Meet the Internet’s gentlest giant!

Over six feet tall, 110kg in weight and a leg the size of a two-litre soda bottle — this mutt is an internet sensation! Named Cadaboms Hayder, this 1.5-year-old Caucasian Shepherd, the largest of its breed, is very dear to city-based breeder S Sathish — known for owning expensive breeds of dogs.

He tells us, “The size of Hayder’s nose is what the normal head size of a Caucasian Shepherd should be, but Hayder is abnormally large owing to the genetic pool that he comes from.”

Recently, social media was inundated with reports stating that Sathish bought the canine for ₹20 crore from a Hyderabad breeder. But, such isn’t the case, he clarifies. “It’s misinformation that has spread online somehow. Hayder is bred by me. I imported his grandparents from Russia and have been breeding them. When Hayder was born, I knew that I wouldn’t give him away to anyone. I wanted to put on a show last November to introduce him to the world, but I had to cancel it because he started shedding during that time. However, the buzz of the event reached a Hyderabad-based businessman, who then offered to buy Hayder from me. He quoted a price of ₹20 crore, but I declined the offer. This makes Hayder the most expensive dog as well, as previously, the record was ₹18 crore,” he claims.

A canine of this stature would certainly warrant special care. Sathish informs that Hayder is the proud resident of a 2BHK apartment: “I’ve bought him a place in Kengeri where he lives along with a caretaker. He requires cool weather, so the entire flat is air-conditioned. He eats about three kilos of meat every day, which keeps him healthy and active. His food is different from regular dog food because he needs a lot of nutrition for the size that he is. If I sit next to him, he towers over me and I am six feet tall myself! Hayder has six puppies, but we keep them in our Banashankari house, because the puppies can get injured even if Hayder accidentally steps on them.”

As humongous as he may seem, Hayder is very friendly and loves to mingle. Sathish says, “He is very territorial about his space at home. He doesn’t bite, but he will bark if you step into his personal space. However, if you take him out on the roads for a walk, he is very friendly... I wouldn’t want to part ways with him at any cost!”

While a grand launch event had been planned in November last year, it had to be pushed. Now, one can catch a glimpse of Hayder next month. Sathish shares, “We are hoping to host more than 5,000 people, including actors, producers, singers and ministers. It will be held at Poornima Palace, Mysore Road.”