Zeus, the world's tallest dog, has died in Michigan just before his sixth birthday.

The gargantuan Great Dane stood 44 inches at the shoulder, and seven-foot-four when he was standing on his hind legs.

He was the beloved pet of Kevin Doorlag and his wife Denise and found international fame when he was named the world's tallest living dog in the Guinness World Record's 2012 edition.

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Gentle giant: Zeus held the Guinness World Record for world's tallest dog, standing 44 inches at the shoulder

He broke the previous record held by another Great Dane named Giant George, by one inch.

Denise Doorlag says Zeus was so huge, small children thought that he was a horse.

‘We [would] frequently get: "Hey do you have a saddle for that horse?” or “Is that a dog or is that a pony?” some people are just floored. It was very amusing.’

Zues weighed 155lb and chewed through 30lb of dog food every day.

Standing tall: Zeus, pictured with owner Denise Doorlag, ate 30lb of food every day

Fond farewell: Kevin and Denise Doorlag say they'll miss their 'wonderful dog' and how much joy he brought

Kevin Doorlag says Zeus will be remembered as a 'wonderful dog' who loved to fit his giant frame on their laps when they sat outside on the deck at their Otsego home.

'We'll really miss him,' he told M Live.

Zeus wasn't beloved only by his family.

As a therapy dog, he visited schools and hospitals throughout the Kalamazoo area.

Doorlag says he'll miss the looks of joy on people's faces when they saw Zeus.