You’ve probably seen the grainy, old-school photos of a dog that looks like it belongs in a myth rather than a suburban backyard. That’s Aicama Zorba of La-Susa. Most people just called him Zorba, but his full name has that rhythmic, regal ring to it that you only get with elite pedigree Old English Mastiffs. Honestly, he wasn't just a big pet. He was a biological outlier that pushed the limits of what a canine can actually be.
He was born in September 1981. It’s kinda wild to think that decades later, we’re still talking about him, but that's what happens when you weigh more than a professional NFL lineman. Zorba wasn't just "mastiff-sized." He was a record-shattering anomaly owned by Chris Eraclides in London. When you look at the stats, they don't even feel real. He eventually hit a peak weight of 343 pounds (about 155.6 kg). For context, that’s like having two full-grown St. Bernards fused into one animal.
Why Aicama Zorba of La-Susa still holds the crown
Google "heaviest dog ever" and Zorba’s name is the one that sticks. He first broke into the Guinness World Records in 1987. At that time, he was a "modest" 314 pounds. But he wasn't done growing. By 1989, he’d packed on even more mass. He stood 37 inches at the shoulder. If he stood on his hind legs, he was basically a giant, measuring over 8 feet from nose to tail.
He was huge. Truly.
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But here is what most people get wrong about him: they think he was just an obese dog. Actually, his frame was massive. He was 8 feet 3 inches long. Think about that for a second. That is longer than most hallways are wide. His owner, Chris, often had to explain that Zorba wasn't just being overfed; he was just built on a different scale. His diet was equally legendary, reportedly involving massive amounts of horse meat and specialized high-protein kibble just to keep his joints moving.
The controversy behind the record
Guinness eventually stopped tracking "heaviest" categories for pets. They were worried—and rightfully so—that owners would overfeed their animals just to get a certificate. Because of this, Aicama Zorba of La-Susa occupies a unique spot in history. He is the "eternal" record holder. Since the category is effectively closed to prevent animal cruelty, nobody is going to officially "beat" him in the Guinness books, even if a heavier dog exists somewhere in a remote corner of the world.
There was a rumor about a St. Bernard named Benedictine who supposedly weighed more, but the documentation wasn't as rigorous. Zorba remains the gold standard because his weigh-ins were verified, public, and absolute.
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What it was actually like to live with a 343-pound dog
Imagine the logistics. Basically, everything in your house has to be reinforced. A standard dog bed? Forget it. A couch? That's his now. Zorba wasn't an aggressive dog, though. By all accounts, he was a classic "gentle giant." Old English Mastiffs are known for being couch potatoes, but Zorba took that to an extreme. When you're carrying 343 pounds, you aren't exactly chasing squirrels for fun.
His life was largely one of quiet lounging in London. He became a local celebrity. People would stop and stare, not just because of the size, but because of the sheer presence he had. He didn't bark much. He didn't have to. When you're the size of a small pony, your existence is the only warning anyone needs.
The lineage and the "Aicama" name
The "Aicama" prefix isn't just a random word. It refers to the kennel he came from. He was sired by Stablemate’s Bruno of Kisumu and his dam was Gildasan Valentine Daisy of Aicama. Breeders like Mrs. I. Prosser, who bred him, weren't necessarily trying to create a "world record" dog. They were just breeding for the traditional, heavy-boned Mastiff standard. Zorba just happened to be the one where the genetics went into overdrive.
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Interestingly, one of his sons, Chandor, also grew to be a massive dog, weighing over 260 pounds before he was even two years old. The size was definitely in the blood.
Practical takeaways for giant breed fans
If you're looking at Zorba and thinking you want a giant dog, there are a few things you need to know. Reality is different from the photos.
- Joint health is everything. Dogs this size face massive pressure on their hips and elbows. If you're raising a large breed, keeping them lean is actually a kindness, even if "heavy" records look cool on paper.
- The "Giant" tax. Everything costs more. More food, more expensive vet bills, and you'll need a vehicle that can actually fit the animal. Chris Eraclides couldn't exactly put Zorba in a hatchback.
- Short lifespans. Sadly, Zorba passed away in 1992. He lived to be about 11, which is actually a very respectable age for a Mastiff of that size. Usually, the bigger they are, the less time we get with them.
Actionable Next Steps:
If you are fascinated by giant breeds like Aicama Zorba of La-Susa, the best thing you can do is research responsible breeding. Look for breeders who prioritize heart and joint testing (OFA or PennHIP) over sheer mass. While Zorba was a marvel of nature, the goal for most modern owners should be a dog that is "sturdy and healthy" rather than "record-breakingly heavy." Check the Mastiff Club of America or the Kennel Club (UK) for health standards before committing to a giant breed pup.