The Truth About 'Giant' George
Dear Friends...
First of all, thank you for your support of Titan. I'm blessed to share my life with this gentle soul... and happy to have so many friends and fans join us on this journey.
And what a bumpy ride it's been as, immediately after Titan was officially certified by the Guinness Book of Records, stories began to surface of a 'giant' Great Dane whose owner claimed had been robbed of the title. Armed with a PR firm and professional photographers, his owner spun a tall tale of opportunities lost, earth-shattering measurements and a 'confirmed' world record before ever being awarded the title.
Despite the fact that this distraction detracted from our mission to help rescue and special-needs dogs, I strived to take the high road. But now, after months of having our accomplishment overshadowed by his media blitz-kreig (and on the eve of this dog actually being on Oprah) I've decided it's time to let the public know the truth about 'Giant' George...
Read on for the details surrounding this controversy, followed by the photos and web page that serve to prove 'giant' George may be less World's Tallest Dog and more World's Tallest Fraud...
Apples-to-Apples:
Guinness requirements state an animal must be measured at the shoulder. Measured correctly, George is 39 1/8" at the shoulder, compared to Titan's certified height of 42.25".
Apples-to-Oranges:
Admitting that he didn't know the proper procedure, George's owner also took a second, third and fourth 'official' measurement, each time moving the measuring tool farther & farther up the neck until he achieved a record-breaking height of 43". Titan was not measured this high up on the body. In fact, my guess is that most of the 100 dogs that vied for the title weren't measured this way, as this is not the correct way to measure a dog. After many people posted objections on George's web site, the official measurement details and accompanying photos were conspicuously removed.
Something's Fishy:
Despite having his official paperwork since November, 2009, Guinness sent a representative to personally measure George in Feb, 2010. They confirmed George's height at 43" at the shoulder, declared the book closed on this record; and, although they never changed their site to reflect Titan's achievement, GWR updated their site in less than 24 hours from Gibson to George.
So What's the Beef?:
I'm no math whiz, but a dog that measures 43" mid-neck in October does not suddenly become 43" at the shoulder in February. The pictures below originally accompanied his original measurement details clearly show the only way this dog is 43" is with the measuring tool placed midway up the neck. This is clearly a departure from Guinness' standards, and if they allow this dog to be measured so far up the body then Titan - and all other dogs vying for the record - deserve to be measured the same way.
Don't be Chicken - What You Can Do To Help:
SPREAD THE TRUTH. Refer people to this blog. Comment on articles you find on the web. Post on blogs, Twitter and Facebook. Contact the Guinness Records Management Team at http://guinnessworldrecords.com/corporate/contact_us.aspx and ask that they show exactly where they measured George so other dogs can be measured in kind. And let Oprah know that she missed an opportunity to help special-needs and rescue dogs everywhere by booking a contender who fell short of the mark instead of the true World's Tallest Dog.
Thanks for your support!
Diana
EXHIBIT A: The official measurement details that were removed from George's web site:
EXHIBIT B: George's measurement showing placement of the measuring tool to obtain 43":
EXHIBIT C: Photo of Titan being measured:
EXHIBIT D: Screen shot of Titan's measurement video:
First of all, thank you for your support of Titan. I'm blessed to share my life with this gentle soul... and happy to have so many friends and fans join us on this journey.
And what a bumpy ride it's been as, immediately after Titan was officially certified by the Guinness Book of Records, stories began to surface of a 'giant' Great Dane whose owner claimed had been robbed of the title. Armed with a PR firm and professional photographers, his owner spun a tall tale of opportunities lost, earth-shattering measurements and a 'confirmed' world record before ever being awarded the title.
Despite the fact that this distraction detracted from our mission to help rescue and special-needs dogs, I strived to take the high road. But now, after months of having our accomplishment overshadowed by his media blitz-kreig (and on the eve of this dog actually being on Oprah) I've decided it's time to let the public know the truth about 'Giant' George...
Read on for the details surrounding this controversy, followed by the photos and web page that serve to prove 'giant' George may be less World's Tallest Dog and more World's Tallest Fraud...
