paw planet

Thats right! The 11-month-old red Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash, or Hong Dong in China, was purchased by a coal baron in northern China for $1.5 million.

It's lucky that his new master is a multimillionaire, because the hefty price tag doesn't factor in Big Splash's diet -- enough chicken and beef to fill a growing 80kg dog, spiced up with Chinese delicacies, such as sea cucumber and abalone. His owner will need a big house too, as Tibetan mastiffs have been known to weigh as much as 130kg -- the same as a sizeable rugby union player.

Not because red is a lucky colour in China, but Tibetan mastiffs are thought to be holy animals, blessing their owners health and security. Also, owning one of the large working dogs has become a way for the wealthiest residents of China to demonstrate their financial success, much like fancy cars and couture clothing are symbols of wealth in the U.S.

Breeder Lu Liang is surely swimming in the dough thanks for breeding what he describes as "the perfect specimen." "He has excellent genes and will be a good breeding dog. When I started in this business, ten years ago, I never thought we would see such a price," he is quoted in The Telegraph. When asked about the details of the buyer, Lu did not reveal anything other than he is a multi-millionaire coal baron from the north of China who paid 10 million yuan for the dog.

Now, a red Tibetan mastiff has become the world's most expensive pet.