Red Tibetan Mastiff Becomes The World’s Most Expensive Dog
Fri, February 10, 2012,A red Tibetan Mastiff has become the 'world's most expensive dog.' Sold for almost $1.5 million, 'Big Splash' ('Hong Dong' in Chinese) is over 180lbs and over 3 feet tall.
The Tibetan Mastiff is thought to be one of the world's oldest breeds. A large guard dog, it stood watch over monasteries in the Tibetan plateau for centuries. According to legends, Genghis Khan and Lord Buddha kept these dogs. More recently, these dogs have become a highly-prized status symbol in China, due to their history and exclusivity.
While Big Splash is making headlines for his million-dollar price tag, here are a few more of the most expensive breeds. These command high prices due to breeding, rarity, demand or celebrity status:
- The Canadian Eskimo Dog almost went extinct. Now, their rarity means a puppy will fetch about $7,000.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are small dogs, but can be upwards of $1,000 - $15,000.
- Due to its large head, having an English Bulldog puppy often requires a difficult birthing process. Because of this, puppies start at around $3,000.
- The Samoyed is a very popular at dog shows due to its fluffy coat and personally. These medium sized-sled dogs from Siberia are high maintenance pets and can fetch about $3,000 - $6,000.
- A pure-bred Rottweiler can command a price tag of $2,000 - $8,000 for a puppy,
However, a shelter dog will usually come with all his or her shots, papers, identification chip and often be either spayed or neutered for a fraction of that (typically about $200).
(Image from The Telegraph)