The Grinch is one of the most famous Christmas characters ever created. Jim Carrey brought the character to life in a live-action film that went on to be a box office hit and is now a beloved holiday movie classic.
Max, the dog that is often seen with the Grinch, is a mix breed called a mutt. He looks like a Terrier and shares some of their traits.
Max
Max is the loyal companion and pet of the Grinch, the main character in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Though the book doesn't mention his exact breed, it is likely that Max is a mixed breed.
He is a dog that is very faithful to his master, even when the Grinch hurts him. In the movie, he is played by 6 different mixed-breed rescue dogs and his appearance and temperament suggest that he might belong to the Terrier mix breed.
In the movie, all dogs were orphans who were rescued from shelters. They were groomed in a specific way to resemble each other and were desensitized to all the actors' make-up and costumes before filming.
Airedale
The Grinch's faithful dog Max has always been a fan-favorite character in Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" movies and stories.
While a number of people have wondered what breed Max is, no official confirmation has been made. He's likely a mix of several breeds, including Airedale Terriers.
Like many terriers, Airedales have a hard, wiry coat. They don't shed much and only need to be clipped a few times a year to keep their coat looking clean and tidy.
This type of coat also prevents them from catching cold and insulates them from the elements. They can be very active dogs and need to be properly exercised.
They are highly intelligent, which is great for training. They excel in dog sports such as canicross, but can also be a great family pet.
Airedales are lovable, independent and energetic dogs. They also love playing and are very loyal to their humans.
Wheaten Terrier
The Grinch has a loyal dog, Max. He’s shown to be smarter than most dogs, even if his master is a bit of a misanthrope.
The Wheaten Terrier is an Irish breed with a soft, silky coat that can be either wavy or heavy. They have a pale yellow color that ranges from beige to golden.
They are a very loyal breed, which is why Jim Carrey, who played the Grinch in the movie, was so careful to ensure that Max had a strong bond with him on set.
When you’re buying a Wheaten, it’s important to look for a breeder who will give you health clearances for both your puppy’s parents. A health clearance means that your pup’s parents have been tested for and cleared of a certain condition, such as Renal Dysplasia.
Like all terriers, Wheatens tend to get dirty and messy. That’s why they need to be groomed on a regular basis, either by brushing or clipping their coat. This helps keep their coat free of mats and keeps them looking their best.
Mixed Breed
The Grinch's loyal dog Max is often thought to be a Terrier mix. He's a great example of how a mixed breed can still display the best characteristics of its parent breed.
However, mixed-breed dogs are often unwanted by their parents because they're unable to find homes or are put down when they are not deemed adoptable. Despite their plight, many mixed breeds are rescued from shelters and given a chance at a better life with a loving home.
They're also a popular choice for family dogs because of their good temperament and easy-to-train personalities. These dogs are typically intelligent and have a strong desire to please their owners, just like Max.
Max is one of six dogs who were rescued from a local shelter and rehabilitated on the set of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. His owners, Orly Kroh-Trifman and Marnie Cooper, visited the dogs on the set almost daily for months before they were allowed to take them home.
