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Maximus

Mastiff · Male · Adult · 6 years

Maximus would thrive in a calm, structured home without other pets, small furries, or children. While he can be left alone for a few hours once settled, this will need to be built up gradually. He has a history of resource guarding and can be uncomfortable with formal handling, as well as wary in unfamiliar situations. Although some behaviours noted in his previous home haven’t been observed at the centre, his adopters should be prepared to continue training and management, working with the training team to help him settle. Maximus is not a fan of the vets so will need to be muzzled for vet visits and would benefit from a consistent, understanding approach to help him feel safe and secure. In the right environment, Maximus has so much to offer as a loyal and engaging companion. Maximus is a 6-year-old, medium-energy boy who is full of life and character. He’s confident and friendly when meeting new people, though he prefers not to be over-fussed or cuddled until he knows you well. He can be excitable around other dogs and, due to his size, may come across as a bit overwhelming at first—but with calm introductions, he’s happy to enjoy walking companions and shared adventures. Maximus loves to play and still has plenty of energy, balanced with an appreciation for slower, sniff-filled walks. A secure area for him to let off steam is on his wish list He is looking for a confident, adult-only home with experienced handlers who understand large, strong breeds. This super lad is good in the car and loves to be out and about exploring. His new family will need to be patient and committed, as he will require multiple meets, home visits, and ongoing support from the training team. He also has some ongoing medical needs that will be discussed with potential adopters.

Size
Large
Age
Adult · 6 years
Location
🇬🇧Wickford
Shelter
Dogs Trust Basildon
Living with Maximus
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • Good with kids
Cared for by Dogs Trust Basildon · WickfordLearn about Mastiff

Listed 2 months ago

Bringing Maximus home

What you'll need for Maximus in week one.

Hand-picked · prices indicative

  1. 01
    Required by most shelters

    Trixie Transport Box

    Sturdy plastic carrier — what most shelters require for pickup.

    View on Amazon
    €35–45
  2. 02
    Editor's pick

    Folding Wire Crate

    First-week safe space. Shelter dogs settle faster with a crate.

    View on Amazon
    €50–80
  3. 03
    Legal · EU

    Car Seatbelt Tether

    Legally required in most EU countries for transporting dogs.

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    €8–12
  4. 04

    Adaptil Calming Spray

    Dog-specific pheromone diffuser. Worth it for the trip home.

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    €18–25
  5. 05

    Orthopaedic Dog Bed

    Worth the upgrade — rescues often have joint issues from kennels.

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    €30–60
  6. 06
    Safer than a collar

    Padded Y-Front Harness

    Escape-proof for spooky rescues. Safer than a collar in week one.

    View on Amazon
    €20–35

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About Maximus

What life with Maximus looks like

Maximus is a large adult mastiff dog waiting at Dogs Trust Basildon in Wickford.

An adult dog fits most household rhythms once the first couple of weeks of adjustment pass. A larger dog like this one needs daily off-leash time when possible — a fenced yard or regular access to safe walking trails. Plan a "decompression fortnight" — quiet routine, no visitors, no off-leash adventures — to let them settle.

🇬🇧Adopting from United Kingdom

UK shelters work under the Pet Travel Scheme (post-Brexit, the EU pet passport is not valid; a UK Animal Health Certificate is required for travel into the EU). Most UK rescues focus on domestic placements but some work with EU partners.

Wickford, United Kingdom browse more dogs in United Kingdom.

Frequently asked

Adopting Maximus, answered.

How do I contact the shelter about Maximus?
Use the phone, email, or website link in the sidebar of this page. Dogs Trust Basildon handles screening and the adoption contract directly — TailHarbor doesn't broker the conversation. When you reach out, mention you saw Maximus on TailHarbor so they know which animal you're asking about.
Can I adopt Maximus if I live in another country?
Yes, in most cases. Rescues across Europe routinely place animals abroad — Dogs Trust Basildon will tell you what they need (EU pet passport, rabies titer, transport coordination) and whether they handle transport themselves or refer you to a partner. UK adopters: post-Brexit travel into the EU requires an Animal Health Certificate. Plan for an extra €100–€350 in transport costs depending on distance.
Is Maximus already vetted, vaccinated, and chipped?
Most dogs on TailHarbor leave their shelter with sterilization, current vaccinations, microchip ID, and an EU pet passport included in the adoption fee. The vet status on this page reflects what the shelter has reported — ask them directly if you need details on specific vaccines, recent bloodwork, or chronic conditions.
What happens if Maximus isn't the right fit?
Every reputable rescue accepts an animal back if the adoption genuinely doesn't work — that's part of the standard contract. Talk it through with Dogs Trust Basildon early rather than rehoming privately; they know Maximus and can place them more successfully than a second-hand listing can.
Why does the description sometimes read awkwardly?
TailHarbor translates shelter descriptions into English from the source language (EN). Translation is imperfect — names of streets, donors, and shelter-specific terms occasionally slip through unidiomatically. For the cleanest read, click the source link to see the shelter's original page.
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