China's new dog obsession
Better than a Bentley! Meet the $600,000 billionaire's best friend
If you had $600,000 to burn, what would you do with it?
Take a lavish vacation? Buy that classic Bentley you've always wanted? Let practicality reign supreme and pay off those pesky student loans?
Nah. We're too indulgent for the latter.
When we spend big, we want to spend decadently. So how about the acquisition of perhaps a more nontraditional status symbol — a puppy?
Maybe you need to be Chinese to understand.
An ancient breed steeped in history, the Tibetan mastiff was teetering on the verge of extinction. Was. But now the pooch is back with a vengeance, and the cuddly canine companion has the burgeoning Chinese billionaires in a tizzy.
For a cool $600,000 (no, we didn't fall asleep on the zero key), Asian elites are poising their pooper scoopers for dog ownership in alarming numbers. The pricey pooch's association with affluence has made it the latest rich man's accessory.
"In China, people think of the Tibetan mastiff as a holy animal — a blessing to their health and security," said Wen Li, a spokesman for a website about Tibetan mastiffs.
If you're going to pay for blessings, we reckon Fiesta's got much cheaper options. But hey, we guess that's our bone to pick with China.
Under what circumstances would you drop over half a million bucks for puppy love?