Do Rabbits And Dogs Get Along

By: Melissa Kauffman

Other than felines, dogs and rabbits are the two most common types of pets in households. According to the 2019-20 National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), nearly 85 million American households have a beloved pet, among which 63.4 million houses have dogs. 

Several of these houses are likely to have more than one pet. Now, introducing a dog to another of its kind can still be difficult, but it’s not as risky as making a dog co-exist with a small animal like a rabbit. 

Rabbits are by nature mild and passive, while dogs are predators. If you’re not careful about the whole acclimatization process between a rabbit and a dog, someone will end up getting hurt, or worse. 

So, if you are a dog household planning on getting a rabbit or vice-versa, find out all you need to know about it right here. 

Can Rabbits and Dogs be friends?

Whether your pet dog and rabbit will get along or not depends on several factors, including the breed of both animals. Other contributing elements are the dog’s training, its prey drive and friendliness, the nature of the rabbit, and many more. 

Let’s take a look at the breeds of both dogs and rabbits you can expect to exist together harmoniously. 

Dog breeds that get along with rabbits

One of the most fool-proof ways to keep your rabbit from being attacked is by choosing the right breed of dog. Following are the breeds that are far less likely to chase rabbits. 

• Maltese
• Golden Retriever
• Great Pyrenees
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Japanese Chin
• Boston Terrier
• Bulldogs
• Poodles
• Pugs

To keep your rabbit safe, avoid dog breeds that are historically bred for hunting, such as Huskies, Greyhounds, Beagles, German Shepherds, or Dachshunds. Although a few big dogs can be mild natured and friendly, such as Basset Hound or Bernese Mountain Dogs, it is best to steer clear of most of these breeds. 

Rabbit breeds that get along with other pets 

The breed of the rabbit is also important if you want your two furry friends to get along. Rabbits with confident and outgoing personalities are more likely to win over your canine than the ones that are meek and fearful. An easy-going bunny will be relaxed and free in front of your dog, which will, in turn, put the dog at ease. 

Following are the rabbit breeds that tend to get along with other bigger pets like dogs and cats. 

• Flemish
• California 
• Checkered
• Sussex
• Himalayan
• Dutch 

How to introduce your dog to your rabbit 

Step 1: 

The first step towards introducing your dog to your rabbit is always going to be training the dog well. Your dog must be trained in impulse control, especially the impulse to attack and maim anything of unknown nature. Your dog should know all of your training commands at one go. 

As the owner, you might be okay with them not following all of the training rules, but bringing a dog like that in front of your rabbit could be fatal. Once you’re confident in your dog’s training, decide on a date and time for the first meeting. 

Step 2:

Keep the dog on a leash and the rabbit preferably inside a car carrier. A regular cage is okay too, but some rabbits can get scared with a space that is open on all sides. It would also allow the dog to try and put paws through all sides of the cage. 

Step 3: 

Have the dog stay in heel position. Make sure the dog is comfortable in the room and not in an agitated mood. Next, bring the carrier near to the dog and allow him/her to sniff it. 

Step 4: 

Slowly let the rabbit out and now allow him/her to take a turn at sniffing and investigating. If your dog gets up and tries to investigate on its own without permission, make him sit back down. Allow the rabbit as long as it takes to get accustomed. 

Step 5: 

If the dog stays down the whole time, give it praise pats and then allow it to check the rabbit out. If the dog shows signs of excitement, take it outside of the room and try again the next day. If he stays calm, give him a treat, and lots of appreciation. 

Keep the first few sessions short and allow the animals to get to know each other. You can try and extend the sessions after a week or two.

Additional Tips for Your Convenience

• Make sure the rabbit is free and comfortable in the environment before you introduce it to the dog. 
• Provide safe places for both the animals to scurry back to. They will be more comfortable if they know they have their own separate zones where the other one will not trespass. 
• Make sure you never allow your dog to chase your rabbit, even if they’re playing and being friendly. 
• Always keep their feeding areas separate. 
• If you see either of the two animals uncomfortable or anxious during their first meet, endhttps://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org/blog/how-to-keep-your-pet-calm-mentally-stimulated-during-covid-19 the session and try again later. Never, ever force them to bond – it will only bring out the opposite result.

Final Thoughts 

There is no definitive answer to the question of whether or not your dog will get along with your rabbit. It heavily depends on the breeds you choose, how well you train them, and the inherent nature of the animals.

Despite your best efforts, they might not end up bonding. Do not lose heart and try keeping them separate as much as possible. To avoid disappointment, you might also start by fostering a rabbit first to see if it will work out.