Apples-to-Apples:
Guinness requirements state an animal must be measured at the shoulder. Measured correctly, George is 39 1/8" at the shoulder, compared to Titan's certified height of 42.25".
Apples-to-Oranges:
Admitting that he didn't know the proper procedure, George's owner also took a second, third and fourth 'official' measurement, each time moving the measuring tool farther & farther up the neck until he achieved a record-breaking height of 43". Titan was not measured this high up on the body. In fact, my guess is that most of the 100 dogs that vied for the title weren't measured this way, as this is not the correct way to measure a dog. After many people posted objections on George's web site, the official measurement details and accompanying photos were conspicuously removed.
Something's Fishy:
Despite having his official paperwork since November, 2009, Guinness sent a representative to personally measure George in Feb, 2010. They confirmed George's height at 43" at the shoulder, declared the book closed on this record; and, although they never changed their site to reflect Titan's achievement, GWR updated their site in less than 24 hours from Gibson to George.
So What's the Beef?:
I'm no math whiz, but a dog that measures 43" mid-neck in October does not suddenly become 43" at the shoulder in February. The pictures below originally accompanied his original measurement details clearly show the only way this dog is 43" is with the measuring tool placed midway up the neck. This is clearly a departure from Guinness' standards, and if they allow this dog to be measured so far up the body then Titan - and all other dogs vying for the record - deserve to be measured the same way.
Don't be Chicken - What You Can Do To Help:
SPREAD THE TRUTH. Refer people to this blog. Comment on articles you find on the web. Post on blogs, Twitter and Facebook. Contact the Guinness Records Management Team at http://guinnessworldrecords.com/corporate/contact_us.aspx and ask that they show exactly where they measured George so other dogs can be measured in kind. And let Oprah know that she missed an opportunity to help special-needs and rescue dogs everywhere by booking a contender who fell short of the mark instead of the true World's Tallest Dog.
Thanks for your support!
Diana
EXHIBIT A: The official measurement details that were removed from George's web site:
EXHIBIT B: George's measurement showing placement of the measuring tool to obtain 43":
EXHIBIT C: Photo of Titan being measured:
EXHIBIT D: Screen shot of Titan's measurement video:
Hi, Diana and Titan!
Thanks for debunking the "myth of George" so eloqently and tactfully. I knew from his (photoshopped) pics that he couldn't be as big as his owner thought he was . . .maybe one day the owner will wise up and just love his pup for who he is. Keep up the good work and love on Titan for me!!
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Can't Guinness "officially" measure these two dogs?
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Thanks for the information, I will let it know
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It's great your posting the TRUE method used to determine this award. Being the local Dane person so many people send me this "Giant George" article and it did not reveal how he was measured, and just because it was a veterinarian measuring don't mean they know how to measure a DANE! Danes are always measured to the WITHERS!!!
I was very disapointed with their distorted angled lense pics of George.
Everyone thought that he was so much larger than this man and he is NOT.
Thanks for debunking this.
There are many Danes out there about 39-40 but not past that.
Best wishes~
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Wither I Goest,
OK, all you canine aficionados - some of us have no clue what a wither is. So for us regular people, here is the definition I found. "The withers is the ridge between the shoulder blades of a four-legged animal. In many species it is the tallest point of the body, and in horses and dogs it is the standard place to measure the animal's height. It is also often a determining factor in whether the dog conforms to the show-quality standards for its breed."
What I find most amazing is that here we are in the 10th year of the 21st century. The Olympics determine winners and losers by a thousandth of a second. I just had a surveyor come to my house and measure the height above sea level with a satellite device. I use laser levels accurate to within 1/100 of an inch when doing construction work. Laser height measuring devices exist that could easily lay this whole debate to rest. A search of the web finds dozens of manufacturers like this one: Laser Technology, Inc. http://www.lasertech.com/Laser-Measure-Height.aspx
I also found this article, Laser Height Measure For Horses. http://www.horseyard.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=139386&Itemid=276
Pardon the references to ponies (I know Dane owners get that all the time) but it is fitting to note that they have the same issue on a regular basis and have developed a laser device suited just to this purpose.
