If you’ve seen a few viral videos of dogs and rabbits who are the best of friends, you may be considering fostering the same kind of relationship between your pets. Whether introducing a new pet rabbit or a new pet dog, one of the most essential questions pet owners ask is, do rabbits and dogs get along?
Rabbits are social pets and get along with most other animals, including some species of dogs. Some breeds of rabbits are more likely to get along with dogs than others. Dogs with personalities that make them more inclined to hunt may not be good companions for rabbits.
Rabbits have an easy-going nature, and if they are alone, they long for social companions, depending on their personality. Therefore, the most crucial aspect to consider before introducing a dog to a rabbit is the dog’s prey drive. Dogs that are also well trained, calm, and submissive are generally the ones who get along well with rabbits.
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Do Rabbits Get Along With Dogs?
Rabbits can get along with dogs. If you’re considering having a rabbit and a dog as a pet and want to know how they are likely to get along, the most crucial factor to consider is the dog’s personality and its instinct to hunt prey.
Another factor to consider is the rabbit’s personality. If your rabbit is shy, withdrawn, and generally fearful when you try to handle it, then introducing your rabbit to a dog is probably not a good idea. It may only cause your rabbit to feel more afraid and withdrawn.
When rabbits and dogs get along, they can be seen cuddling and even playing together. They may enjoy each other’s company. It is always best to supervise the interaction to be safe and ensure both pets are getting along.
Can Rabbits And Dogs Get Along When Living Together?
Rabbits and dogs can live together but may not get along. If rabbits and dogs live together, they may be kept together or apart, depending on their relationship. If the rabbit and dog don’t get along, in most cases, they are kept in different sections of the house where their food, water, bed, and toys are kept.
If the rabbit and dog have a mutual friendship, they may be seen socializing indoors or outdoors together and may even share afternoon naps with one another.
However, they are not recommended to share a living space as some dogs may be very territorial. Even though they may seem calm while playing, if the rabbit and dog share the same living space, it is possible that the dog will get aggressive and may injure the rabbit.
What Is The Best Way To Introduce Your Pet Rabbit To A Dog?
When introducing a rabbit to a dog, you’ll need to do it cautiously. The first introduction should not be long. When introducing a rabbit and dog, the rabbit should always be protected and kept in its cage. You can let your dog and rabbit interact outside the cage once you determine that it’s safe and your rabbit and dog get along.
There are a few ways to introduce your rabbit to a dog; these include:
Putting Your Dog On A Leash When Introduced To Your Rabbit
When introducing your dog to your rabbit, ensure they are on a leash. This way, you can ensure your dog doesn’t get too excited and scare the rabbit but is introduced to the rabbit slowly.
The first meeting should be short, allowing them to get to know each other. Then, the rabbit should be in its cage or hutch while being introduced to the dog.
Introduce Your Rabbit To Your Dog While They Are Young
When you introduce your pets to one another while they are young, they have more time to get to know each other and are less likely to attack each other. In addition, socializing at an early age will allow them to bond and get familiar with one another in their environment.
To Prevent Injury, Make Sure Your Dog Is Trained
A well-trained dog can listen to commands and will less likely endanger your rabbit. If your dog is introduced to your rabbit and isn’t able to follow orders, your rabbit may be fearful and intimidated or even injured by the dog.
Allow Your Dog To Smell Your Rabbit To Introduce Their Scent
Animals use scents to greet each other and to identify one another. When your dog and rabbit meet for the first time, let your dog sniff your rabbit to pick up its scent. This should be done slowly, so the rabbit gets time to get used to the dog being close to it.
Which Rabbit Breeds Get Along With Dogs?
Not all rabbits may get along with dogs, but some breeds are more likely to be happy having a canine friend. The Giant breed of rabbits, namely the Flemish Giant, is the largest breed of domesticated rabbit and a good option when choosing a rabbit to get along with your dog. Due to their size, they make perfect playmates for dogs, and dogs are unlikely to hunt them.
The best breeds of rabbits that get along with dogs are listed below:
- Flemish Giant
- California Giant
- Checkered Giant
Which Dog Breeds Get Along With Rabbits?
Some dog breeds get along better with rabbits than others. While each dog has a distinctive personality, some species may be gentler. And have a low prey instinct, making them less likely to want to hunt a rabbit.
Some of the best dog breeds that may get along with rabbits include:
- Pugs
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Golden Retrievers
- Boston Terriers
- Bull Dogs
- Poodles
Which Dog Breeds Don’t Get Along With Rabbits?
Some dogs hunt instinctively and are known as hunting dogs. These breeds should not be introduced to rabbits and are not recommended as pets if you have a rabbit. The below species have a higher prey drive and are likely to hunt and injure rabbits.
The following dog breeds are not recommended if you have pet rabbits:
- Dachshund
- Beagle
- Husky
- Greyhound
- Alaskan Malamute
- German Shepherd
- Airedale
Conclusion
Rabbits and dogs can get along and make beautiful companions. It’s essential to consider their breeds and personalities before introducing your rabbit and dog. Many dogs have a natural urge to hunt, making it difficult to socialize with rabbits, but this doesn’t mean they can’t get along.
