Tibetan Mastiff: The Most Expensive Dog Breed in The World

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The Most Expensive Dog :Red Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan mastiffs, a breed of dog whose original purpose was guarding livestock in the Himalayan Mountains, have a new and seemingly unlikely occupation: status symbol. An 11-month-old red Tibetan mastiff named Hong Dong (translation: "Big Splash") has become the world's most expensive dog after being purchased in China for 10 million Yuan (just over $1.5 million).

Moreover, the hefty price tag does not include Big Splash’s food, which comprises of enough chicken and beef to fill a growing 180lb dog, along with Chinese delicacies such as sea cucumber and abalone.

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. Tibetans believe the dogs have the souls of monks and nuns who were not good enough to be reincarnated as humans or into Shambhala, the heavenly realm.