Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with cats,
Needs special attention,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Maxwell — A Loyal, Complex Little Guy Looking for His Person 💛
Maxwell is a 9-year-old Chihuahua with a big personality and an even bigger capacity for loyalty — but he is not a typical dog, and he is not the right fit for most homes.
Maxwell spent his entire life with one owner, and while he has made progress in foster care, it has become clear that he has significant resource guarding behaviors centered around his person. Because of this, we are looking for a very specific, experienced adopter who understands and is prepared to manage these behaviors.
⚠️ Maxwell’s Ideal Home (Non-Negotiable Requirements)
To ensure safety and success for both Maxwell and his adopter, all of the following must be met:
1. Single-Person Home ONLY
Maxwell must live with one adult only — no additional household members.
Once he bonds to his person, he will guard them and may become reactive toward others in the home. This behavior can escalate quickly and unpredictably, so a multi-person household is not a safe or appropriate fit.
2. Adult-Only, No Children Ever
Maxwell cannot live with children, now or in the future. His triggers can be subtle and inconsistent, and he will use his teeth when uncomfortable.
3. No Other Pets
Maxwell needs to be the only animal in the home. He does not do well with other pets and prefers to have his person all to himself.
4. Experienced, Behavior-Savvy Owner
Maxwell requires an adopter who:
• Understands resource guarding and reactivity
• Is comfortable managing behavior proactively
• Is willing to work with a professional trainer from day one
This is not optional — Maxwell will need ongoing behavioral support to succeed.
5. Low-Traffic, Quiet Home
Maxwell cannot be in a home with frequent visitors. He is not safe to have loose around unfamiliar people and would need to be securely managed during any interactions.
💛 The Good Stuff — Maxwell’s Heart
With his person, Maxwell is incredibly sweet, affectionate, and devoted.
Once he bonds, he:
• Loves snuggling and being close
• Enjoys being picked up and handled (by his person only)
• Is playful, quirky, and full of personality
• Will form a deep, loyal connection unlike any other
He truly is a one-person dog in the purest sense.
🐾 Daily Life with Maxwell
Maxwell is:
• 🛏 Kennel trained
• 🚽 About 90% potty trained (peeing outside consistently, still improving with poop)
• 🚶 Active for his age and benefits from short daily walks
• 📢 Reactive on leash and will bark at people/dogs
He is highly intelligent and capable of learning — but only in the right environment with the right guidance.
🧠 The Reality
Maxwell is not a casual companion. He is a behavioral dog who requires structure, management, and commitment.
Without proper handling and training, he will bite. His triggers can include proximity to his person, certain movements, or objects being carried. These are not always predictable.
Because of this, we are looking for a very specific adopter who:
• Understands the seriousness of these behaviors
• Is committed to professional training
• Wants a deeply bonded, one-person relationship
💛 Why Maxwell Is Worth It
For the right person, Maxwell offers something incredibly special:
A deeply loyal, ride-or-die companion who will love you completely.
He just needs someone willing to meet him where he is.
P.S. Maxwell is eligible for our Foster-to-Adopt program, which means you can take some time to get to know him in your home before finalizing the adoption. It’s a great way to ensure the perfect fit!
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If you’re interested in adopting, please apply online at mscrescue.org/adopt. An approved application is required before we can schedule a meet & greet. Once approved, we’ll work with you to ensure it’s a great fit—and if it’s not, no worries! We’ll help you find the right match.
All of our dogs are adoption-ready and come:
•️ Spayed or neutered
•️ Heartworm tested
•️ Dewormed
•️ Up-to-date on prevention medications
•️ Up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccines
•️ Microchipped
•️ With a coupon for a free Simply Dub collar from Dubdog Designs
