Netflix's Gunther IV and the world's richest pets

Gunther VI was said to be the world's richest pet and is also the inspiration for the Netflix documentary, Gunther's Millions. (Source: Netflix) (Netflix)

It's the Netflix doco that has tongues wagging. The tale of the world's so-called richest pet, German shepherd Gunther VI, has fascinated viewers in the series Gunther's Millions.

As it happens, there are plenty of other cashed-up cats and canines living lavish lives. Here are the pets who have amassed vast fortunes and are pampered with only the finest things money can buy.

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Gunther VI

Estimated net worth: $500 million

Gunther IV is a very lucky boy indeed. (Source: Netflix)

The world's richest pet is, depending how you look at it, is the aforementioned Gunther VI. How did a dog wind up with such a $500 million fortune? It all goes back to Gunther III, who was said to have inherited hundreds of millions of dollars from a bereaved German countess named Karlotta Liebenstein in the early 1990s. In actuality, the money belonged to the family of Maurizio Mian, a university professor who was heir to an Italian pharmaceutical fortune. Mian's mother had funnelled funds to a friend in Germany via well-known tax havens Liechtenstein and the Bahamas. Gunter III was replaced over the years by a string of nearly identical dogs, right up to Gunther IV, to continue the ruse and help Mian dodge taxes to this day.

Taylor Swift's cat, Olivia Benson

Estimated net worth: $97 million

Taylor Swift's cat, Olivia Benson, is worth $97 million. (Source: Instagram/@taylorswift) (Taylor Swift Instagram)

Taylor Swift's beloved Scottish Fold cat, Olivia Benson, has made quite a name for herself in the celebrity pet world, boasting a staggering net worth of $97 million. Her fame and fortune come from starring in multiple music videos with Swift (including 'Blank Space'), guest appearances in high-profile commercials for big name brands like Diet Coke and Keds, and her own merchandise line.

Nala Cat

Estimated net worth: $5 million

Nala Cat became an overnight sensation when her owners, a couple from Los Angeles, started posting her pictures on social media in 2010. (Source: Instagram/@nala_cat) (Instagram)

Nala Cat, a social media sensation with over 4 million Instagram followers, is another of the world's most cashed up kitties. The adorable Siamese/Tabby mix earns over $15,000 per sponsored post and has her own merchandise line including clothing, toys and even her own book. Nala's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, making her one of the most successful pet influencers in the world. She's even the proud recipient of a Guinness World Record for the followers on Instagram for a cat. Her owners donate a portion of her earnings to animal shelters and rescues, making her not just a rich cat but also a feline philanthropist.

Oprah's dogs, Sadie, Sunny, Layla, Lauren and Luke

Estimated net worth: $6 million each

Oprah reportedly spends over $30,000 a year on her dogs' food and healthcare, with each dog having its own personal chef and trainer. (Photo: Harpo Inc./Jose Tutiven) (Harpo Inc)

Oprah Winfrey's beloved dogs Sadie, Sunny, Lauren, Layla, and Luke are living a life of luxury. These five furry friends are reportedly worth millions of dollars and enjoy the finest things in life, including custom-made doghouses and organic gourmet meals. Oprah has also put aside a massive inheritance for the pampered pups, ensuring they are well taken care of after she passes away. Each pooch currently has their own trust fund with a net worth of $30 million.

Jiffpom

Estimated net worth: $8.5 million

Pomeranian, Jiffpom, is the most followed animal on social media with over 30 million followers. (Source: Twitter/@jiffpom) (Twitter)

Jiffpom is a furry little Pomeranian who has amassed quite the social media following. This little guy is famous for his fashionable wardrobe and heart-melting good looks, and has even starred in music videos and TV commercials. His stardom sure has paid off, with a net worth of $8.5 million, he's definitely living the high life as one of the world's richest pets.

Choupette

Estimated net worth: $13 million

Late German fashion designer and owner of Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, once said about his pet Birman Choupette that he would marry the feline companion "if it was legal". (Souce: Instagram/@choupetteofficiel) (Instagram)

Move over, Garfield, there's a new fat cat in town! Choupette, the Birman kitty of the late fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, has become a superstar in her own right. With modelling contracts and paid posts on Instagram, she's bringing in the dough. When Karl Lagerfeld died in 2019, a rumour circulated that the designer’s fortune—estimated to be anywhere between $195 to $300 million dollars—was being inherited by his beloved puss. It's never been confirmed, but just one look at her (verified) Instagram account proves she's still living large despite the loss of much-loved Lagerfield.

Betty White's dog, Pontiac

Estimated net worth: $5 million

Betty White was well known for her love of animals and reportedly left her pooch Pontiac $5million in her will. (Source: Animaltheory) (animaltheory)

When it comes to being a pampered pup, Pontiac the Golden Retriever takes the cake. After the passing of his owner, the late Betty White, Pontiac inherited an impressive $5 million fortune. Known for her role as Sue Ann Nivens in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, White made sure her beloved furry companion would be well taken care of after she was gone.

Doug the Pug

Estimated net worth: $2.5 million

Doug The Pug is a 2x People’s Choice Award Winner. (Source: Instagram/@itsdougthepug) (Instagram)

Doug the Pug is the furry internet sensation worth a cool $2.5 million! This social media star has made a name for himself with his adorable face and side-splitting costumes, all while winning hearts across the globe. With a massive following on Instagram and Facebook, Doug has landed sponsorship deals with top brands and appeared in music videos with the likes of Katy Perry and DNCE. He's also a published author and has gone on a world tour, proving that he's more than just a pretty face.

Tucker

Estimated net worth: $1.5 million

Tucker the Golden Retriever has 3.3 million Instagram followers. (Source: Instagram/@tuckerbudzyn) (Instagram)

Meet Tucker the Golden Retriever, beloved canine companion of YouTube personality Courtney Budzyn, and also one of the richest pets on social media. Tucker's social media presence has paid off big time, with over 3 million followers on YouTube and Instagram. This loveable Golden Retriever has made a fortune through sponsored posts, brand partnerships, and even appearances in commercials and TV shows. His estimated net worth? A whopping $1.5 million!

Maru Taro

Estimated net worth: $1.5 million

Maru Taro's Instagram account was started by his owner Shinjiro Ono to spread love after a devastating earthquake in Japan in 2011. (Source: Instagram/@marutaro) (Instagram)

Maru Taro, the charming Shiba Inu, is a bonafide celebrity and one of the wealthiest pets in the world with a net worth of over $1.5 million. It all began with his paw-some Instagram account, created by his owner Shinjiro Ono, which now boasts 2.4 million loyal followers. MarI Taro’s star power has landed him numerous TV commercial gigs, making him a household name in the advertising industry.

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