PEOPLE AND PLACES: Hulk the world's biggest pitbull

The World’s 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds

If you think money doesn’t buy happiness, then you must have never owned a dog. No one on earth will love you more, be more patient with your moods, or keep your secrets better than your dog. Dogs are very intelligent and perceptive creatures. They have the uncanny ability to sense our emotions and genuinely care about how we feel. Your dog will join you in your joy and comfort you when you’re in pain. For dog lovers, happiness starts with a wet nose and ends with a tail.

Our dogs love us unconditionally. Your dog won’t wake up one day to realize that they don’t love you anymore— they will wake up because a squirrel in your backyard poses a threat to your security. So how do you put a price on unconditional love? For starters, some breeds tend need c-sections when giving birth. This costs a lot because the lives of the mother and the puppies are at stake. They need 24/7 monitoring and if any complications arise, they require immediate attention. Many people choose a specific dog breed based on what they look like and on their temperament. Some breeds might look cute and tiny, but they may not do so well around children. Also, they have to think about whether or not their chosen breed is fit for their household. You can’t put a huge dog in a one bedroom apartment. So, there’s that.

My aim in ten years is to have a mansion, and dedicate a huge room for my two dogs to play around in and do whatever the hell they want. Also, to hire a personal assistant for each of them because isn’t that what rich people do? Some even have last wills and testaments leaving their dogs millions (like Leona Helmsley).

Wait… I just heard that people with money actually buy dogs who are worth more than my net worth. Okay, that’s cool. That’s a ridiculous expense that I can ride with. Here’s a list of ten posh and meticulously bred dogs that are worth a lot of money.

Basset Hound ($1,200 to $1,500)

Oh my gosh, those droopy ears are too cute! The tenacity of these dogs makes them great companions— you can have a guardian and an affectionate fur baby all in one. Basset Hounds have an amazing sense of smell. So, they’re the perfect dog if you have aspirations to become the next Sherlock Holmes. And yes, if you’re getting a Basset Hound, please name him Watson.

Prices for Basset Hound pups range from $1200 to $1500, depending on the show quality of the dog. It’s a steal of a deal if you’re planning on starting up a detective agency with your dog’s sense of smell as the main selling point.

Bernese Mountain Dog ($2,000)

Look at this big guy! He looks like a smaller version of the St. Bernard! No surprise there, since the Bernese Mountain Dog and St. Bernard are closely related breeds from The Swiss Alps— they’re from Switzerland, so you know they’re big time ballers! Similar to their bigger cousins, Bernese Mountain Dogs are also very gentle and affectionate. They’re happy-go-lucky dogs that are easy to train.

$2000 for pups is the general price, and you gotta have a large area where the dog can run free. Seeing that they’re compact versions of the St. Bernard, I might save up for one just so I can share ice cream with my mini “Beethoven”.

Great Dane ($2,000)

Scooby freaking Doo! I wanted a Great Dane because that’s Scooby-Doo’s breed, not realizing that they’re one of the biggest dogs in the world. I also didn’t know that they had a nickname: The Heartbreak Breed— attributed to the fact that they’re very sweet and easy-going, but can have a ton of diseases throughout their lifetimes. Now I’m sad because— Scoooooby!

Great Dane pups (or Scrappy-Doos) cost around $2000, and you also have to factor in all the other expenses that you need for the breed. But I’m telling you, it’s always worth it to spend some dough on your pal than splurging on other stuff.

Tibetan Mastiff ($2,000)

I think Tibetan Mastiffs look like bears in the form of a dog. As in, cute and cuddly, but can rip your throat out if you make a wrong move. That being said, it won’t stop me from petting one if I see one. Tibetan Mastiffs can be quite stubborn and may test your patience, but if you treat them well, you will gain a friend for life. They’re also human-like, in a sense that they react accordingly to whatever emotion they see from you.

English Bulldog ($2,500)

English Bulldogs are so awesome. You can put a bowler hat on them and train them to ride a skateboard. I have a soft spot for dogs that some people think are “ugly” or “scary-looking”. I think all dogs are cute, and that wrinkly faces are freaking adorable. English Bulldogs can be a bit stubborn and lazy, but they’re total attention seekers that always want affection from their owners. So, beneath all the drool and farts, you’re getting one snuggly baby.

The price of an English Bulldog puppy can have you shelling out $2,500. Some people say that bullies are not worth it because they are prone to so many health problems. What? All dogs are prone to health problems! If someone has $2,500 to buy one of these fur babies, they have the $$$ to take care of them.

