Why Max, the rescue dog with human-like expressions, is melting hearts

In an age where pets have become central to many families, one particular dog is making waves that even non-pet owners are noticing.

Meet Max, a 5-year-old rescue dog from Alabama, whose human-like expressions are capturing the hearts of millions around the world.

With wide eyes, pouty lips, and furrowed brows, Max's features have prompted netizens to dub him "the most human-looking dog" they've ever seen.

Max’s rise to internet fame began with a poignant TikTok video that has garnered over 23.4 million views.

In the clip, his owner can be heard interacting with him, questioning what might be weighing on his furry heart.

Max, seemingly disheartened, pouts and turns away, leaving viewers with a sense of empathy for the canine's apparent sadness.

The owner expresses her worry about Max’s behaviour, stating, “He didn’t even come upstairs to go to bed tonight, and now I'm worried; I swear he looked like he was going to cry? Is it just me? He is seriously pouting right now.”

The comments section of the video exploded with opinions, as users were quick to draw comparisons between Max and their own experiences.

TikTok user @duchess_noni mused, “Am I the only one who sees a human face?” while @dookieshoeez echoed the sentiment, stating, “That’s the most human-looking dog I’ve seen✨.”

Others took a more humorous approach, with one user remarking, “Why does he look like he has a mortgage, car payment, three kids, and he’s done with life?”

Despite his sombre appearance in the viral clip, Max is, in fact, a happy pup.

His owner, who began posting videos as a coping mechanism for postpartum struggles, inadvertently showcased a dog whose unusual expressions resonate deeply with viewers.