Miami mansion belonging to world's richest DOG – German Shepherd Gunther VI who inherited German countess's '$58 million fortune' – goes on the market for $31 million
![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.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/15/50650837-0-image-a-1_1637250281949.jpg)
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 1992, a group of handlers have helped maintain a jet-setting lifestyle for a succession of dogs. The Tuscan-style villa (pictured) 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.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/10/50650787-10216413-image-a-45_1637231400767.jpg)
Since 1992, a group of handlers have helped maintain a jet-setting lifestyle for a succession of dogs. The Tuscan-style villa (pictured) 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-square-foot 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.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/10/50650775-10216413-image-a-47_1637231408238.jpg)
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-square-foot 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.
![The stunning interiors feature minimalist furnishings, with plenty of chairs and sofas on which Gunther the German Shepherd can lounge upon. Spanning 8,400 square feet with 9 bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms, the residence is one of only six waterfront homes in the exclusive enclave.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/10/50650789-10216413-image-a-50_1637231415894.jpg)
The stunning interiors feature minimalist furnishings, with plenty of chairs and sofas on which Gunther the German Shepherd can lounge upon. Spanning 8,400 square feet with 9 bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms, the residence is one of only six waterfront homes in the exclusive enclave.
![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). 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.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/10/50650793-10216413-image-a-51_1637231421949.jpg)
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). 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.
![Real estate agent Ruthie Assouline said Gunther lives in Madonna's former master bedroom in the Miami mansion. 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.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/10/50650807-10216413-Real_estate_agent_Ruthie_Assouline_said_Gunther_lives_in-a-79_1637231735988.jpg)
Real estate agent Ruthie Assouline said Gunther lives in Madonna's former master bedroom in the Miami mansion. 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: The dining room within the stunning Miami property, which is worth $31 million, features brick work detailing and a gorgeous stone floor.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/10/50650791-10216413-image-a-59_1637231454996.jpg)
Pictured: The dining room within the stunning Miami property, which is worth $31 million, features brick work detailing and a gorgeous stone floor.
![Riccitelli 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. Pictured: The property's expansive kitchen with a modern island at its center.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/10/50650777-10216413-Meanwhile_the_stunning_crystal_white_kitchen_in_the_home_is_perf-a-80_1637231986531.jpg)
Riccitelli 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. Pictured: The property's expansive kitchen with a modern island at its center.
![Riccitelli shared that Gunther 'literally sleeps overlooking the most magnificent view in an Italian custom bed in the former bedroom of the greatest pop star in the world.' Pictured: The mansion's lush grounds, complete with palm trees and a fountain.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/10/50650803-10216413-image-a-55_1637231448638.jpg)
Riccitelli shared that Gunther 'literally sleeps overlooking the most magnificent view in an Italian custom bed in the former bedroom of the greatest pop star in the world.' Pictured: The mansion's lush grounds, complete with palm trees and a fountain.
![The group that runs the $500 million trust 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. Pictured: Gunther relaxes in the home's stunning backyard, overlooking an in-ground pool.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/10/50650797-10216413-image-a-57_1637231452235.jpg)
The group that runs the $500 million trust 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. Pictured: Gunther relaxes in the home's stunning backyard, overlooking an in-ground pool.
![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. Pictured: The home's gorgeous entrance.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/10/50650779-10216413-image-a-63_1637231462511.jpg)
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. Pictured: The home's gorgeous entrance.
![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'. Pictured: German Shepherd Gunther VI wears a faux diamond collar as he sits on the grounds of the house formally owned by pop star Madonna.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/10/50650795-10216413-image-a-62_1637231457930.jpg)
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'. Pictured: German Shepherd Gunther VI wears a faux diamond collar as he sits on the grounds of the house formally owned by pop star Madonna.
![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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/10/50650781-10216413-image-a-72_1637231478789.jpg)
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.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/10/50650783-10216413-image-a-69_1637231476266.jpg)
The property features a huge pool as well as outdoor dining area in which Gunther the German Shepherd can entertain guests.
![According to Tampa Bay Times, Italian press ran a story in 1995 that 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.'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/10/50650785-10216413-image-a-68_1637231473253.jpg)
According to Tampa Bay Times, Italian press ran a story in 1995 that 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. There are also trips to Milan and the Bahamas, where the latest Gunther recently dined out at restaurants every evening since his handlers like to make sure he's well socialized.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/10/50650799-10216413-image-a-74_1637231483998.jpg)
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. There are also trips to Milan and the Bahamas, where the latest Gunther recently dined out at restaurants every evening since his handlers like to make sure he's well socialized.
![A chef cooks Gunther's breakfast each morning, consisting 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. Here, Gunther VI is seen chasing a tennis ball thrown by handler Stacey Marino outside of a house formally owned by pop star Madonna.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/10/50650805-10216413-image-a-77_1637231489502.jpg)
A chef cooks Gunther's breakfast each morning, consisting 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. Here, Gunther VI is seen chasing a tennis ball thrown by handler Stacey Marino outside of a house formally owned by pop star Madonna.
![As luxurious as Gunther's life sounds, 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.'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/11/18/10/50650801-10216413-image-a-76_1637231487446.jpg)
As luxurious as Gunther's life sounds, 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.'