German Shepherd ($2,500)

German Shepherds are good guard dogs. They’re quite regal looking, don’t you think? Sitting upright, ready to defend you at any time. They can also be quite huge. German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and very gentle with their owners. I also find them to be good running buddies, thanks to their agility. A little pup costs around $2,500 from reputable breeders.

I don’t believe that German Shepherds are losing their popularity as law enforcement dogs. They’re still one of the most trusted breeds, and you can’t beat having history with a certain breed. They’re still heroes in my book.

Chow Chow ($2,500 to $3,000)

Chow Chows are known for looking like living teddy bears with blue tongues. They’re the oldest existing dog breed in the world, tracing their origins in China. Chow Chows are quiet and independent, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not sociable. They’re friendly and gentle dogs. If you want a loyal dog, a Chow is for you.

Chow Chow pups cost around $2,500 to $3,000. I understand why they’re expensive to buy, and even more expensive to take care of. Like damn, Chows have so much hair, you’ll wonder if they’re hiding a much smaller dog within.

Irish Wolfhound (2,500 to $3,000)

Now, this one I’m curious about. He looks like he could be Van Helsing’s dog! I think I want one! Despite looking like it could scare some people, Irish Wolfhound’s are actually sweet and loyal creatures. They’re the largest dog breed in the world, making them gentle giants. Irish Wolfhounds were originally war dogs, making them suitable for all your security needs— possibly.

Irish Wolfhound pups cost between $2500 to $3000, and they actually remind me of Ewoks! Well, minus the murderous tendencies, that is.

French Bulldog ($2,500 to $4,000)

French Bulldogs can be quite hyper and lively. They can be very funny and clown-ish, always pulling stunts because of their innate curiosity. If you think English Bulldogs are too big for you, you can always opt for their French counterparts. They’re small and stocky, but they’re as snuggly as English Bullies.

French Bulldogs take second place for the world’s most expensive dog breeds. Again with the health issues? Well, I’ll say it again, if these people have the money to buy these dogs, then they have the money to take good care of them.

Rottweiler ($5,000 to $6,000)

Rottweilers can be a bit scary-looking because of their strong bodies. They’re actually gentle and helpful creatures that completely devote themselves to their owners. I’ve noticed that Rottweilers are the dogs, aside from Pitbulls, that are preferred by rappers. You ain’t a real hardcore OG if your music video doesn’t have a barking and raging Rottweiler in it. Sure, rottweilers are guard dogs, but they’re also loyal and loving towards their owners— so rappers, don’t give them a bad name please.

Rottweiler pups can cost around $5000 to $6000 because they’re bred with show quality in mind— no wonder they’re always starring in rap and hip hop music videos! Rottweilers are also taking over the fashion world because of Givenchy’s usage of the dog’s image on their recent collections.

Towering over his owners as they sit on their sofa, this the huge Great Dane who could soon be crowned the world's tallest dog.

Three-year-old pet Major is more than seven foot tall when on his hind legs and weighs a whopping 12-stone.

His owners, Brian and Julie Williams from Penmaen, south Wales, say he may look intimidating but he wouldn't hurt a fly.

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Top dog: Great Dane Major with his owners Julie and Brian Williams in Penmaen, south Wales

Down boy! The pet could be named as the tallest dog in the world by the Guinness Book of Records

Massive appetite: Major eats chicken and rice and enjoys wandering the land around his owner's rural home

The huge dog sleeps for 22 hours each day on his adult-sized mattress and eats a special diet mainly consisting of chicken and rice.

Mr and Mrs Williams are waiting for confirmation he is the world's tallest dog and officials from Guinness will visit them and two other dogs before announcing the new record holder.

Mr Williams, 55, He said: 'He is the biggest-hearted dog in the world. He is such a fantastic animal. People love seeing him. They play with him all day.

'We bought him as a pup and he has been with us ever since. He has got free reign of the place if he wants to go out, he isn't locked indoors.'

'He's afraid of his own shadow, he's absolutely great with kids and an absolute star.

'He brings us a lot of happiness and is so easy to look after. He's just got a terrific temperament and never gives us a minute's problems.'

Dog's life: He sleeps for 22 hours on a huge mattress and roams around his owner's falconry centre

Heck of a hound: Mr Williams says his pet may look intimidating but he's got a great temperament

Sit! Major relaxes on a garden swing with Mr and Mrs Williams, who say he's never been a minute's trouble

The family run a falconry centre where Major has free reign to roam.

Major is up against two other Great Danes, Freddy, from Southend in Essex, and Rocco, from Nevada in the US.

