Canine colossus Freddy is believed to be Britain's biggest dog. The Great Dane has been measured at 7ft 4in (2.24m) on his hind legs by owner Claire Stoneman. Although no official measurement has yet been made, that would make Freddy as tall as world-record holder Zeus, and significantly larger than Britain's current biggest dog Samson, who is 6ft 6in (1.98m). The gigantic dog began life as the runt of the litter, but experienced an astonishing growth spurt to reach his current size. Claire, a 38-year-old taxi driver from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, who drives a Barbie-pink cab, lives with Freddy and his sister Fleur.

Britain's biggest dog, 18 month old great Dane, Freddy plays with its owner Claire Stoneman outside their home in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England. (Photo by Matt Writtle/Barcroft Media)

Britain's biggest dog, 18 month old great Dane, Freddy poses for a photograph with the food in kitchen as owner Claire Stoneman looks on in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England. (Photo by Matt Writtle/Barcroft Media)

Britain's biggest dog, 18 month old great Dane, Freddy seen yawning on the sofa with it's owner Claire Stoneman at their home in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England. (Photo by Matt Writtle/Barcroft Media)

Britain's biggest dog, 18 month old great Dane, Freddy comes up close to the camera while standing on the bed as it's owner Claire Stoneman looks on in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England. (Photo by Matt Writtle/Barcroft Media)

Britain's biggest dog, 18 month old great Dane, Freddy seen realxing on the sofa with it's owner Claire Stoneman at their home in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England. (Photo by Matt Writtle/Barcroft Media)

Britain's biggest dog, 18 month old great Dane, Freddy comes up close to the camera while standing on the bed as it's owner Claire Stoneman looks on in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England. (Photo by Matt Writtle/Barcroft Media)

Britain's biggest dog, old great Dane Freddy, 18 months old, seen in the kitchen of its owner Claire Stoneman's home in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England. (Photo by Matt Writtle/Barcroft Media)

Miss Stoneman gets up in the small hours of the morning for Freddy's daily 40-minute walk. (Photo by Matt Writtle/Barcroft Media)

A comparison of Britain's biggest dog, 18 month old great Dane, Freddy's giant feet with dwarf Claire Stoneman's hand at her home in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England. (Photo by Matt Writtle/Barcroft Media)

Britain's biggest dog, 18 month old great Dane, Freddy seen sitting on the bed as it's owner Claire Stoneman looks on in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England. (Photo by Matt Writtle/Barcroft Media)

Britain's biggest dog, 18 month old great Dane, Freddy stands on its hind legs as owner Claire Stoneman feeds him outside her home in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England. (Photo by Matt Writtle/Barcroft Media)

Britain's biggest dog, 18 month old great Dane, Freddy seen with it's owner Claire Stoneman at their home in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England. (Photo by Matt Writtle/Barcroft Media)