Have you ever dreamed of having both a dog and a rabbit living peacefully under one roof? You’re not alone! Many pet owners want to see their furry friends share space without worry.
But let’s face it, dogs and rabbits aren’t always the easiest match. That’s because some dogs have a high prey drive that makes them want to chase or sniff out small animals like bunnies.
In this blog, you’ll discover dog breeds that get along with rabbits and what makes them gentle, calm, and safe choices. You’ll also learn tips to help introduce your pup to your bunny the right way!
Dog Breeds That Get Along With Rabbits
1. Golden Retriever
The golden retriever is an exuberant Scottish gundog that is known for its silky coat and affectionate nature. Moreover, standing amongst America’s most popular dogs, Goldens are truly affectionate and playful.
They are also known for their thick, water-resistant, and shiny golden coats. They are also present in other colors, including white and red. Moreover, they have a double coat, a short hair thick undercoat, which is covered by a layer of long hairs.
Goldens are very intelligent, happy, friendly, and energetic pets. These sociable canines are outgoing and thrive in human interaction. Moreover, they are also empathetic and excel in roles like service dogs or therapy dogs.
Interestingly, they have a low prey drive; therefore, these dogs can be ideal rabbit friends. They
2. Labrador Retriever
Labrador retriever is a medium to large gundog breed native to Britain. It is also a popular dog across the globe. According to WebMD, labs were originally bred to retrieve animals that were shot by hunters. Therefore, they were also great hunting companions. Moreover, these pets possess a strong instinct to fetch and carry objects.
Labs have webbed paws, otter-like tails, and a water-repellent coat, making them superb swimmers. As they possess high energy, swimming helps to burn their energy, so they stay active.
Further, these dogs are very athletic and versatile; therefore, they are excellent partners for outdoor activities. Their high patience and gentle nature make them ideal candidates for a family dog. They are not only friendly with their families but also with strangers and other animals, and of course with rabbits.
3. Maltese
The Maltese is a small dog breed renowned for its distinctive coat and playful, natural instinct. The American Kennel Club states that it is a very ancient breed that has been loved since the bible was initially being written. Moreover, it has a distinctive floor-length silky coat that truly makes it look beautiful.
Moreover, all of its intelligence is not hidden in its coat; furthermore, it has a beautiful, rounded skull, black nose, drooping ears, striking eyes, and a graceful tail.
Apart from their physical traits, these pets are also beautiful at heart. They are very sweet, intelligent, and devoted dogs. They love to cuddle, play, and fetch. They are good with children and other pets and animals. So they can easily go along with your rabbit.
Irrespective of their size, they are good watchdogs. They are very alert pets and always warn their owners of strangers.
4. Coton de Tulear
Wikipedia mentions that the Coton de Tulear is a small dog breed that is named after the city of Tulear. Moreover, it is believed that this little dog is related to the Bichon Frise and the Maltese. Their height ranges from 9 to 11 inches, and they weigh only 8 to 13 pounds.
They are unique because of their cotton-like, soft, and dense coat. Moreover, their expressive eyes also add charm to their looks.
For this small, longhaired, cotton-coated dog, the perfect day is nothing more than being with its companion. It will follow its person and love to stay close to him. It would not be wrong to say that this little star is bred only to be a companion. No doubt they don’t harm other pets and can get along well with rabbits.
However, it is advised to train these dogs properly before keeping them with new pets.
5. Boxer
Boxer is a German medium to large-sized dog of the mastiff breed type. As stated by PetMD, these dogs were imported to the United States in the 1930s. They were originally bred as big game hunter dogs, and historians believe that they are descendants of Bullenbeisser, which is extinct.
They truly look imposing as they are muscular, large, and square-headed. But their naughty and joyful eyes expose their true personality.
It is a highly energetic pet that applies enthusiasm to any job it does. Its temperament is very affectionate to its family. Moreover, a properly trained boxer can be a great match for your rabbit.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a spaniel-type toy breed dog that got its name from British royalty. King Charles I and his son Charles II were big fans of this breed, and they took them everywhere they went. They were developed as lapdogs to warm laps in castles or on cold carriage rides.
This is an excellent choice for first-time dog parents as they possess a gentle nature. Truly, it is a regal dog due to its beauty, royal grace, and even temperament. They are easy-going pets who even greet strangers with enthusiasm. It is a family dog and friendly with everyone.
Moreover, these intelligent dogs tend to please their owners. Therefore, if you train them well, they can be the best mate of your rabbits.
7. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is are small but compact dog with a curly white coat. They are among the world’s great personality dogs. These attractive entertainers have survived history’s ups and downs with their charm, attractiveness, and intellect.
A good-sized Bichon will stand just under a foot tall at the shoulder. The breed’s highlight is its white hypoallergenic coat, which is smooth and velvety to the touch. Bichons are flexible pets who get along well with rabbits without causing harm.
Bichons are vigilant and curious, so they are excellent watchdogs. Nonetheless, they are lovers, not fighters, and believe that outsiders are just buddies they haven’t met yet. Their confidence and stature make them excellent city dogs. Bichons train well and enjoy the company of their loved ones.
8. Great Pyrenees
The beautiful Great Pyrenees is a big dog that was originally bred to defend cattle. The breed’s unique thick white coat allows for ideal concealment in snowy terrain, where they would guard sheep from bears and wolves.
Though they are extremely powerful and swift canines, the Great Pyrenees are often kind and quiet around their loved ones. Some of the Pyres may be shy and reserved, but others might act like big lap dogs.
They also possess an independent streak; therefore, they can be a challenging training project. They want their own time, and you have to show patience. When they are trained properly, they will pose no harm to rabbits and other pets.
9. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a small, elegant dog. They are renowned for their cat-like nature, thick, lush coats, and hilarious faces. The Japanese Chin is a reasonably popular breed in the United States due to its elegance and friendliness. These rabbit-friendly dogs are extremely caring and loving animals.
They have smooth, straight hair, soft floppy ears, and fluffy back legs. Moreover, their tail is covered in soft fur, stands up, and curls over their back. They truly look and behave like little kings or queens. They come in a variety of hues, including black and white, red and white, and tri-colored.
The Japanese Chin is so small that you can easily carry it with you wherever you go. The average Japanese Chin measures eight to eleven inches tall and weighs less than twelve pounds. They have short muzzles, broad skulls, and large, soulful eyes.
10. Bernese Mountain Dog
The large, gorgeous Bernese Mountain Dog developed in Switzerland, where they served as farm dogs. They were brought to the United States in the 1920s, but these gentle giants are today primarily household pets.
Berners are typically loving and tolerant of humans and other pets. They are mostly peaceful dogs, although they may be readily lured to play and require frequent exercise to be healthy.
Bernese Mountain Dogs shed extensively all year because of their thick double coat, which is tricolor black, white, and tan.
These mountain dogs are easy to teach and beloved for their charming personalities. Your rabbit may bounce and play around them since a Bernese doesn’t mean any harm.
Conclusion
Living with both a dog and a rabbit can feel like hosting a small zoo at home. However, with the right match, it’s a happy zoo! Moreover, the key is picking a pup that won’t see your bunny as a fast-moving snack. With gentle training and some patience, your furry friends can become the best of roommates. Just remember, treats work wonders, and so does a little supervision, unless you want your rabbit to teach your dog how to hop!
