as a cultural icon and a timeless example of the majestic "gentle giant" personality that Great Danes are known for.

George passed away peacefully at home in Tucson, Arizona, just one month before his eighth birthday. His passing in 2013 was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans across the world, who remembered the enormous dog with the equally enormous heart.

The Enduring Appeal of the Gentle Giant

The story of Giant George, the Blue Great Dane from Tucson, Arizona, is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary nature of the animal kingdom and the deep bond between humans and their pets. His life, though brief, was filled with unique challenges—from needing a queen-sized mattress to consuming a massive monthly diet—that only a dog of his stature could present. His fame as a record-breaking canine continues to inspire curiosity and admiration.

Today, George remains a symbol of the Great Dane breed's majestic presence and gentle temperament. His legacy, preserved through his owners' book and the annals of Guinness World Records, ensures that the name Giant George will forever be synonymous with the world’s most colossal and beloved dogs. He set a high bar for all future contenders to the "Tallest Dog" title.