Zorba Mastiff

If you have seen a mastiff before, you’ll know that even regular-sized mastiffs are already enough to daunt most intruders. As a breed, these dogs, specifically the English mastiffs are very huge. Their build is also wider in the front than in the back, which creates an illusion of brawniness, which in turn lends to their well-deserved reputation as guard dogs.

Now, have you ever encountered a mastiff that is larger than usual? These mastiffs are sometimes referred to as Zorba mastiffs. This is not the name of their breed, however. The term comes from a record-setting English Mastiff named Zorba.

Aicama Zorba of La-Susa, popularly known as Zorba, was born on September 26, 1981 to owner Chris Eraclides, who resided in London, England. Eight years later, in 1989, he was already 37 inches at the shoulder in height. His length of 8 feet and three inches was enough to earn him a place in the record books as the world’s heaviest dog. His weight of 343 pounds was also enough to get him another record as the world’s heaviest dog. Sadly, Zorba passed away on November 1989.

Are you considering getting a Zorba mastiff of your own? The Zorba mastiff makes an excellent guard dog and its affection towards its family and particularly to its owners, is part of what makes these breed such valuable protectors. You do not need a massive guard dog to get the job done, however, but it’s hard to deny their usefulness and the intimidation factor they exude.