March 25, 2026, 4:12 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
He’s known as the man for the tough roles: Frank Kessler (64) often plays the relentless antagonist or rugged character in German TV productions like “Tatort,” “Alarm für Cobra 11,” or alongside Uwe Ochsenknecht in “Die Drei von der Müllabfuhr.” With long white hair, a distinctive beard, and a martial artist’s physique, he resembles a gangster boss. But those who meet the actor privately in his adopted hometown of Rostock are in for a surprise: At the end of the 6-foot man’s leash is not a dangerous guard dog, but a Bolonka Zwetna named Daisy—his “sweetheart.”
From “Overwhelmed” Beginner to Dog Expert
A strong man with such a small dog on the leash—doesn’t that sometimes draw funny looks? Kessler laughs. “We thought a lot beforehand about which dog would fit into our daily life,” he explains in the PETBOOK interview. “We live in a coach house in the middle of Rostock’s old town and are often on the go. The friendly, affectionate nature of the Bolonka immediately won us over.”
The start was anything but smooth. For Kessler, who describes himself as a free spirit, the adjustment was radical: “Until I got together with Doreen, I didn’t have any children of my own and was always used to doing whatever I wanted. Here, too, I first had to learn to take responsibility.”
“I Was Completely Overwhelmed”
“When Daisy came to us as a puppy and I was alone with her in Berlin while my wife was working in Rostock, I was completely overwhelmed. Suddenly, I had no flexibility anymore.” His desperation reached the point where he called his wife Doreen and said, “I can’t do this, we have to give the dog back!”
But Doreen stood firm—fortunately. Today, almost ten years later, Daisy is indispensable in his life. “Today, I almost need her to be with me,” he openly admits.
Discipline from Martial Arts—Leadership Without Dog School
Although Kessler has never set foot in a dog school, he now presents himself as a true dog expert. He views traditional training methods skeptically: “Many trainers work rigidly according to rules instead of first observing the dog and owner. That’s the wrong approach.”
His own training method is based on his background as a martial artist and teacher. “This mentality—discipline, thinking in terms of rules, rights, and duties—helps enormously. You simply internalize this attitude.” Especially with “cute little dogs,” consistency is crucial. Kessler is convinced: “A Bolonka has the same character as a big dog. If leadership is lacking, they immediately take on the role of the boss.”
Daisy on Set: The “German Mastiff” in Miniature
Indeed, Kessler affectionately calls his sweetheart a “German Mastiff in the body of a lapdog.” Daisy is fearless and perfectly integrated into daily life. Whether in a restaurant or during filming, the dog knows exactly when to stay on her blanket. She has even been on stage at the Schlosspark Theater and waits patiently in the dressing room during rehearsals.
In downtown Rostock, he often lets her run free, as the trust between them is blind. Kessler acts as a kind of “human shield” for his 8.4-pound dog. “I’m like a small transmitter, with all my senses open to protect her from danger,” he explains. After all, he knows about her vulnerability to larger, aggressive dogs.
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When the Wolf in the Bolonka Awakens
Despite all the discipline, fun must not be neglected. Kessler reveals a sweet secret: Daisy has a very “wolfish” side. With certain music pieces or when she’s searching for someone, she starts to howl. “I often join in,” the actor admits with a smile. Mental stimulation is also provided: Instead of pointless tricks, Daisy must search for treats in the three-story coach house—nose work is mandatory.
The roles in the Kessler household are clearly defined: “I’m Daisy’s buddy, our daughters Therese and Annabell are the sisters, and my wife Doreen is the boss.” This is especially evident in play: When Kessler “fights” with Daisy, and his wife intervenes, everything immediately calms down. The respect for the “boss” is firmly in place.
A Heart and Soul
Whether it’s minor ailments treated with homeopathic remedies or relaxing together after a long day of filming: Frank Kessler and his Daisy are the perfect example that appearances aren’t everything. Beneath the tough exterior of the “villain” beats a big heart for a very small dog.
TV Tip: For those who want to see Frank Kessler (this time without Daisy) in action: On March 27, he will be back in his signature role as “Specki” in the ARD series “Die Drei von der Müllabfuhr.”