Try telling a 7 ft tall dog not to drool on the dinner table. "Gibson", a Harlequin Great Dane from Grass Valley, California, is 42.2 inches when standing on all fours, and when he's on his hind legs he's positively stratospheric. This dog is so tall he has to bend down to howl at the moon. He's so tall he doesn't drink out of the toilet; he drinks from the bidet. He's so tall he doesn't understand "heel". You have to say, "Skull!" He's so tall...
Certified by the Guiness Book of World Records, the tallest dog living is Gibson, a Harlequin Great Dane who measured 107 cm (42.2 in) tall on August 31 2004 and is owned by Sandy Hall of Grass Valley, California, USA. When he stands on his hind legs, the 170-pound Dane is more than 7 feet tall, taller than most NBA basketball players. The image to the left shows Gibson standing with his Veterinarian - one of many pictures he takes standing over his subject.
As big as he is, Gibson is just a friendly puppy in a big dogs body, and is active in therapy work, a close knit family life (which includes hording toys from his sisters), and his new found celebrity schedule. Gibson has been featured in several national newspapers and magazines, he's been featured on Larry King Live and has also worked with some of the players from the Sacramento Kings.
Sandy Hall, Gibsons agent and human mom, caught up with us at Big Paws to answer some of our questions about Gibson.
Our interview:
What is Gibsons favorite pastime?
Being a "Couch Potato."
How big are his littermates? Grandparents etc.?
ALL of my puppies at GREAT DANES EXCLUSIVE seem to be very large, mostly tall! I think I've already answered about his Mother. When she was ready to be bred, because of her being kind'a short, I was looking for a sire with larger bone density. "GIBSON'S Daddy was about 38 inches at the shoulder with a great temperament and a lot of other attributes. His Mother's side are "MEISTERSINGER'S". I could go on and on about my line. I am very proud of my line, not because of just "GIBSON," but because I am a responsible breeder, do all health certificates, guarantee my puppies, AKC, healthy, happy, well socialized, and I am always available, (24/7) for my "Grand-Puppies."
Is he still growing?
I'd like to think he's pretty well done growing tall, but he will put on another 20-25 pounds filling out and muscling up. He's 3.5 years now and he should finish out soon. His biggest growth spurt was between 4-12 months old.
What kind of bed do you have for him?
"GIBSON" has a 10 piece sectional retrofitted with mattress and soft cushions, that he shares with his family. At night, "GIBSON" doesn't sleep with me on my bed, he sleeps ON me! He has to be touching Mommie. He is VERY MUCH a Mommie's Boy!
What supplements if any and why?
The same as all other big dogs. But "Gibson" goes in for "T-Touch" massage about 2-4 times a month. I feel this is so good for him on so many levels.
Can I Have Him?
"NO!" But I have other little "Gibson" related "fur-kids" for sale most of the year around.
How do you bathe him?
In the summer time, he likes getting "hosed" down and playing in the water. Winter months are a little more challenging.
What are his favorite games?
BASKETBALL!! And teasing his sister (Mattie) and niece (Hart), with whatever he can put in his mouth and not let them having it!
What kind of car do you drive?
He loves riding in the "GIB-Mobile." It is a 1983 Oldsmobile that has the back seat taken out of it, and a big soft bed in its place. We NEED more reliable and larger transportation...No Question! Anybody got some ideas or know of anything available...CALL ME!
What is the funniest thing to have happened to you and "GIBSON?"
Everyday/All Day..."GIBSON" is a crack-up. He makes me smile all the time. It's hard to pick any one thing. It was kind'a funny when he went over to a lady in a wheelchair and sat in her lap, without her brakes being on. She went flying backwards and was only stopped by the wall! (Nobody was hurt and the same lady still wants "Gibson" to sit in her lap when he does Therapy Dog Visits.)
Besides being the tallest dog in the world, what will you always remember about him?
His overwhelming gentle spirit and unconditional love for all.
And finally, how did he get so tall?
He drinks elephant milk!
Hugs and Puppy-Horse Kisses,
Sandy & "G"
No comments:
Post a Comment