Male rescue dog showing showing strong maternal signs?

[SaharaS]

Just curious really, does anyone have any experience of male dogs, particularly rescues who suddenly start showing very strong maternal behaviour? I know bitches will nest & take toys as puppies (my 2 did) and nurse, feed, wash them etc and i totally understand this...likewise you would expect a male dog to hump anything...sofa cushion(or sofa if he's big!)etc but no..not in the slightest..he has just adopted a 'puppy' who he has now been rearing for a week. The urgency to care for it really is quite something..he even planted him face first in his water after he'd had a drink..every meal time he fetches him & drops food infront of him.Wakes up, rushes over to him, splats him with his paw carries him off ever so gently to either my or his bed & then carefully washes him all over, concentrating first on eyes, ears, muzzle, bottom then tummy & then usually curls up round him to sleep, occasionally nosing him if he wakes....anyone else had anything like this? I am just at the point of getting hankerings to get him a buddy....and have been VERY good so far......

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Hit your local rescue. Get something big enough so he can't carry it round!

 

[SaharaS]

I was thinking of another of him, but he's still uber reactive with new dogs, I don't think he's quite ready( i don't think most would entertain an intro with the vocals )..and so was thinking adult so it could stick up for itself or a large older rescue pup so its would at least be able to cope with the constant play he wants when he gets to know a dog - again non aggression but it would have to be up to some serious playing....but the twist is, his chosen 'puppy' is a very life like piglet!Would honestly say its like he was brought up with a micro pig...another status animal that was very newly fashionablein the last few years.......wonder if there is a micro pig rescue! or a Sarplaninac,he'd definitely not carry one of those!