But for a World Record measurement in this case, Guinness is depending on technology that was introduced in what, the 1st century? Who certified the measuring stick that was used in either case? How accurate are they? Give me a break! How about updating your criteria to ensure that all receive a fair shake Guinness?
That being said, it won't matter how fancy or accurate the measuring system if the people doing it are pointing it in the wrong direction. From what I understand Guinness sent someone out to validate George's measurement, but never bothered to send anyone to validate or double-check Titan when it was his record that was being challenged. What's that about?
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Right on, Brother Byron!
This contest wouldn't be steeped in a history of scandal if ALL dogs were measured at the withers. Unfortunately, Guinness requirements state that an animal's height must be measured at the 'top of the shoulder'. While the 'top of the shoulder' is widely subjective and can be fudged a number of ways, the withers on any dog will be the same place, regardless of height or stance, and would be a more accurate and fair way to measure.
I feared this sort of abuse of the standard from the moment Titan entered the race. In fact, every email I sent to Guinness contained a footnote with a request that if they allow another dog to measure in a different manner or place on the body than Titan, I respectfully requested that I be given an opportunity to re-measure my boy in kind.
As I've said over & over, this isn't to take anything away from George. As an Organizer of the San Diego Great Dane Meetup and former Organizer of the Atlanta Great Dane Meetup with a combined membership of more than 600 people and their dogs, I've been around my fair share of Great Danes. And George is one of the most handsome Blues I've ever seen. However, just about anybody who knows anything about dogs knows by looking at him that he's not as tall as claimed. In fact, when he first came on the scene, several people commented on his web site that he looked to be only 39" - 40" at the shoulder and, per the results of his first measurement, they were right.
Bottom line is when they were so sure they won, George's camp posted all these pictures and details of his official measurement. And these pictures don't lie... this dog is 43" halfway up the neck. And if that is the new Guinness standard, then it should apply to all dogs in the race!
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Why dont they do the obvious thing and have both Danes on Oprah and then again in front of the Guiness judges so it will be apparent which do is taller? In fact have them judged on Oprah's show by the Guiness judges. This should be great publicity for both Oprah and Guiness book. Someone needs to contact both parties and see if it is doable.
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Hang in there, Diana. We all know that Titan's the world's tallest dog, and the coolest, too.
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Hi Diana,
Wow, what a ride you have had!! Just letting you know that we're thinking of you over here in Canada! I for one support you 100%!!!
Lynda - Proud Mom to Jack & Jill - white great danes born September, 2006.
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I sorry Titan lost out. I was so happy when he was titled tallest dog. You see we have a deaf/blind great dane "Tommy" that measures 41.5" at the shoulders. So having a tall deaf/blind dane is near and dear to my heart. I will still consider Titan the over all winner! I was so thrilled that he would be such a great embassedor for special needs dogs so people could see that they can have happy healthy lives in the right home.
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Dear Diana ,Titan
It is a blessing that we have known Titan From Dogster many years ago ,From a puppy we have seen him grow Being on TV at the baseball game (in Atlanta )And so many wonderful events you have shared with us all ,Titan is an inspiration to me my family and endless friends ,
To myself and to many others TITAN is and always will be a Giant amongst Giants ,The Perfect example of a gentle Giant ,,As the proud mother of 4 great Danes all rescues and 2 that are deaf ,To you my dear
Titan you are a giant in every sense of the word !!!!!!!!!
Wags and licks keep up the good work on education and love for the breed ,Wags Licks and paws up .Ann Margaret ,Orion ,Ozzi ,Chops Romeo xoxoxooxo
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I agree.
George's owner doesn't talk about the issues with having a large dog, he's just "He eats so much!" as if he's proud of having an overweight dog.
