The world’s wealthiest canine has seen its riches grow even more!
A fortuitous German Shepherd named Gunther VI has enjoyed a strоke of luck as the recipient of a trust that held a lavish nine-bedroom, eight-and-a-half-bath mansion in Miami, formerly inhabited by Madonna. This splendid waterfront residence was bequeathed to Gunther as part of his inheritance. Following its staggering listing for a jaw-dropping $31.75M in November, the property has now been sold for $29M.
The distinguished dog’s opulent affluence traces back to the late German Countess Karlotta Leibenstein, who passed away in 1992, leaving her substantial $80 million fortune to her cherished pooch, Gunther III — the grandfather of Gunther VI. This unique legacy came about due to the Countess’s lack of children or close relatives, as various reports suggest. The human handlers overseeing the canine’s estate have amassed a formidable wealth totaling around $500 million and have astutely invested Gunther’s funds in grand residences and villas across the globe.
When the decision arose to sell his Miami mansion, Gunther entrusted the services of real estate agent Ruthie Assouline, affiliated with The Assouline Team at Compass. “We have overseen the sale of countless multimillion-dollar residences, but this one is certainly unprecedented,” remarked Ruthie to PEOPLE upon the home’s initial listing. “When the handlers initially informed me that a dog owned the property, I was skeptical.”
To secure the listing, Ruthie, along with Ethan Assouline, had to pass a rigorous sniff test before earning Gunther’s enthusiastic approval. “During our initial encounter with Gunther, he bounded up to me and bestowed a substantial, slobbery kiss, removing my lipstick in the process,” she recounted. “I believe that’s what truly sealed the deal!”
The private estate is situated on an expansive 51,000-square-foot plot with 100 feet of waterfront. It boasts elaborate landscaping, panoramic views of both open water and the city, along with a pool, fountain, and dock where Gunther savored basking in the sun during his visits to Miami from his primary residence in Italy.
Spanning 8,400 square feet, the residence offered Gunther ample room to roam, yet he displayed a penchant for occupying Madonna’s former bedroom. “He slumbers in a specially crafted round bed of Italian red velvet on the floor of Madonna’s former bedroom,” a source disclosed to PEOPLE. “Gunther truly lives the high life!”
“This property possesses a history that is truly one-of-a-kind,” stated Ruthie. “Furthermore, this immensely private gated estate sits on an extensive lot adorned with majestic Royal Palm trees, enveloped by lush landscaping and affording breathtaking views of the open bay.”
Gunther’s considerable wealth is managed by The Gunther Corporation, a entity established to ensure the dog’s well-being. The German Shepherd inherited the Miami estate, along with his overall fortune, from his grandfather, Gunther IV, the second dog in the lineage, who had acquired the property from Madonna two decades prior.
A portrait of Gunther IV adorns the fireplace, Ruthie noted.
Typically, when a pet owner bequeaths an inheritance to an animal, the funds are placed into a trust with a human trustee designated to oversee its allocation. A caregiver is appointed for the pet, receiving regular funds for its upkeep.
In addition to their responsibilities for Gunther, the caretakers also manage other ventures on his behalf and have contributed to scientific research. They even founded Gunther Rescue, an organization dedicated to aiding animals in need.