A dog in the US has been verified as the world's tallest dog.

Kevin the Great Dane has claimed the Guinness World Record title after measuring in at 0.97 m (3 ft 2 in) from his feet to his withers

That’s the average height of a three-year-old child.

Kevin lives in state of Iowa with his owners Tracy and Roger Wolfe and their kids Alexander (12) and Ava (10) - as well as several animal siblings: three dogs, four cats, chickens, goats and horses.

The three-year-old pooch is the ultimate example of a "gentle giant" and is a big fan of snuggles - but the hoover is the scariest thing he’s ever seen.

Tracy, who works at a veterinary clinic, says Kevin is a “big baby” and often acts like he has no idea how big he is.

Kevin at home. Image: Guinness World Records

"When Kevin, or any of my dogs, come to my clinic, I put a baby gate up in the door of my office. That way I can keep my door open, but keep the dogs in," she said.

"I don’t think he’s aware he is as big as he is. He’s continuously trying to squeeze into small beds and sit on top of us and do everything that the smaller dogs do.

"He doesn't love to actually sit. He will either stand or he will lay down. I think his legs are too long."

Kevin, the world's tallest dog, with his certificate. Image: Guinness World Records

Tracy and her family brought Kevin home after they lost their beloved Great Dane, Cora.

"The timing was just perfect for us. I wouldn't have looked at getting a Great Dane for a while, after losing our previous," she said.

"But the kids were little, and I thought a puppy would be great for them."

The world's tallest dog Kevin with his family in Iowa. Image: Guinness World Records

The world's tallest dog eats between six and 10 cups of food every day and keeps his figure despite being quite a lazy boy.

"Kevin’s favourite activity is probably taking naps. Holding the couch down is his favourite pastime, I think," Tracy said.

“Kevin is funny and he is super-duper friendly. In fact, overly friendly. You don’t want to keep your mouth open too much when he’s around."

Kevin with his family in Iowa. Image: Guinness World Records

: Tracy said he has his bad boy side too: "He can be naughty. It’s usually food related. Otherwise, he’s usually a pretty good kid."

He gets lots of attention wherever he goes and he definitely enjoys being in the limelight.

"To officially have Kevin as the world's tallest dog is really exciting for our family," she added.

In case you were wondering, yes, Kevin is named after the title character from 'Home Alone'.

He succeeded his fellow Great Dane Zeus, who died tragically at the age of three last year.

Main image: How Kevin The Great Dane measures up with his family. Image: Guinness World Records