Meet Gibson

If the National Basketball Association accepted dogs, Gibson the Great Dane would be a shoo-in.

Not only is Gibson the world's tallest dog, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, he can pick up a full-sized basketball in his massive jaws - the canine equivalent of palming the ball - and stuff it through his own hoop at home.

And one other thing: When Gibson stands on his hind legs, he's taller than Shaquille O'Neal. That was proven recently when Gibson and Shaq appeared together on TV's Inside Edition, according to owner Sandy Hall of Grass Valley.

On Nov. 8., Gibson will see just how many other pro basketball players he can top when he appears during the Sacramento Kings halftime show.

Even though he wasn't competing Sunday, Gibson was the star attraction among almost 1,200 dogs attending the Two Cities Kennel Club's annual show at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds in Yuba City.

About a year ago, after being told by “hundreds of thousands of people” that Gibson was the biggest dog they'd ever seen, Hall, who breeds Great Danes, started to believe it and contacted the Guinness Book of World Records.

A Guinness team came from London and verified that Gibson stands 42.6 inches at the shoulder. His picture appears on page 127 of the current edition, she said.

# What does Gibson eat?

A “holistic” diet of dry food and wet food, including boiled chicken or beef, said Hall. Gibson, now 4 years old, used to get the occasional pizza or burger until a blood test showed he is susceptible to heart disease.

At Sunday's show, Gibson appeared on behalf of the Irvine-based Veterinary Diagnostic Institute, which advocates blood tests for about 70 dog breeds susceptible to heart trouble, said Hall. The test is available for about $100.

Of course, some people ask the poop question, said Hall. Suffice it to say, she has a snow shovel - and it's not just for snow.

# Have you got a saddle for that thing?

As a matter of fact, yes. Gibson, when fitted with a pony saddle, gives rides to very small children.On Sunday, Gibson showed he's as gentle as he is big, letting countless children pet him. The more attention he gets, the more he seems to like it, said Hall.Before Gibson rocketed to fame, Hall trained him as a special-needs dog for the disabled.

# Where does Gibson sleep?

Anywhere he wants, of course. Usually that's her own bed, said Hall. Three other Great Danes who also share her home insist on having at least parts of their massive bodies draped across the bed, said Hall.