Abu, the two-year-old Turkish Malakli, has become a sensation in the UK pet world, earning the title of the country’s biggest dog, weighing a staggering 18 stone, which is equivalent to a baby elephant’s weight. This ‘gentle giant’ measures an impressive 7ft 2in on his hind legs, standing head and shoulders above other canines of his breed. However, it’s not just his size that makes him unique; it’s his extraordinary daily diet and his heartwarming personality.
Dylan Shaw, the proud owner of this remarkable canine companion, estimates that Abu’s daily culinary delights come at a cost of £11, which adds up to just over £4,000 a year. His daily menu includes a mouthwatering assortment of 3kg of meat, a whole chicken, three whole mackerel, two eggs, and raw meat dog food. It’s a feast fit for a king, or in this case, a king-sized dog!
Despite his imposing size and seemingly insatiable appetite, Abu is a true “gentle giant.” He believes he’s a lap dog and adores snuggling with Dylan’s children, India and Reuben, on the family sofa. Dylan, a dog trainer hailing from Redcar, North Yorkshire, praises Abu’s loving nature, saying, “Abu has been a pleasure to own; he’s a really good family dog and he’s great with kids.” The towering Malakli even cries when reprimanded, showcasing his gentle soul beneath the colossal exterior.
Dylan’s fascination with the Turkish Malakli breed led him to import Abu from Turkey in November 2021 when the dog was just four months old. Surprisingly, Abu was already larger than Dylan’s Doberman, Luna, upon arrival. The diligent owner spent ample time socializing Abu with people and other dogs, ensuring his comfort in various environments.
Abu and Dylan’s daily walks often attract crowds of admirers eager to take pictures of the colossal dog. Many express awe at Abu’s size and often humorously inquire about the challenges of cleaning up after him. Dylan notes that people frequently draw comparisons to horses and can’t help but marvel at the enormity of his four-legged friend. To add to Abu’s charm, he continues to grow, as Malaklis don’t reach full maturity until around three years old. Dylan jokes, “They don’t fully mature until three, so he’s still got a year of growing to do – it’s ridiculous; I don’t know what I’m going to end up with – he’s already outgrown my expectations.” Abu’s astonishing size and gentle disposition have turned him into a local celebrity, surpassing the notoriety of even the Great Danes and Blue Great Dane Balthazar, the previous record holder for the UK’s biggest dog.