He doesn't promote responsible ownership, just "My dog is the biggest nyah nyah nyah"
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I posted a link to this blog on George's facebook page asking how his owner to respond to what you had to say. After 10 minutes it was taken down and my comment deleted. So, I don't know, I feel like they would like to keep this hidden, where I feel you are very open. Even if Titan isn't the tallest I still feel like he's so awesome and a great ambassador to Great Danes and dog beach in SD!
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Hi Diana! I just want to say we all support you 100%!
I remember when you got Titan. My Roscoe was adopted from Tonya at Middle Tennessee Great Dane Rescue also :o)
Thank you for your dedication to the breed. Roscoe is vision impaired and I also have a white Dane Ava that is deaf.
Titan is the winner in my book! Thanks for all you do on spreading awareness :o)
Michele
www.rescuemetugz.com
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Guinness stopped by a couple days ago to confirm the measurement after you started all this controversy.
http://community.guinnessworldrecords.com/_Tallest-Dog/photo/7996764/7691.html
Sorry folks, Titan ain't the world's biggest dog anymore, but he's still one fine poochie! Maybe if their owner's weren't so adamant about getting a bunch of media attention, they two dogs could be best friends...
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Wow! George can also type! Truly amazing. Putting aside the question of which dog is really taller, something that could easily be settled if uniform measuring criteria were used... I find it curious that George's owner seems compelled to use so many wide angle lens photos to give an unrealistic, exaggerated appearance of his dog in relation to the people and objects next to him. That kind of intentional photographic manipulation has never been used with Titan. I'm just saying...
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Assuming that you are indeed Giant George's owner, here is my response...
Make no mistake, we mean no disrespect to George. I've said repeatedly that he's a handsome boy.
That said, my issue is not with George.
My issue is where George was measured.
Back in October George was 'officially' measured at 39 1/8" at the shoulder. The 43" was a measurement (in your own words) taken at the mid-point of the neck. Titan was not measured at this same point, nor would I venture to guess were many of the other more than 100 dogs that competed for the title.
The issue is not whether or not you are the winner... you are. However, if we are to believe the witnessed & notarized statements from your first 'official' measurement as well as the photos that you provided, George's record-breaking 43" was taken at the mid-point of the neck. If this is the new Guinness standard, then I feel that every contender - past, present and future - should be allowed to measure their dogs in the same manner.
As for the controversy, I didn't start it... you did. You can't expect to wage such a public contest, change your story several times and not expect to be the object of suspicion when your own words and photos disprove your claim.
As for the 'maybe if their owner's weren't so adamant about getting a bunch of media attention, they two dogs could be best friends'... I'm not sure by the sentence structure and grammatical errors as to what you mean by 'their owner's' ... you, me, both of us? Whatever the case, I'll say this... you could've submitted your paperwork to Guinness, sat back and let them decide your claim. Instead, you came out guns blazing... first making fun of Boomer for even being in the race; and then attacking Titan after he legitimately won the title. Instead of allowing a very deserving dog to have his day in the sun, you chose to court the press almost immediately. While I went on to try to enjoy whatever time we were blessed with the title; you held press conferences, put out news releases and gave interviews about how George was robbed and needed 'vindication.' Instead of allowing Titan his reign and waiting patiently for Guinness to make their decision, you bombarded the Internet with counter-claims, using Facebook and Twitter and even creating a web site that touted George as the winner months before you were even awarded the title. You even went so far as to challenge us to a public show-down... any time, anywhere. Sounds like by 'their' you mean 'you.' In fact, as I recall, while my goal has always been to help special-needs and rescue dogs, you were the one quoted in several articles saying that you wanted to get your dog in the movies and on the talk shows. And while Titan has been on two talk shows, I never courted the media. In fact, I've actually been criticized for the many public appearances we've made without payment or fanfare - something that made my PR friends wonder if Guinness stood behind you because all of your PR efforts will do wonders for their brand.
In closing, can 'these' two dogs be best friends? Dogs are pure at heart and hold no grudges. However, after your incessant clamoring about how you were wronged slowed many of our charitable endeavors, I would be happy if, along with your goal of being on TV and in the movies, you added giving back to the community to your agenda.
