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It is estimated that Americans will spend more than $52 billion on their pets in 2012. If that figure isn't staggering enough, imagine thousands and sometimes millions of dollars going to just one adorable animal. That's a lot of kibble. Hold onto your wallets and count down the top 10 most expensive pets with us.
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10. PRINCELY PUP
The Pet: Prince the Chinese Crested
The Price: $400/month
The Purpose: Prince's owner, Emma Butarrazzi, makes sure her pooch gets treated like royalty. The dog goes through a bubble bath, conditioning treatment and moisturizing ritual every morning. Prince also has a palatial wardrobe, collecting more than 200 pricey outfits. His closet is only getting more crowded, because Butarrazzi loves scouring sites for new clothes and spending money on her pup. This dedication has earned Prince the title "Most Pampered Pooch in Britain". (Daily Mail)
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9. SEEING DOUBLE
The Pet: Double Trouble the Lhasa Apso
The Price: $50,000
The Purpose: Danielle Tarantola was so enraptured with her dog Trouble that when he passed away at 18, she decided she couldn't go on without him. To fill the doggie-shaped hole in her life, Tarantola shelled out major bucks to have a clone of Trouble made in South Korea. The genetic replica pup was born without incident. Tarantola is pleased with her pet payment, because she says she can barely tell her new pup, Double Trouble, from his predecessor. (TODAY)
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8. TWO CATS ARE BETTER THAN ONE
The Pet: Maine Coon Little Nicky
The Price: $65,000
The Purpose: Similar to Tarantola, animal-lover Julie was seriously missing her deceased pet cat, Nicky, and decided to look into cloning. Julie went to San-Francisco-based Genetic Savings and Clone to create another Nicky. The owner had to surrender a severe amount of cash to get the copy cat, especially since he was the first commercial pet clone. Regardless of what her bank account now reads, Julie believes Little Nicky was worth every dollar. (ABC News (Australia))
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7. SORT OF CELEB PET
The Pet: Cousin to Blake Lively's Malitpoo Penny
The Price: $65,000
The Purpose: Doesn't it seem like celebs always snag the cutest pets? Well, Annelise Peterson certainly thought so. She paid $65,000 to get an adorable Maltipoo pup from the same bloodline as Blake Lively's dog Penny. Paws crossed that this pooch becomes a big star, so he can help pay back some of his price tag. (PawNation)
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6. LIVE IN STYLE
The Pets: Bull Terriers Juice, Minter, and Callum
The Price: $82,000 each
The Purpose: While much is still left unanswered about Alexander McQueen's life, the deceased designer was always clear about his love for animals. To ensure his pups' safety and happiness, he left each terrier a good sum to help them get through the rest of their dog years. McQueen also generously donated to several animal charities in his will. (BBC News)
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5. DANE DUO'S SWEET DIGS
The Pet: Two lucky Great Danes
The Price: $417,000
The Purpose: One English dog owner decided to be a true gent and build his two Great Danes the ultimate abode. This nearly $500,000 house comes complete with temperature-controlled beds, a sound system, flat-screen TVs, spa bath and private playground. We wonder if we can get invited to a house party. There certainly is no other way to get in; this pad also is complete with retinal scanners that only allow the two Danes entry. (This Old House)
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4. MILLION DOLLAR MUTT
The Pet: Tibetan Mastiff Big Splash
The Price: $1.5 million
The Purpose: One Chinese business tycoon must be really big on dogs, big dogs especially. The professional paid $1.5 million for a Red Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash. The doggie is already 180 pounds and is said to only get larger over time. His breeders assure that the money was well worth it, since Mr. Splash is a "perfect specimen". He'd better be! (CBS News)
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3. CHA-CHING CHIHUAHUA
The Pet: Conchita the Chihuahua
The Price: $3 million and a mansion
The Purpose: Infamous Miami hieress Gail Posner wanted her dog to continue living the lap of luxury even after her lap was gone. To assure her pup Conchita stayed pampered, Posner left her mansion and $3 million to the doggie. Though after living with a full-time staff for years, this millionaire lifestyle in nothing new for Conchita. (Time)
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2. NO TROUBLE FOR THIS PUP
The Pet: Maltese pup Trouble
The Price: $12 million
The Purpose: New York hotelier Leona Helmsley was not liked by all, but she was adored by her dog, Trouble. The feeling must have been mutual, because Helmsley left the Maltese $12 million in her will. The owner instructed that the hefty sum should be used for Trouble's various costs, including $100,000 for security and $8,000 for grooming. Sadly, Trouble died in 2010. His leftover inheritance was passed on to Helmsley's trust for charitable causes. (New York Times)
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Next: Best Breeds at the 2013 Westminster Dog Show
1. BOSS BLACK CAT
The Pet: Tommaso the cat
The Price: $13 million
The Purpose: Cats have their rag-to-riches stories too. 4-year-old Tomasso used to be living on the streets of Rome before property tycoon Maria Assunta took him in. Tomasso must be quite the charmer becasue his 94-tear-old owner left him $13 million fortune. The black cat now has oodles of cash and properties across Italy. (ABC News)
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