The character of the Grinch first appeared in a short 1955 poem by Dr. Seuss called “The Hoobub and the Grinch.” Since then, it has stolen the hearts of readers, viewers, and collectors for years.

Everything from that wide, mischievous grin on the Grinch’s face to carving the “roast beast” is portrayed lovely through books, audio, movies, shows, and more. However, one character stands out just as much as the green, Christmas-stealing menace. We’re talking about the Grinch dog name of Max.

What Kind of Dog is Max?

As a Christmas movie, The Grinch features a mutt dog breed loyally standing by the main character’s side, even when tasked with incredibly ridiculous tasks like dressing up as Rudolph the Reindeer and pulling a sleigh.

Despite the plotline of stealing gifts from small Whoville children, Max demonstrates many of the traits we look for in mutts, especially the loyalty, kindness, and compassion that resonate with dog owners around the globe.

There is no direct reference to Max’s dog breed in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. You can tell he is a mutt from his appearance and character behavior. The small size, floppy ears, and wiry coat resemble a mixture of popular breeds like Beagles, Dachshunds, and various Terriers.

The Popularity and Social Status of Mutts

Mixed breeds are popular with families due to the mass availability of such breeds. Rescues and shelters have way more mutts inside than pure dog breeds, and they tend to have fewer genetic markers for disease or medical issues.

Mutts also have one characteristic we all can agree makes them so desirable – they have balanced temperaments. You can have a mutt in a wide range of environments, from an urban apartment to a sprawling New England farm.

Those big eyes and funny personalities reflect so much of Max that you cannot help but fall in love with mutts – with even some having the same Grinch dog name. It only makes sense we have a National Mutt Day celebrated by owners and pups alike.

Personality and Characteristics of Dog Breeds That Make Up Max

While Dr. Seuss has long since moved onto the next great adventure, having passed at 87 years of age in 1991, there are no notes on what specific dog breeds are in Max. Popular belief is there is a mixture of some beloved breeds. We’ve done our best to focus on the most likely mixture of dog breeds Max comprises so you get a good idea of what to look for the next time you wish to adopt. These breeds may include:

• Beagles: The floppy ears and soulful eyes of Max are stark characteristics of a Beagle dog. These beloved animals are well known for having a gentle disposition and playful temperament. Most are small to medium-sized (around 20-30 lbs.) and have a sense of smell that is almost God-like. These affectionate pets are fantastic for families and naturally curious due to their strong, scent-driven instincts.
• Dachshunds: Max has a low-to-the-ground body with a very expressive face that reminds us of a Dachshund. The elongated body and short legs trying to pull the sleigh were originally meant for hunting small game. That is why many dachshunds have a fearless, almost determined personality only matched by loyalty and attachment to their owners. That is probably why the bond between Max and the Grinch is so strong.
• Terriers: When you see Max’s wiry coat and feisty demeanor, you immediately think of a Jack Russell or Border Terrier. These are extremely sturdy dogs with high energy levels, which is why you see a lot of online videos of them hunting vermin. You get a much more intelligent dog with a lot of energy that is best suited to an active household.

From this quick list, you can easily see how the Christmas movie Max represents the best attributes of a mutt. He is brave like a Dachshund, spunky like a Terrier, and incredibly loyal like a Beagle.

That unique, well-rounded personality is why every new iteration of the Grinch must include his four-legged friend in order to “Wow” viewers appropriately. Having a personality like what you see with Max, plus the benefits of a better temperament and easier-to-manage health situation, is why so many owners seek out mutts instead of going the route of pure breed dogs that take a lot more care and maintenance.

Wrapping Up

Every time How the Grinch Stole Christmas comes up on your TV or streaming service, be sure to give it a watch. Christmas simply isn’t a true holiday without the wonderful pet Christmas movies that recreate that sense of nostalgia of opening presents under the tree with family, friends, and the treasured family dog.

Looking at Max and understanding his dog breed is the beloved mutt is why many families seek a similar solution from rescues, shelters, and friends down the road with an unexpected litter. Enjoying the charm and uniqueness of mixed breeds, including those from Beagles, Dachshunds, and Terriers, is only getting more popular.

Mutts make phenomenal family pets. They bring love and companionship into the home and offer a fantastic partner whenever you want to play fetch with a Funny Giggle Interactive Ball or curl up on the couch and play your favorite holiday film.