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George is speaking! will you also sell a book like the other fraud, Gibson, did?
Sorry George but your owner wont let you met Titan since he is scared to death to find out that Titan is taller than you
George at withers: just over 39 inches.
Titan at withers: just over 40 inches.
(Gibson was 37-38)
The problem here is, exacly where are the "shoulders" on a dog? Photo evidence shows that You(talking George) was measured in level with your ears(!) thats ridiculous.
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So right, Ola! Measuring at the 'top of the shoulder' is so subjective and not followed by the majority of the animal industry, including dog shows and agility competitions. As we've seen in the past, allowing people to measure at the top of the shoulder produces all sorts of outrageous claims. George was measured higher up on the neck than I've ever seen any dog measured, and if this is the new Guinness standard then they should let every dog be measured the same way.
I would like to see all dogs in this category be measured at the withers, That would level the playing field, make it fair for EVERYONE, and restore some respect and confidence in this category and the Guinness institution.
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I'm confused... According to the Guinness World Records website:
“This is a hotly contested record and after some controversy and conflicting media reports we decided to send our own official adjudicator to put the final stamp on this record holder. We can indeed say now that George is the top dog,” said Craig Glenday, Editor-In-Chief of Guinness World Records. “This record has also sparked great interest in finding other pet records, so we’re asking everyone to check their dog houses, scratch posts and under the bed - they just might be living with a record-breaking pet!”
http://community.guinnessworldrecords.com/_Giant-George-Annoucned-As-New-Tallest-Dog/blog/1880826/7691.html
I'm sorry your dog was dethroned but, let the tallest dog controversy lie and keep speaking up for those dogs who need good homes.
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Ivory,
Thanks for your comment. Fortunately, I'm more than able to continue speaking up for special-needs and rescue dogs while addressing the issue of how/where this dog was measured, ensuring all dogs have a fair shot at the chance to make history.
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Diana,
I have an idea. Why don't you submit Titan for the title measuring at the same spot George was measured? If that is how GWR measures then fair is fair right? :o) Maybe I missed it and you did that already?
What a shame George's owner is such a sorry loser. We all know where to measure a Dane's height...with the exception of Guiness and George's owner :o(
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Great idea Michele! I'm in the process of trying to get Guinness to admit to where they measured George. The trick is when you have a Guinness adjudicator come out, you don't have to have the photos, video or media coverage. Hopefully for such a hotly contested race they came out to uncover the truth, not hide it!
Also, while I think that all dogs should be allowed to be measured in the same spot as George, I have always believed the 'top of the shoulder' as Guinness requires is too subjective. Measuring at the withers - which is the industry standard - is much less subject to interpretation, confusion and abuse. You just can't fudge the withers - it's the same spot on every dog, not matter their height and can't be manipulated by stance, weight or posture. I've long been a proponent of Guinness changing their requirement from the top of the shoulders to the withers, and wish they'd taken that opportunity when Gibson passed. Previous Tallest Dog Ever records would've remained unbroken, but at least the playing field would be level from here on out!
Thanks again for your comment. Please continue to spread the word!
Diana
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Hi Diana and Titan,
All the pics i have seen of george even the videos of him being measured show the measuring tool close up at 43 inches but way above the withers. I would re enter Titan too! This is so wrong and they have had no respect for Titan and you. Guinness only recognizes Gibson then george as tallest dogs. Im sorry but they need to give some respect to Titan whether he is the tallest or not rigt now. They seem to have erased the fact that titan was ever the tallest dog. Its so dumb. I'm sorry. You should have a meet up with george and his owner. It still would be great to see the 2 giants together.
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The withers is the top of the shoulder?
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The withers is a little bit below the shoulders. It's the recognized place to measure for dog shows, agility... anywhere where accuracy matters... because unlike the 'top of the shoulders' the withers can't be fudged.
