A tiny dachshund puppy meeting his much bigger brother for the first time has delighted the internet, thanks to a hilarious video capturing their early interactions.
Adrian Verde (@thehoustonfoodie), 31, and Madison Humble (@maddyhumble), 25, from Houston, Texas, recently became proud pet parents to Rocco, a bold and playful 9-week-old dachshund. But the adjustment hasn’t been entirely seamless—especially for their 6-year-old Afghan Hound, Christian, affectionately nicknamed “Big Bird” for his uncanny resemblance to the Sesame Street character.
The Instagram video showing the two dogs meeting and attempting to get along has racked up 833,000 views and 66,204 likes so far, with viewers loving the mismatch in size and personalities.
“Big Bird is (very) slowly, but surely getting used to living with his new brother! He still sometimes growls at Rocco and gets territorial, but Rocco is such a brave little pup that it doesn’t even phase him at all.
“His tail still wags even when Big Bird growls at him and Rocco looooves to chase him around the apartment and really test his boundaries. It’s super cute,” the couple told Newsweek.
“They even take turns sharing bones and toys,” they said.
In the now-viral clip, Rocco can be seen trying relentlessly to play with Big Bird—who, while elegant and stoic, doesn’t seem overly impressed with his new sibling’s energy. The contrast between Rocco’s eager puppy energy and Christian’s cool detachment has had social media users howling with laughter.
According to Verde and Humble, Rocco is already proving himself to be a standout pup. He’s extremely confident, friendly to both people and dogs, and already knows how to sit, lie down, and roll over—just a week into joining the family. However, potty training has been more of a challenge, with the couple admitting he’s a “strong-minded boy” who often chooses his own spot to go.
The couple had long dreamed of getting a miniature dachshund and began their search in early July. They were drawn to a specific black dapple puppy they saw online from @taylored_dachshunds, a breeder popular on TikTok and Instagram.
Initially, the pup had been reserved by another buyer, but when that person backed out, Verde and Humble seized the opportunity—and Rocco came home.
Christian, on the other hand, has had a much quieter life. Madison got him while in college in New York after Googling “most beautiful dogs” and falling in love with the Afghan Hound breed. Now six, Christian has spent most of his life as the only dog in the house and isn’t used to sharing his space.
“When we brought Rocco home, Big Bird was SO confused what was happening,” they explained. “We rarely had any other dogs in the apartment besides Big Bird. Initially, Rocco would chase him around and Big Bird would run as far away as possible and hide in the closet, even occasionally growling at him.”
Despite the rocky start, fans online can’t get enough of the unlikely pair.
“Big bird is the best name!!!!! I’ve never seen a more big bird of a big bird in my life!!!! Big bird needs an account!!!!” one commenter wrote.
“You guys are soooo cute!” said another user, Colette.
“Rocco just wants to be buddies,” shared one viewer.
“I could watch a series with them all day lol BIG BIRDDDDD. Fits him so well lol,” said another.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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