July 25, 2025, 4:09 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Petfluencers are popping up like mushrooms. These famous dogs bring a variety of talents. Tiger Dachshund Tyson, for example, captivates with his unique look, humor, and rap talent. The internet celebrates his rap parodies of well-known songs. PETBOOK spoke with his owner, Nico Lukowski, about this special four-legged friend.
“As a puppy, his facial spots looked a bit like Mike Tyson’s tribal tattoo”
PETBOOK: How did you come across Tyson?
Nico Lukowski: “A happy coincidence, Tyson’s parents live nearby, and I had been looking for a dachshund for a while. I prefer to keep his exact origins private to maintain peace for everyone involved, but we occasionally visit his parents.”
Tyson is a Tiger Dachshund. How important was it to you that he has the merle gene?
“Not at all. The color didn’t matter to me. Tyson was simply the first to approach me, and I fell in love with him immediately.”
Is there a story behind the name?
“Yes, as a puppy, his facial spots looked a bit like Mike Tyson’s tribal tattoo, and when he nipped my ear on the first day, the name was sealed.”
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“I recognize the dachshund in him anew every day”
Were you aware when buying that the merle gene can be health-sensitive, and how did you handle it?
“Yes, I was aware before the purchase. I thoroughly researched the merle gene and ensured only one parent was a carrier to avoid health risks. I also checked for other potential breeding issues like severely shortened legs. Later, we had a veterinary examination—partly because it’s required for our work as petfluencers in Germany, and partly to counter any online accusations with facts. Tyson is in top shape!”
Would you say Tyson exhibits typical dachshund traits, or is he more of a unique character?
“Tyson is definitely a typical dachshund: stubborn, clever, and full of character. At the same time, he’s also sensitive with his own quirks. I recognize the dachshund in him anew every day.”
“Tyson is like family to me”
How do you handle comments claiming Tiger Dachshunds are “fashion dogs”? Have you experienced this yourself?
“I have to honestly say I haven’t consciously noticed such comments yet, but of course, I’m aware of the opinion. From my perspective, there are no fashion dogs, just people who treat their dogs that way. To me, Tyson is not a fashion dog. He’s a family member, and I treat him as such.”
How did you start making videos with Tyson?
“It just kind of happened. In a vlog, Tyson once sang along to a song playing on the radio. In that moment, I thought, ‘Wait a minute…’ And then the idea was born.”
How do your Instagram posts come about? Do you plan content, or is Tyson more of a spontaneous natural in front of the camera?
“Both. Many shots happen spontaneously, but sometimes I also place Tyson in specific spots and just let him do his thing. I don’t expect any show tricks from him; I just show him as he is. It usually only takes a few seconds, depending on the situation.”
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“You can’t draw conclusions about a real animal from a 60-second post”
What has been the craziest or funniest moment you’ve experienced with Tyson, online or offline?
“The funniest moments usually happen when online and offline collide. We recently had visitors, and Tyson is currently quite territorial with strangers. Very typical of a dachshund in adolescence, he likes to bark at them. I had to laugh and say, well, in a way, he does.”
You also made a dog version of Sido’s legendary song “Mein Block.” How did that come about? And has Sido reacted to it yet?
“The parody is still quite fresh, so I don’t think Sido has seen it yet. But on social media, Tyson gets a fun twist from me, but you can’t draw conclusions about a real animal from a 60-second post. The most important question should always be: Do I really want a dog, and am I ready for the responsibility? You can’t lie to yourself about that. A dog means time.”
Who have you collaborated with?
“The last collaboration was with Tream, who is currently very successful with his song ‘Drago Augustino.’ We worked on the parody together.”
“Tiger Dachshund Tyson was only moderately impressed by the Godfather of Dachshunds”
You recently met the Godfather of Dachshunds – Hausmeister Krause – with Tyson. How did it go?
“I thought it was great, but Tyson wasn’t as impressed and barked at him at first. In hindsight, I suspect it was the hat and coat. He calmed down pretty quickly, though, and we even got a nice autographed card for Tyson, which is now framed at home.”
What do you have planned for this year?
“Honestly, I’m not planning too far ahead right now. At the moment, that would just put pressure on me. Besides my full-time job, sports, and letting things come as they may, I’m trying to keep life as relaxed as possible. I think I’m more curious than many viewers.”