This Doncaster dog is world's oldest Great Dane after smashing previous record

Pirate is thought to be the oldest in the world of the breed, which despite being one of the biggest, doesn’t see canines live longer than six or seven years.

But the Donny dog has made it to the grand old age of 11 and a half — about four years older than the record.

His proud owner Sarah Valentino, 36, puts the 5ft 10in giant’s long life down to his diet — including chicken dinners.

Sarah said: “I can’t say the word without him going bonkers.

“I can’t even spell it or he goes mad! He’s starting to show his age — unless I say chicken.”

Gentle giant Pirate was rescued by the RSPCA and adopted by the family in February 2010, when he was one, alongside his four-year-old brother Digby.

They only planned to rehome one Great Dane, but couldn't bear to split up the pair who had an unhappy start in life, cooped up in a small home without enough food.

They quickly settled in and Digby, who died a few years ago, became a 'daddy's boy' to Sarah's now-husband Laurence, 34, a site supervisor, while Pirate was a 'mummy's boy'.

"Having two Great Danes in bed with two of you was quite funny," said Sarah.

"We'd end up squished or falling off the edge.

"They really do get the run of the house."