You’ve seen the lists. The ones where people claim every "old" toy in your attic is worth a fortune. Usually, it's just fluff. But when it comes to Littlest Pet Shop 913, the conversation gets a bit more serious. This isn't just another plastic trinket. It's a specific, retired figure that has actually maintained its grip on the collector market long after the "big-eye" craze of the mid-2000s peaked.
Honestly, if you aren't deep in the LPS community, you might just see a small gray blob. To a collector, though, LPS #913 is the "Sportiest" seal. It’s part of a very specific era of Hasbro’s Generation 2 (G2) line, and if you’re trying to track one down, there are a few things that might trip you up.
Why Littlest Pet Shop 913 is Harder to Find Than You Think
Most pets from this era were dumped into big-box stores in massive quantities. You could find them at Target, Toys "R" Us (RIP), or even grocery stores. Littlest Pet Shop 913 was different. It was a Walmart Exclusive.
Back in 2008, Hasbro released it as part of a "Pet Pairs" set. It didn't come alone. It was packaged with a lavender hermit crab, known as #912. Because it was tied to a specific retailer and sold in a dual-pack rather than a single blister card, the survival rate of these figures is lower. Kids lost the seal, kept the crab, or vice-versa. Finding both together in the original packaging today? That’s the "holy grail" for some.
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The design itself is pretty distinct. It’s a white and light gray seal with airbrushed markings. What really makes it pop are the "Arctic Blue" eyes and those bright blue flippers. It’s got that classic G2 bobble-head weight to it—the kind of quality fans complain is missing from the newer iterations.
The Myth of the $500 Seal
Let's clear the air. You’ll see some eBay listings for LPS #913 with prices that look like a mortgage payment. Don’t bite.
While it is labeled as "Rare" or "VHTF" (Very Hard To Find) in collector circles, it isn't the most expensive pet ever made. It’s not the #909 Dachshund or the #272 Collie. Those can go for hundreds of dollars easily. For an authentic, loose Littlest Pet Shop 913 in good condition, you’re usually looking at a range between $15 and $40, depending on the day.
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However, if it's "New in Box" (NIB) with the hermit crab friend, that price jumps significantly. Collectors pay a premium for cardboard and plastic that hasn't been touched by human oil or sunlight since the late Bush administration.
How to Tell if Yours is Real
The market for fakes is huge. Seriously. China produces "aftermarket" versions of popular LPS pets that look almost identical to the naked eye. If you’re looking at your #913 and wondering if it’s a counterfeit, check these three things:
- The Peg: Look under the head. If the peg connecting the head to the body is clear/transparent, it’s likely an authentic Hasbro pet from the later G2 era. If it’s solid white and doesn't "bobble" smoothly, you might have a fake.
- The Magnet: #913 was produced during a transition period. Some have the small blue-gray magnet in the paw (or flipper), while others have a hole.
- The Paint: Real Hasbro paint has a specific matte-to-satin finish. Fakes often look "shiny" or have "blurry" eyes where the blue bleeds into the white.
The "Sportiest" Collection Connection
It’s kind of funny that this seal is part of the "Sportiest" collection. What’s a seal doing being sporty? In the LPS world, the categories (Sassiest, Funniest, Sportiest) were more about the personality assigned to them in the marketing than the actual animal.
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#913 was marketed as an active, "sporty" pet. Maybe it's a fast swimmer? Who knows. But for people who are trying to complete the "Sportiest" sub-set, this seal is often the one that’s missing because of that Walmart exclusivity.
What to do if you find one
If you happen to stumble across Littlest Pet Shop 913 at a flea market or in a bin of old toys, don't just toss it in a bag. The paint on the tip of the nose and the flippers is notoriously easy to scuff.
- Clean it gently. Use a damp cloth and maybe a tiny bit of mild soap. Avoid Magic Erasers unless you really know what you're doing; they are abrasive and can rub the "Sportiest" right off your pet's face.
- Check for "Neck Rust." Because these have metal springs inside for the bobble head, moisture can cause rust. If you see a brown ring around the neck peg, the value drops.
- Store it away from light. The blue ink used for the eyes and flippers on #913 is prone to fading. Keep it in a cool, dark place if you're holding it for investment.
Ultimately, #913 is a piece of toy history from a time when Hasbro was experimenting with how to keep the brand fresh. It’s a bridge between the early "pink magnet" pets and the later, more stylized "Generation 3" pets that many fans disliked.
If you're buying one today, look for a seller with actual photos—not stock images. Make sure the blue on the flippers is vibrant. If you're selling one, mention the Walmart exclusivity in your title. That’s the "secret sauce" that catches the eye of serious collectors who know exactly what they're looking for.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify Authenticity: Check the neck peg of your seal. A clear peg is the standard for 2008-era authentic Hasbro releases.
- Value Assessment: Search eBay "Sold" listings—not "Active" listings—to see what people are actually paying for #913 this month.
- Storage: If you own one, keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent the "Arctic Blue" eyes from turning a dull gray.