Ever seen a dog the size of a small donkey?
If you grew up in London during the late 80s, you might have actually run into one. His name was Aicama Zorba of La Susa, but most people just called him Zorba. He wasn't just a big dog. He was a biological outlier that redefined what we thought a canine could be.
Even now, decades after he passed away, his name is the one that pops up whenever someone starts arguing about the "biggest dog ever" at a pub. Honestly, most of the "giant" dogs you see on TikTok today wouldn't even come up to Zorba's chest.
The Stats That Broke Guinness
Let’s get the numbers out of the way because they’re genuinely hard to wrap your head around.
In November 1989, Zorba was officially weighed by Guinness World Records. He tipped the scales at 343 pounds (155.6 kg). To put that in perspective, that is heavier than two average-sized adult men combined. Or, if you prefer, about the same weight as a massive NFL lineman.
But it wasn't just the weight. Zorba was a long-haul flight of a dog. He measured 8 feet 3 inches (251 cm) from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail. If he stood on his hind legs, he would have towered over almost every NBA player in history. Standing normally, he was 37 inches at the shoulder.
He was an Old English Mastiff, a breed already known for being "sturdy," but Zorba took it to a level that felt almost prehistoric.
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Where did he come from?
Zorba was born on September 26, 1981. He was bred by Mrs. I. Prosser and eventually lived with his owner, Chris Eraclides, in London. His lineage was actually quite prestigious in the Mastiff world. His sire was Stablemate’s Bruno of Kisumu, an American import, and his dam was Gildasan Valentine Daisy of Aicama.
You'd think a dog that big would be a nightmare to live with. You've probably seen those "dog vs. couch" videos where a Great Dane destroys a living room in ten seconds. But by all accounts, Zorba was the definition of a gentle giant. He even appeared on Late Night with David Letterman in 1989, where he mostly just stood there looking massive and unimpressed by the bright lights.
Why the Record Might Never Be Broken
Here is something kinda interesting: you won't see a "new" Zorba in the Guinness World Records anytime soon.
In the late 90s, Guinness decided to stop accepting records for the "heaviest" or "largest" pets. Why? Because they didn't want to encourage people to overfeed their animals just to get a certificate. People were essentially turning their pets into circus attractions, which is pretty messed up if you think about it.
Because of this policy change, Zorba is effectively the "forever" champion. He was naturally massive, but there’s always been some debate about whether his 343-pound peak was healthy. Earlier in his life, around 1987, he weighed about 314 pounds, which was already a world record.
- 1987 weight: 314.5 lbs
- 1989 weight: 343 lbs
- Total Length: 8' 3"
- Height at shoulder: 37 inches
Living With a 300-Pound Mastiff
Imagine the grocery bill.
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Owning a dog like Aicama Zorba of La Susa wasn't just a hobby; it was a logistical operation. Reports from the time suggest his diet included a mix of horse meat, chicken, and specialized high-protein dog food. When you have a dog that burns calories just by standing up, you can't exactly go cheap on the kibble.
Then there’s the "house" aspect. Most Mastiff owners will tell you that these dogs don't realize how big they are. They think they're lap dogs. Now imagine 343 pounds of Fawn-colored Mastiff trying to cuddle with you on a Tuesday night.
Health Challenges of Giant Breeds
We have to be real here: being that big isn't easy on a dog’s body. Most English Mastiffs live between 6 and 10 years. Zorba actually lived until 1992, making him about 10 or 11 years old. That’s a remarkably long life for a dog of his scale.
The biggest issues for dogs like him are:
- Joint Stress: Carrying 300+ pounds puts immense pressure on the hips and elbows.
- Bloat (GDV): A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists.
- Heart Strain: The heart has to work overtime to pump blood through such a massive frame.
What Most People Get Wrong About Zorba
A lot of people look at the old photos—which are usually grainy 80s shots—and assume he was just "fat."
He wasn't.
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He was certainly "thick," but if you look at the skeletal structure of a 37-inch tall Mastiff, the frame is designed to hold significant weight. He was a powerhouse. In fact, one of his sons, Chandor, reportedly weighed 266 pounds at just 18 months old. The "big" gene was definitely strong in that family.
If You’re Thinking of Getting a Mastiff...
Don't expect a Zorba. Seriously.
Most male Mastiffs today will top out around 160 to 230 pounds. If your dog starts approaching 300 pounds, you’re likely looking at a health crisis rather than a record-breaker.
If you want to honor the legacy of giant dogs like Aicama Zorba of La Susa, the best thing you can do is focus on "healthy big" rather than "record-breaking big."
Actionable Next Steps for Giant Breed Owners:
- Prioritize Joint Health: Start your dog on high-quality glucosamine and chondroitin supplements before they hit the one-year mark.
- Monitor Growth Rates: Slow and steady is the goal. Pushing a puppy to grow too fast with high-calorie food can cause permanent bone deformities.
- Invest in a Ramp: Don't let a 200-pound dog jump out of a truck. Their joints will thank you later.
- Check the Lineage: If you're looking for a Mastiff, ask the breeder about the lifespan of the dog's grandparents. Longevity matters more than weight.
Zorba was a once-in-a-century animal. He reminds us of the incredible diversity in the canine world, but he also serves as a reminder that with great size comes a lot of responsibility for the humans holding the leash.