If you check out the web page on our blog that contains the information from George's first of four 'official' measurements, you'll see that his owner references the AKC standard. Here's the link to which he refers:
http://sonic.net/~cdlcruz/GPCC/library/measure.htm
As you can see, there's a huge difference between where the shoulder is on this diagram and where he measured 'giant' George.
Bottom line is that while both the withers and the shoulder are appropriate locations to measure an animal, halfway up the neck is not. I'm disappointed that Guinness allowed this to happen. In allowing one contender to abuse the guidelines, they've paved the way for others to do the same. Indeed, I heard this weekend that now there's ANOTHER dog whose owner is saying that HIS dog is the tallest ever. Not surprising. At only 39 1/8" at the shoulder George wouldn't even have made Guinness' original cut-off of 40". So it's no surprise that many of the other dogs that did make the grade at the shoulder would now re-measure halfway up the neck. Kinda sad (and ironic) that in trying to 'close the book' on this record holder by sending out their own representative, Guinness actually opened the door for others to challenge using the same faulty procedure.
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Are they kidding? It's obvious just looking at George that he is nowhere near 43". I once saw a pic showing what a 43" dog would actually look like, and it was pretty unbelievable.
As someone who grew up helping raise Irish wolfhounds (the world's tallest breed), I know very well that a dog's height is supposed to be taken at the shoulder. Any attempt to make claims based on measurements taken elsewhere is ignorant at best, more likely fraudulent.
I once saw an Irish Wolfhound that "really" measured 39-1/2", and he dwarfed George.
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Awesome Diana! Good luck!
I did post your blog on my Facebook account :o)
Michele
www.rescuemetugz.com
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Has anyone else payed attention to detail in the latest photo of George on the couch with the woman? Not only was a round lens used but the floor was staged. If you look closely you can see that the rug is on top of a platform under his feet. Look at the couch behind him and you will see how the rug suddenly drops off exposing more base of the couch. This makes him MUCH taller looking in the pictures when they move the floor UP. Anyway.. The dog is not nearly as huge as the pictures portray and even if he was 45 inches he would not look as tall naturally as he does in their pictures. I saw him on the news the other day and he looked average with the camera pointing down on him. I'm sure he is a tall dog. Most ALL Great Danes are. They are called a GIANT breed for a reason. I still find it very sad that the dispute over who is tallest even has to be talked over. The time spent on it should be spent enjoying these animals to the fullest since they will more then likely succumb to their size having far less chances to live to 8 or 10 then a normal sized GIANT breed dog. Every inch over 37 probably reduces the life of a Dane by a year.
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WOW! Good points on the photography, Kim!
As for the GWR title itself, make no mistake, we can still campaign for a fair contest and enjoy our animals to the fullest and promote all that's wonderful about this breed.
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I would not be surprised if the outcome was based on George's color. He is a rare color and one of my favorite colors. Although fair is fair and I am shocked that the measuring tool is so far up. I say send judges from USDAA {U.S. Dog Agility Association} for measuring, they know what they're doing. They have to be precise as to not have a dog jumping fences too high for their height. Although I am lost as to why George's parents had such a hissy fit, {GET A CAT}, I am glad to know the Precious Titan. I too rescued a special needs Doxie, I've since lost him but I wouldn't change the short 3 years we had him for ANYTHING. The two months straight we cried after losing him was worth every split second of those 3 yrs. I will NEVER get over him. I will still tear up. Just let George and his parents go about their business, Titan and family have forever friends now that Georges' friends and family cannot steal away by having a temper tantrum. Long Live Titan!!!! Such a beautiful boy..XXXXOOOO
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This reminds me of mens figure skating. Johnny Weir placed 6th at the Olympics when he clearly should have placed 4th or even 3rd based on his clean, graceful performance. Any competition that involves subjective judging or measuring is inaccurate bias.
BTW why isn't the current BIGGEST dog glamorized as much as the TALLEST dog? The record holder is Hercules, an english mastiff that weighs 282 pounds and has a 38-inch neck. Biggest ever was Zorba, he was over 343 pounds, measured 8 feet 3 inches long from his nose to his tail, stood 37 inches at the shoulder, and lived to 8 years of age.