The previous tallest, 'Giant' George, died at home in Arizona in the US three years ago.

George measured 43 inches tall from paw to shoulder and weighed 17 stone.

Mrs Williams said: 'He is up against Freddy and Rocco. It's going to be fun to find out if he's the tallest - but he's top dog to us anyway.'

Hulk the world's biggest pitbull shows his softer side as he cuddles up to his new litter of puppies - which are worth a cool £300,000

The eight adorable puppies were fathered by gentle giant Hulk, who weighs in at a huge 12 stone
Hulk made international headlines when he was unveiled earlier this year as the biggest pitbull in the world

The world's biggest pitbull cuddles up to his adorable new litter - valued at a whopping half-a-million dollars.

The eight puppies were fathered by gentle giant Hulk, who weighs in at a huge 12 stone.

And even though his owners say his bite could 'snap a man's arm like a toothpick', here he shows off his softer side by nuzzling and licking his new brood.

The eight pups could collectively command $500,000 (£320,000) if they go through owner Marlon Grennan's training school to become elite protection dogs.

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Gentle giant: Hulk, the world's biggest pitbull, is seen cuddled up to his six-day-old puppies in this heartwarming photo

And there are even hopes one of the new batch could one day grow big enough to steal their father's crown.

Marlon, 28, said: 'This is definitely one of the most valuable litters we have had. If the litter were all trained as protection dogs they could be worth in excess of half-a-million dollars, absolutely.

'In about five to seven weeks we'll start to see them separate out and get a good idea of just how big they will get.

'Their papa isn't a legend for no reason but the potential to have another record-breaking world famous dog amongst his puppies is definitely there.

'Most of them are already sold. That's just how well thought of Hulk's bloodline is thought of.'

Hulk's puppies would usually sell for up to $30,000 (£19,000) at birth, simply because who their father is.

But if they were to be trained as elite protection dogs then Marlon says they could sell for $55,000 (£35,000) or more, Marlon says.

Hulk the world's biggest pitbull cuddles up to his puppies

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Keeping you up? The 12 and a half stone mutt shows his duties as a father are getting the better of him as he lets out a huge yawn

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Bath time: Jordan Grennan takes a bath with Hulk and two of his adorable puppies, which are now five weeks old

Hulk, who made international headlines when he was unveiled earlier this year, has also been in training to become a protection dog at Dark Dynasty K9s in New Hampshire, USA.

The business supplies protection dogs to high-profile celebrities, billionaires and wealthy professionals - as well as law enforcement around the world.

He has so far been taught to attack and release on command as well as vault and assault would-be assailants in and on cars.

But owed to his balanced nature, former boxer Marlon and wife Lisa Grennan, 25, still allow him to interact and even bite-train with their three year old son, Jordan.

Outside of training the pair are also best of friends and love bathing and singing together, with Jordan playing the harmonica while Hulk howls.

Lisa said: 'Hulk is an awesome, well-balanced dog and he doesn't get phased by the sort of things that might upset or distract another dog.

'Jordan has never been bitten by any of our dogs and I would never put him in a position to have that happen. He is 100 per cent safe when he is working with the dogs.

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Who's your daddy? Hulk strikes a doe-eyed pose as he snuggles up to his litter of tiny puppies

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Worth a fortune: The eight pups could collectively command $500,000 (£320,000) if they go through owner Marlon Grennan's training school to become elite protection dogs

'We are professionals and we live this everyday. Our son is very safe around these dogs and what we do.

'Hulk is a gentle giant and a great father. He will think nothing of laying down and licking his young puppies and is very gentle with them. He is an awesome dad.'

While in the past Marlon has been offered thousands of dollars to sell Hulk he has declined because the dog is part of the family.

He said: 'Hulk has shown the world that when this breed is gentle and balanced, they can be the greatest dogs in the world.

'I love this dog so much I honestly can't even put it into words. There are no words to describe it.'

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Unfazed: You Jordan smiles happily next to Hulk - who made international headlines when he was unveiled earlier this year

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Taking the beast for a walk: Jordan Grennan attempts to control Hulk as they walk in the White Mountains, New Hampshire

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Play pals: The enormous hound is owned by Dark Dynasty K9s, from New Hampshire, which specialises in breeding some of the world's most fearsome guard dogs

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Mr Grennan acknowledges that a dog the size of the Hulk 'could kill someone if it was in the wrong situation at the wrong time' and 'snap an arm like a toothpick'

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While pit bulls are branded 'dangerous' with breeding bans enforced in the UK, Mr Grennan claims they are actually very caring and fit for the family

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