A multimillionaire dog is selling his $31 million Miami mansion that was once owned by the A-lister Madonna.
Gunther VI the German Shepherd inherited his vast fortune, including the nine-bedroom waterfront home once owned by the ‘Material Girl’ singer, from his grandfather Gunther IV.
According to reports, the dog’s lineage dates back decades to when Gunther III was gifted a multimillion-dollar trust reportedly worth $58 million from late owner German countess Karlotta Liebenstein when she died in 1992.
Since then, a group of handlers have helped maintain a jet-setting lifestyle for a succession of dogs.
The Tuscan-style villa with views of Biscayne Bay went on sale Wednesday for $31 million – a whopping markup from the purchase two decades ago from the pop star for $7.5 million. The home also boasts a gilded framed portrait of Gunther IV over the living room fireplace.
Situated in one of the most desired locations in Miami, the private estate sits on a 51,000-sq.ft lot with 100 feet of water frontage featuring lush landscaping, breathtaking open bay and city views, and a dock to soak in the South Florida sunshine.
Spanning 8,400-sq.ft, with 9 bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms, the residence is one of only six waterfront homes in the exclusive enclave.
However doubts have been cast on the story of how the world’s richest dog accrued his fortune, with Tampa Bay Times reporting in 2005 the tale of the German Countess was all part of a ‘publicity stunt’.
Gunther VI the German Shepherd, a multimillionaire dog, is selling his $31 million Miami mansion that was once owned by the A-lister Madonna (pictured)
The Tuscan-style villa with views of Biscayne Bay went on sale Wednesday for $31 million – a whopping markup from the purchase two decades ago from Madonna for $7.5 million (pictured)
The stunning interiors feature minimalist furnishings, with plenty of chairs and sofas on which Gunther the German Shepherd can lounge upon
According to the newspaper, Italian press ran a story in 1995 which stated that Countess Karlotta Liebenstein never existed, and therefore never left any money in her will to the dog Gunther.
The story was declared ‘a hoax’, with a spokesperson for a previous sale stating: ‘It was just an invention to publicize the philosophy of the Gunther Group and the Gunther Foundation.’
Despite the mystery behind the story of how Gunther inherited his fortune, the dog has continued to enjoy a lavish lifestyle at his home in Miami.
Gunther spent a recent morning playing with his tennis ball, rolling in the grass, slobbering a little and napping a lot.
Later, he had a ‘meeting’ with the real estate agents selling his Miami mansion that his handlers bought from Madonna.
And of course Gunther was wearing his very best faux diamond dog collar for the meeting – his real gold collar is back at his main home in Tuscany.
Gunther was wearing his very best faux diamond dog collar for the meeting about selling his home – his real gold collar is back at his main home in Tuscany (pictured)
Real estate agent Ruthie Assouline said Gunther lives in Madonna’s former master bedroom in the Miami mansion (pictured)
There are trips to the Milan and the Bahamas, where the latest Gunther recently dined out at restaurants every evening – his handlers like to make sure he’s well socialized.
A chef cooks his breakfast each morning made of the finest meat, fresh vegetables and rice.
Sometimes he enjoys caviar, but there’s never any kibble in site. He travels by private jet, works on obedience skills daily with his trainer and sleeps in a lavish round, red velvet bed overlooking the bay.
To land the coveted listing, expert real estate agents Ruthie and Ethan Assouline with The Assouline Team at Compass had to undergo a rigorous ‘sniff test’ and received a bark of approval from Gunther VI before entrusting them with the sale of the property.
Pictured: The dining room within the stunning Miami property, which is worth $31 million, features brick work detailing and a gorgeous stone floor
Spanning 8,400-sq.ft, with 9 bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms, the residence is one of only six waterfront homes in the exclusive enclave (pictured, the kitchen)
She nabbed the listing with her husband Ethan for the 1.2-acre (0.5 hectare) property in a row of a half-dozen waterfront homes next to a public county park and on the same street where Sylvester Stallone once lived
Carla Riccitelli is one of Gunther’s main caretakers and is on a board that manages the trust now worth almost $500 million, deciding when to buy and sell real estate (pictured, Gunther relaxing by the pool)
Real estate agent Ruthie said: ‘He lives in Madonna’s former master bedroom.’
She nabbed the listing with her husband Ethan for the 1.2-acre (0.5 hectare) property in a row of a half-dozen waterfront homes next to a public county park and on the same street where Sylvester Stallone once lived.
She added: ‘He literally sleeps overlooking the most magnificent view in an Italian custom bed in the former bedroom of the greatest pop star in the world.’
Carla Riccitelli is one of Gunther’s main caretakers and is on a board that manages the trust now worth almost $500 million, deciding when to buy and sell real estate.
Situated in one of the most desired locations in Miami, the private estate sits on a 51,000-sq.ft lot with 100 feet of water frontage featuring lush landscaping, breathtaking open bay and city views, and a dock to soak in the South Florida sunshine
German Shepherd Gunther VI wears a faux diamond collar as he sits on the grounds of a house formally owned by pop star Madonna
The group has even purchased sports teams, including a men’s soccer team and women’s swimming team and, yes, Gunther played on the field and attended the meets, she said.
Riccitelli, a 52-year-old animal lover who resides in Tuscany, met the group taking care of Gunther nearly 30 years ago.
She instantly connected with the dog and the mission of the trust, and joined the team. She also helped form Gunther Rescue a few years ago to care for other animals.
She has taken care of the last three Gunthers and often brings the current dog with her on routine trips to the market or visits to the kennel where she cares for strays.
To land the coveted listing, expert real estate agents Ruthie and Ethan Assouline with The Assouline Team at Compass had to undergo a rigorous ‘sniff test’ and received a bark of approval from Gunther VI before entrusting them with the sale of the property
The property features a huge pool as well as outdoor dining area in which Gunther the German Shepherd can entertain guests
According to the dictates of his legacy, Gunther’s bloodline have all lived a life full of love, joy and pleasure in the lap of luxury – with a group of handlers, maids and butlers to tend to the pampered pooch’s every need
She said: ‘He’s not aggressive at all. He’s very good with other animals.’
‘They’re very protective with their owner, with their people. They like to have the family around so I usually invite friends with other dogs over,’ she said during a phone interview.
She talks with the board that oversees the trust a few times a month. The Miami real estate market is so hot, with such limited inventory, they decided it was an opportune time to sell.
The Assoulines are accustomed to multi-million dollar listings, but this one seemed unbelievable.
The jet-setting dog travels by private jet, eats steak and caviar for dinner, owns multiple yachts and collector cars, and even purchased rare $1.1 Million white truffle at auction
German Shepherd Gunther VI chases a tennis ball thrown by handler Stacey Marino outside of a house formally owned by pop star Madonna
Ruthie said: ‘When it was explained that this house was bought by this German Shepherd, I was like, `What are you talking about? I’m not following you’,’
When she first met Gunther, he covered her face with such sloppy kisses that he licked off her lipstick, she laughed.
As luxurious as Gunther’s life sound, he still has drama and hardships like everyone. Back in Italy, Riccitelli has two other dogs that live with Gunther – his favorite playmates.
But she also has six cats and a couple of chickens.
Let’s just say it’s a work in progress, Riccitelli said. ‘He’s still learning to be with six cats.’
As luxurious as Gunther’s life sound, he still has drama and hardships like everyone. Back in Italy, Riccitelli has two other dogs that live with Gunther – his favorite playmates