Someone mentioned that George is overweight; From what I can tell, George is a giant boy that does NOT look overweight. George is thick-bodied which is an average body-type for the breed, especially if he is on a commercial brand dog food. Based on my personal knowledge, in my own opinion, his stated weight of 245 pounds seems at least a tiny bit exaggerated, he looks closer to 220 pounds.
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Thanks for your comment.
The measuring shouldn't be subjective. The Guinness requirements should apply to all contenders. Allowing one dog to be measured high on the neck when others are measured at the shoulder is not only unfair, but it opens the entire category up to continued abuse.
Guinness no longer recognizes the biggest/heaviest animal categories as people were over-feeding their animals in order to break the record. There's a statement on the Guinness web site that states the reasons for this is they do not endorse any records that would put animals in danger.
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I have come to the point that i wont trust a word George's owner says, not anymore. George is now being advertised as 250 lbs which ofcourse, is BS. I have seen alot of big nice dogs over the years and iknow how a 250 lbs dog look like, and George is not one of them, not even close.. you gave him 220. I wouldnt even go that far, he looks 200-210 to me.
Sultan, of grayson dane kennels in Quebec, was 42 inches and 257 lbs heavy booned and huge legs & chest - here with Judy Gray http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/2771/greatdanesultangraysond.jpg
Here we have a kangal or malakli (not sure) at 250-270 lbs http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/6644/enormouskangalmalakli.jpg
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I hear ya! I organize the San Diego Great Dane Meetup and was previously an organizer of the Atlanta Great Dane Meetup... each with a total membership of more than 600 people and their pooches. Needless to say, I've been around a lot of Danes. George is a beautiful Blue, but totally unimpressive in every other way. Worse yet, his owner's tall tales are doing the breed a total disservice. While I'm open & honest about the health issues that white Danes face and admit they're not for everyone; spinning these stories about George's height and weight is only going to cause more people to push for the biggest, heaviest Danes. And as we all know, that's the most unhealthy (and irresponsible) thing you can do to these Gentle Giants.
What a shame...
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OMGosh! You can see that they measured both Danes different. Seriously I'd ask for a re-measurement with both Danes in the same room, measured by the same people. That way we will know who the true Giant Dane is. Maybe in a yr or 2 my Dane will be in the title running. He is a yr old 36in and he is a ture Unique color " Fawnequin". Thats what I'd do to be honest these dogs dont need to be chumped.
Thanks Kimberly
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Diana, keep us updated!
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Look. I've reviewed the pictures that you have posted, but the most damning evidence in my opinion is the video of Giant George being visited him his own home. Watch him in the kitchen when he is eating off the counter tops and in the sink. The man claims to be 6'1", and his height confirms that his countertops are 36" standard countertops, as his waist is right where it should be.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvRhywdeqc
Basically, George's withers are maybe 3-4 inches above the countertop, AT BEST. Which would put his height right were everyone has said he is, 39-40".
You want to prove that Titan is taller, have him stand in your kitchen near your countertops and see the difference. To me, it should be obvious when a dog is only a few inches above the countertop vs a dog that is a full half foot above.
Also, where does he get off saying his dog eats 110 lbs a month? That is 20 cups a day. I've known 200lb + dogs that eat around 12-15 cups a day, 20 cups is just stupid and is a flat out lie.
My belief is that George is 39" and 220 lbs. If measured and weighed properly. Funny what someone is willing to do for money.
To George, you are a very good looking dog, just sad your owner is a Giant liar.
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Sadly, Titan passed away recently(RIP) George can have his stupid title it isnt important any longer and guinness shouldnt be respected OR accepted, not anymore.
Not when accepting a dog being measured in the way he was, but pal i have to disagree with you when it comes to the kitchen sink... a standard sink is more like 35 inches, 36 is very high. However either way george looks 38 at the best!
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I really appreciate your professional approach. These are pieces of very useful information that will be of great use for me in future.
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