When choosing dog breeds that do well with rabbits, harmony between species is essential. Not all dog breeds naturally coexist with small animals like rabbits, as many dogs carry a prey drive inherited from their ancestral instinct.
According to Britannica, dogs evolved from wolves and carry hunting instincts, but selective breeding has gifted us with rabbit-friendly dogs. Recent studies by the Journal of Veterinary Behavior highlight that certain rabbit-friendly dogs exhibit lower prey instincts and stronger companion dog traits, making them ideal housemates for rabbits and other pets.
Dog Breeds That Do Well with Rabbits
With careful selection, certain breeds become perfect companion dogs, offering gentle friendship rather than danger to bunnies. Let’s explore 9 amazing dog breeds that bring peace, not harm, to your multi-species home.
1. Maltese
The Maltese, with its flowing white coat, seems almost like a living plush toy beside a bunny. Their history traces back thousands of years as companion dogs, adored by royalty for their sweet and calm nature. Unlike other breeds, the Maltese possesses a remarkably low prey drive, making them ideal for homes where rabbits freely hop around.
Their small size reduces the chance of accidental harm, and their gentle temperament fosters trust with small animals. They thrive on human affection and easily bond with other pets in the house, including rabbits. With proper training and early socialization, the Maltese often become the perfect furry friends for rabbits.
Introducing a Maltese into a multi-species home creates a peaceful coexistence where both find comfort in each other’s company, creating lifelong memories of harmonious companionship.
2. Basset Hound
The droopy eyes and long ears of the Basset Hound radiate an aura of calm. Originally bred for scent tracking, this breed surprisingly displays a gentle disposition with other animals, including rabbits. Their naturally slow-moving behavior lowers the risk of triggering a rabbit’s flight response.
Despite their hunting background, Basset Hounds exhibit a moderate prey drive that can be managed with proper training. They are affectionate companion dogs who enjoy lounging beside miniature animals, offering comfort rather than stress. Unlike some dogs, they rarely feel the urge to chase or harm their furry companions.
With patience and supervised introductions, Basset Hounds adapt well to other pets, building a relaxed environment where rabbits feel safe and secure.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
With their striking tri-color coats, the Bernese Mountain Dog embodies calm strength. While their size may seem intimidating to rabbits, these gentle giants are surprisingly patient and nurturing. Their temperament as companion dogs makes them ideal for families wanting harmony between dogs and miniature animals.
Unlike some dog breeds, the Bernese typically shows a low prey drive, allowing rabbits to feel secure in their presence. Their calm nature and instinctive patience minimize the risks of accidental harm during interactions.
As noted by VCA, early training and proper introductions help strengthen their compatibility with other pets. Their affectionate bond with both humans and other animals often transforms homes into peaceful sanctuaries where rabbits and dogs coexist without fear.
4. Boxer
The playful energy of the Boxer hides a deeply affectionate heart. Known for their love of children and loyalty to their family, Boxers can thrive in homes shared with rabbits, given their eagerness to train and please.
Though they carry a stronger prey drive compared to other breeds, consistent training and controlled introductions can foster peaceful relationships with tiny animals. As emphasized by ASPCA, managing early interactions and rewarding calm behavior is key when introducing dogs to rabbits.
With their boundless enthusiasm, Boxers have the potential to become protective companions who respect their delicate rabbit housemates, inspiring confidence in multi-pet households.
5. Coton De Tulear
The Coton De Tulear is often called the “Royal Dog of Madagascar” due to its noble history and joyful charm. Their fluffy coat, combined with a serene personality, makes them one of the most rabbit-friendly dogs for families hoping to blend rabbits with dogs harmoniously.
Unlike other breeds that struggle with instinctive behavior, Cotons display a naturally low prey drive, allowing bunnies to feel at ease. Their calm and loving nature makes them adaptable to homes with other pets, including mini animals like rabbits.
Their strong desire to please their humans and their playful yet respectful demeanor offer security for both pets. With gentle training and gradual introductions, Cotons form delightful friendships with rabbits, bringing sweet harmony into the house.
6. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is the embodiment of trust and loyalty. This iconic breed is renowned for its gentle demeanor, making it one of the best choices for homes with rabbits and other pets.
Though originally bred for retrieving, their prey drive is low, especially when raised alongside mini animals. As highlighted by Royal Canin, Golden Retrievers are naturally patient, highly adaptable, and thrive when given the chance to train gently alongside other household animals.
Their ability to form strong emotional bonds with children, humans, and even other animals makes them one of the most reliable companion dogs for multi-pet homes. With their tender personality, many rabbits learn to trust them completely, often nuzzling up close during peaceful evenings.
7. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin carries an aristocratic charm, with centuries of being bred as palace companions. This elegant companion dog thrives on serenity, making it well-suited to live harmoniously with rabbits and pets in calm households.
Unlike some dog breeds, the Japanese Chin shows minimal prey drive due to its long history as an indoor lapdog. Their delicate nature and light, cat-like movements prevent accidental harm to delicate. Interestingly, many owners describe their Japanese Chins as having a “cat-like cleaning habit,” meticulously grooming themselves like a cat — a trait that makes them even more soothing to rabbits.
A unique feature is their history as imperial gifts exchanged between the Japanese and Chinese nobility. This royal background contributes to their poised personality, allowing them to adapt gracefully to living with other animals, including gentle bunnies.
8. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is often described as the ultimate companion dog, blending patience, love, and adaptability like no other. Their even temper and highly friendly disposition make them wonderfully compatible with rabbits and different pets.
While dogs with hunting ancestry sometimes carry a stronger prey drive, Labradors possess an incredibly gentle approach when raised with animals.
They respond exceptionally well to training, allowing owners to introduce them to rabbits with minimal stress or harm. Many owners even report that Labradors act as emotional buffers, offering comfort to anxious bunnies through their calm energy.
According to multiple behavior studies, Labrador Retrievers rank among the world’s most emotionally intelligent dog breeds, able to read their owners’ moods with remarkable accuracy.
9. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd shines as an intelligent herding dog with a loyal heart. Though bred for livestock, their adaptable nature allows peaceful coexistence with rabbits and pets. Early training helps them manage their instinct to chase or control movement, minimizing any risk of harm.
Thanks to their sharp mind, Aussies respond quickly to training routines. They thrive when given structure and love from their family, adjusting smoothly to homes with mini animals. Their emotional connection to their humans helps them stay calm and respectful around rabbits.
Australian Shepherds can recognize over 200 commands, making them one of the most intelligent dog breeds, perfect for managing peaceful multi-pet households.
Conclusion
In the end, finding dog breeds fine with rabbits is truly about understanding the delicate balance between instincts and companionship. Of course, no matter the breed, introductions must be slow and supervised to avoid any harm.
Take the time to understand your chosen breed’s personality, prepare your home, and watch beautiful friendships bloom. A happy home is one where every heartbeat is valued.
