Zach Ivy / Flickr

The world’s tallest Great Dane has died shortly before his sixth birthday of natural causes. 

Zeus was the Guinness World Record Holder, holding the title of the world’s tallest dog since 2012.

He was 44 inches tall at the shoulder and 7 feet, 4 inches on his hind legs.  The gentle giant weighed 165 pounds and ate a 30-pound bag of food every two weeks, according to the Battle Creek Enquirer.

Apart from a healthy appetite, Zeus drank water straight from the kitchen faucet with all paws on the floor and required a van for transportation.

A beloved therapy dog, Zeus was a local celebrity in the Kalamazoo area where he enjoyed visiting schools and hospitals.

Owner Kevin Doorlag said Zeus was a great dog and would be greatly missed.