Maximus is a large, athletic, handsome dog who loves being with his people. He was surrendered to Norfolk Animal Control in Hampton Roads with his sister, Gluteus, one month ago. While his sister was adopted from the shelter, Maximus languished for a month waiting to be adopted. The shelter called VGSR days before he was scheduled to be euthanized for space, and we were able to get him out in time.

Based on his demeanor so far, he is very happy to have a second chance. With proper boundaries and leadership, he is a great dog. Without them, he will likely rule the house. He likes to sit on the couch and lay on the bed but will get off if told to do so.

He knows sit, wait and is working on down. He is also working on his tendency to jump up on people. He does it out of affection, but his size can make it hazardous if he decides to pin someone against the wall and give kisses. He loves to have his chest and stomach rubbed and will roll over on his back with paws up and tongue out for rubs.

Maximus does not like to be crated, at least not in a wire crate, which he has pretty thoroughly wrecked in the two weeks he has been inside it. He broke out the second day, but twist ties holding it together has been able to contain him since then. When left uncrated, he gets in the trash, surfs on the counter and lays on the couch and the bed. He has not chewed anything, but I have left him uncrated only three times.

Maximus will need a home where he can get regular physical and mental stimulation. Although it would be nice to have a fenced yard where she could run around, it is not required. Maximus is still working on his impulse control and will run up to any dog he sees to greet it. He sometimes becomes overly exuberant with other dogs, nipping their cheeks playfully, which many of them do not like. He can be rather intense in his body language and demeanor, which can sometimes be off-putting to other dogs, but regular socialization with a confident master will help him to learn.

He does not seem too protective of the house, but that may be because he has not lived here long enough yet. He is very curious and friendly toward strangers, and he plays pretty well with people aside from occasional mouthiness.

Maximus will be a great dog to a home that understands the need to set fair boundaries and is confident around a large dog.