Tears at Littermates' Reaction to Meeting After Being Separated As Puppies

Newsweek

20-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A throwback video of a touching reunion between two dogs has melted hearts online in a now-viral clip.
Bullmastiff dogs Maximus and Morpheus were separated in 2021 when Maximus was adopted by Hilary Calton and her family in Denver, Colorado.
But two months later, they were reunited, in an adorable moment caught on camera. As they are reunited, Maximus and Morpheus start to sniff before a clear rush of recognition. Their tails wag and playtime begins, proof of their adorable bond.
"We adopted Maximus in January 2021 and Morpheus a few weeks later," Calton told Newsweek. "After bringing Maximus home and having the best experience with him, we found out his brother—the last of the litter—was available. We just knew in our hearts he was meant to be ours too."
What followed was a snowy adventure: Calton's husband drove through a blizzard to bring Morpheus home. The video captured the first meeting between the siblings since their separation—what Calton calls a "nose magnet" moment of instant connection.
"Their noses touched, they circled each other, then just walked off together and played for hours," she said. "They ended the day snuggled up in a puppy pile."
Pictures from 2021 of the moment the puppies remember each other.
Pictures from 2021 of the moment the puppies remember each other.
@maximusandmorpheusbb/TikTok
Since that day, the pair have been inseparable. They sleep, eat, and even bathe together. Despite their connection, the duo have their own personalities. Maximus is described as the adventurous outdoorsman, while Morpheus prefers mall strolls and human company.
The reunion has gained over 5 million views on TikTok as people delighted in seeing the pair reunited, and now four years later their antics are shared across their own TikTok and Instagram accounts.
"What a beautiful reunion," said viewer Kealey. While TikToker Judy said: "His face.. he knew."
Do Dogs From the Same Litter Remember Each Other?
Whether dogs remember each other from the same litter depends on their early development. Littermates that remain together or regularly see each other during the first 12 to 16 weeks of life are much more likely to recognize each other even years later.
If siblings are separated before around 16 weeks, they are much less likely to recognize each other if reunited later.
A study published in 1994 by researchers at The Queen's University of Belfast used scent-based tests to determine whether dogs recognized their mother or siblings two years after leaving the litter. They found that by the age of two, dogs could only recognize a sibling they lived with—not any of their other siblings.
But they could recognize their mothers after two years apart, and mothers recognized their puppies too.
Calton hopes their story continues to challenge misconceptions about guardian breeds like the bullmastiff, showing the sweet, playful, and loyal sides of these gentle giants.
"We love showing people how these breeds can be protective, but also so full of love," she said. "Their personalities are unique, and their bond is a joy to witness every single day."