Red Tibetan Mastiff: World's Most Expensive Dog Sells for $1.5 Million

by Ann Brenoff (RSS feed)
Mar 16th 2011 at 12:35PM

A coal baron living in northern China just spent $1.5 million to buy what is considered the world's most expensive dog, a red Tibetan Mastiff. It's hard to know precisely where in that sentence you spurt out your mouthful of coffee: that a dog is worth that much or that there is a millionaire willing to buy one in China.

In any case, the 180-pound 11-month-old red Tibetan Mastiff known as Big Splash, or "Hong Dong" in Mandarin, just earned the title of the world's priciest pooch. The breed can grow to be 285 pounds, and according to the breeder, Big Splash is such a perfect specimen that the eyeball-popping price is justified. It is believed the breed descended from wolves 58,000 years ago.

Big Splash is a kind of cute fellow -- big and bulky, although in most photos he looks like he's having a bad hair day. The breed has become a status symbol in China, replacing cars and expensive bling as a way for the uber-rich to show off their new-found wealth. Red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture and Tibetan Mastiffs are thought to be holy animals, bringing riches and good health to their owners, which helps explain the country's interest in the dog and the run-up in price. But given the size of most Chinese apartments and the size of these dogs, don't expect to see them bought by the masses; Tibetan Mastiffs are truly only for China's rich.

In time, Big Splash might fetch $15,000 a pop to breed with a female. Nothing like earning his keep.

Tags: dogs, mastiff, most expensive dog, pets, tibetan mastiff

Filed under: Pets

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Reader Comments (Page 2 of 3)

Reddog Mar 17th 2011 9:08AM

At $15,000 a pop, he's going to have to do the dirty deed 100 times to break even.

Sunestate Mar 17th 2011 9:14AM

yes but if that dog is anything like mine, that is one smart new dog owner. he could make millions off of that dog. My dog can do it 10-20 times a day time 365 days a year. Hey isn't that prostitution?

Sunestate Mar 17th 2011 9:10AM

oh and i found out. I have a dog and i sell him for 1/2 price $750,000. and i will supplu you his food for his entire life and he's same color as 1.5 million dog. he has 3 sister and bros so hurry, this deal only good for the next 1 hour call 1800cheapdog

rleister96 Mar 17th 2011 9:11AM

Well who whould want to spend that much money on a dog I guess the people that bought it is rich!

Terry Mar 17th 2011 9:20AM

ok. I have a dog and he can do it 10-20 times in one day. So take that times 365 days a year and you have a really good money making business that makes more than most of us will ever see in our life time. So 1.5 is a good investment. Oh, isn't this prostitution? Dog may not be able to walk after a year of service though.

bruce Williams Mar 17th 2011 9:26AM

That is one of the most beautiful dogs I have ever seen. He could win Westminster if trained properly in his first try. There will always be a record price paid for anything that is considered perfection of it's type. This is LUXIST, they submit articles on how the mega rich spend their money. I also love the pets on Paw Nation...this dog is unbelievable!!!

missdancealot Mar 17th 2011 9:40AM

Adopt from Save A Dog A Day at www.adoptapet.com Much less in cost and you get the most beautiful puppies with the greatest dispositions.

hpsys7 Mar 17th 2011 9:44AM

And what happens the next time the Chinese government decides there is a rabies epidemic and goes around clubing to death any dog they find, even those with the proper shots. Not somewhere I want to own a dog or live for that matter.

greenharmolv Mar 17th 2011 9:56AM

Fabulous looking dog but as usual the world has lost its mind when a fool is buying a dog for that reported amount. No wonder the dollar isn't worth what it once was. No wonder a millionaire is a billionaire today. I see a long road to travel in the future with empty pockets. Hope one has enough money to feed their dog walking along side.

Babs

gramorrison123 Mar 17th 2011 10:13AM

Oh God !

Some of your parents, are wasting there money on college's

sports, animals Mar 17th 2011 10:30AM

I'd rather have the Rottweiler in the background. Look at the head on that thing, bet it's beautiful.

seannejressler Mar 17th 2011 2:02PM

That is not a Rottie in the background it is a mastiff, look at the ears!

sunshine97s Mar 17th 2011 10:43AM

chucks, my mom's mutt "Wasa" who recently passed away, and was given to her by a neighbor looked just like this dog. Pretty dog but 1.5 million!!!

TIGERZ Mar 17th 2011 10:46AM

Is he nuts???????

t.g. Mar 17th 2011 10:46AM

This is totally Ridiculous. I love dogs but use some common sense! Help those dear children out there for better health and lives than over some dog because he's different. Please, a dog can be replaced but not children in need!

abudotcom Mar 17th 2011 11:05AM

In many religions vanity, in its modern sense, is considered a form of self-idolatry, in which one rejects God for the sake of one's own image, and thereby becomes divorced from the graces of God. AMEN

Carleen Mar 17th 2011 11:24AM

Can you imagine having a dog that size in your home? Your bed? Have to admit he is cute but no dog is worth that much!

fragrantrivers Mar 17th 2011 11:46AM

maybe that million should go to help the Tibetan people

p87930 Mar 17th 2011 11:51AM

These dogs are believed to bring riches? I think its a little late for that. Awesome looking dog though

onvyin Mar 17th 2011 12:13PM

Why is it that when someone works their butt off, works tirelessly, and gives up so many things to get rich, people want them to give their money away? Two marriages, a heart attack, putting over 400 people to work, and the poor want me give and pay more taxes, while they watch nascar and ball games, and drink their Bud. That is why they voted for Odumbo. Let the rich blow their money how they want. When they spend, the money gets to the stores and people, and not dumbo's wifes ski trips.

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