1. Fusaichi Pegasus – $70 million

Fusaichi Pegasus is one of the most expensive racehorses ever sold, purchased for a reported $70 million by Coolmore Stud in 2000 shortly after winning the Kentucky Derby. Thanks to his exceptional racing record and strong pedigree, he became highly valuable as a Thoroughbred stallion for breeding purposes. Although his offspring experienced mixed success on the track, Fusaichi Pegasus remained a major figure in both the racing and breeding industries due to his impressive legacy and high-profile sale. Furthermore, his record-breaking price tag symbolizes just how much value the industry places on elite genetics and potential. Overall, Fusaichi Pegasus’s story highlights the intersection of performance, pedigree, and market demand in the world of horse racing.

Image at coolmore.com

2. Arabian Horse Marwan Al Shaqab – $20 million

Arabian Horse Marwan Al Shaqab ranks among the most valuable horses worldwide, with an estimated worth of $20 million. Firstly, breeders prize him for his stunning looks, flawless build, and prestigious bloodline, making him highly sought-after in breeding. In addition, Marwan Al Shaqab has won numerous international championships, showcasing his exceptional talent and confirming his top status. Moreover, he has sired countless champion offspring, further boosting his reputation and influence. As a result, he represents not only Arabian heritage and excellence but also holds a legendary status in the global equestrian community. Therefore, his high price reflects both his impressive show achievements and the lasting impact he makes on Arabian horse breeding worldwide. Ultimately, Marwan Al Shaqab stands as a symbol of elite genetics, beauty, and an enduring legacy in the horse world.

Image at royalarabians.com

3. Green Monkey – $16 million

Green Monkey was a Thoroughbred racehorse sold for a staggering $16 million in 2006, making him one of the most expensive racehorses ever sold at auction. Buyers were drawn by his exceptional pedigree, being sired by the legendary Maria’s Mon and descending from a line of champions. Despite the high price, Green Monkey’s racing career didn’t live up to expectations, as he won only a couple of races before retiring. However, his value mainly lay in his potential as a breeding stallion, where owners hoped his genetics would produce future champions.

Image at thoroughbreddailynews.com

4. S-S-I Doc Have Not 8784-ET – $1.9 million

S-S-I Doc Have Not 8784-ET is a Holstein cow that sold for $1.9 million, making her one of the most expensive dairy cows ever. Breeders valued her for outstanding genetics that promise high milk production, excellent health, and fertility. Owners aim to use her genes to improve their herds significantly. Her sale highlights how much the dairy industry invests in superior genetics to boost productivity and herd quality over generations.

Image at borderviewgenetics.com

5. Big Splash – $1.5 million

Big Splash is a Tibetan Mastiff that sold for $1.5 million, ranking among the most expensive dogs in history. Firstly, buyers highly value this breed for its massive size, dense fur, and strong protective instincts. Originally, Tibetan Mastiffs come from the Himalayan region, where they traditionally guarded livestock and property. Furthermore, owning a Tibetan Mastiff like Big Splash symbolizes wealth and status, especially in places like China, where the breed became a luxury status symbol. Overall, the combination of rarity, impressive appearance, and cultural significance strongly drove Big Splash’s extraordinary price.

Image at dailymail.co.uk

6. Missy (Holstein Cow) – $1.2 million

Missy is a Holstein cow that sold for $1.2 million in 2009, making her one of the most expensive dairy cows ever. Because of her exceptional genetics, Canadian breeders highly valued her; these genetics promised both high milk production and strong offspring. Additionally, Missy won several competitions, which proved her quality not only in appearance but also in performance. As a result, farmers bought her to improve their herds by passing on her superior traits. Overall, Missy’s story reflects just how valuable top genetics have become in the dairy industry.

Image at expansion.com

7. Double Diamond (Sheep) – $490,000

Double Diamond is a Texel ram who set a world record by selling for £367,500 (about $490,000) at the Scottish National Texel Sale in Lanark in August 2020. At six months old, he impressed breeders with his genetics and perfect conformation. He was sired by the £65,000 champion Garngour Craftsman and is embryo-bred from a ewe sired by the £32,000 Plasucha Big Gun. During the auction, a bidding war broke out, and three breeders—Jeff Aiken, Alan Blackwood, and Messrs Teward—formed a consortium to buy him. Aiken called Double Diamond “the best lamb I have ever seen,” praising his legs, bright appearance, and top line. They plan to use him for breeding and artificial insemination to pass on his elite genetics. Overall, Double Diamond’s sale shows the high value placed on superior genetics in livestock breeding.

Image at newsweek.com

8. Deveronvale Perfection (Sheep) – $376,000

Deveronvale Perfection is a Texel sheep known for its exceptional genetics and muscular build. Born and raised in Scotland, this ram gained fame after selling for approximately £230,000 (about $376,000) at auction, which made it one of the most expensive sheep ever sold. Because of its strong traits—such as fast growth and high-quality meat—farmers and breeders highly value Deveronvale Perfection for passing these qualities on to offspring. Moreover, its record-breaking sale not only set a new standard in the sheep breeding world but also highlighted the increasing importance of genetics in livestock farming. Therefore, this sale reflects how genetic excellence continues to drive innovation and success within the industry.

Image at blogspot.com

9. Big Jake (Belgian Horse) – $200,000

Big Jake, a Belgian draft horse born in 2001, earned the title of the world’s tallest horse by standing 20.2¾ hands (210 cm) tall and weighing over 2,600 pounds. In fact, Guinness World Records officially recognized him in 2010. Raised on Smokey Hollow Farm in Wisconsin, he participated in competitions and met thousands of visitors. Despite his massive size, Big Jake had a gentle personality, which made him a favorite among fans. Sadly, he passed away in 2021 at the age of 20. Although many assume he sold for $200,000, there’s no confirmed sale price—his fame came primarily from his size rather than his value. Overall, Big Jake remains a remarkable example of extraordinary size combined with a calm nature.

Image at reddit.com

10. Sir Lancelot Encore (Cloned Dog) – $155,000

Sir Lancelot Encore is the world’s first commercially cloned dog, created in 2009 for $155,000. Florida couple Edgar and Nina Otto lost their beloved Labrador, Sir Lancelot, to cancer and decided to clone him using preserved DNA. The biotech company BioArts International, along with Sooam Biotech in South Korea, carried out the cloning. The puppy, named Lancelot Encore, was born in South Korea and flown to the U.S., where he joined the Ottos and their other dogs. He later fathered a litter of eight puppies. His story sparked global attention and raised new questions about cloning and its emotional impact.

Image at dailymail.co.uk

This top list shows the top 10 most expensive animals of all time.