If you’re looking for a dog to partner up with your rabbit, this article will help you learn the dog breeds that are good with rabbits. If you don’t know how a certain dog breed will react to your rabbit, it may lead to serious problems. You have to make sure that your dog and rabbit will get along with each other.
Discover more dog breeds that are great with rabbits by reading more below!
19 Dog Breeds That Are Good With Rabbits
There are certain characteristics that a dog should have in order to be considered a good companion for other pets, especially a delicate rabbit. Height, size, activity, and personality are some of the most important things to take note of.
As much as possible, rabbit owners should avoid dog breeds with high prey drive. Some of the friendly dogs on our list include the Basset hound, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Golden Retriever, and more! Take a closer look at the list of 19 dog breeds that are good with rabbits and other pets.
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds tend to be the low-key, patient, and charming type of dog. They are known as the perfect family dog since they are relaxed and easy-going.
Basset Hounds are also different from other hounds with their low prey drive. This makes them great with rabbits since they’re less likely to attack them.
- Height: Up to 15 inches
- Weight: 40 to 65 lbs
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain dogs are good-natured, strong, and calm. They are known as gentle giants and are popular among owners who do not have much experience handling dogs.
This breed is easy to train and is obedient enough to be wonderful companions of small animals like rabbits. They used to be all-around farm dogs until it was discovered that they were great with children and became family dogs.
- Height: 23 to 28 inches
- Weight: 70 to 115 or more lbs
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Spaniels can be a bit too energetic and active, but they can also be gentle and graceful. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate and are more than content to be by their owner’s side.
Through proper training and socializing, this dog breed can be one of the best breeds. This friendly dog also tends to be more comfortable with other dogs and pet animals.
- Height: 12 to 13 inches
- Weight: 13 to 18 lbs
4. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are popular worldwide. They have a low prey drive and are considered one of the most friendly dogs. This made them perfect to be with other pets. They are easy to train, devoted, and intelligent.
Once a Golden Retriever is trained well, you won’t have any problems introducing them to a rabbit. This makes them an excellent breed to partner with rabbits.
- Height: 21 to 24 inches
- Weight: 55 to 75 lbs
5. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is great for a household with other small pets. Despite being relatively large dogs, they can be the most gentle and friendly dog breed you can have.
You can train them properly without having a hard time since they’re intelligent and easy to prepare. They’re such a great companion at home that you can be at ease if you get one while having a rabbit at home.
- Height: 21 to 25 inches
- Weight: 55 to 80 lbs
6. Maltese
Maltese are known for their hypoallergenic coat and cute size. They are great with rabbits because they can quickly adapt to other pets in the house. However, you should always train them first before introducing them to rabbits.
This charming dog breed can also be playful yet gentle once they understand how much energy they should exude. They can learn how to approach other pets in a friendly manner and share spaces with them.
- Height: 7 to 9 inches
- Weight: Under 7 lbs
7. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin dog breed is small, charming, and loyal, making them excellent family dogs. They have a more feline attribute because of their quiet demeanor and graceful ways.
There is a huge chance that your Japanese Chin will just ignore other household pets. But it’s important to introduce them to proper training and socialization. This dog breed is great if you’re looking for a new addition to your quiet household.
- Height: 8 to 11 inches
- Weight: 7 to 11 lbs
8. Coton De Tulear
Coton de Tulear dogs are known for their white and cottony fur. This bright dog breed tends to be happy-go-lucky, friendly, and charming. However, they should be appropriately trained and understand that small animals like rabbits are not toys.
Furthermore, training them will avoid any behavioral problems in the future. Other than that, you should consider getting a Coton de Tulear if you’re looking for an energetic pup.
- Height: 9 to 11 inches
- Weight: 8 to 15 lbs
9. Boxer
The Boxer dog breed is a bright and loving pet. And despite their fierce and muscular exterior, they can be gentle when trained well. They are brilliant and can have sudden energy bursts. This is why you have to let them understand that they need to control their energy surges.
This will be a good thing if you’re keeping small pets around your house like a rabbit. Once trained, you will have a gentle giant that is great with rabbits.
- Height: 21 to 25 inches
- Weight: 55 to 80 lbs
10. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is suitable to be with other pets because of their sociable nature and sweet personality. They can be playful, preppy, and curious and love to be close with their family.
This toy breed is so good-natured that you don’t have to worry about them not getting along with rabbits. Likewise, you just have to introduce them well to each other for them to get accustomed.
- Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches
- Weight: 12 to 18 lbs
11. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is another gentle giant that is safe for you to take home with small pets present. They tend to be extremely affectionate and delicate with children and other pets. They can be protective by nature but you won’t have to worry about them bothering your rabbits.
Once they’re settled in and trained correctly, you can be at ease that they’ll protect you and your rabbit. They’re also intelligent, calm, and dedicated dogs you can also trust to be around children.
- Height: 25 to 32 inches
- Weight: 85 lbs & up
12. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a very smart and work-oriented breed. They are great at watching over livestock which makes them one of the best watchdogs. This dog breed can get along well with rabbits and are easy to train.
Australian Shepherds can be loyal and affectionate towards their family and are willing to protect them at all costs. They also have a low prey drive. This is why they can be trusted to be with other small pets like rabbits.
- Height: 18 to 23 inches
- Weight: 40 to 65 lbs
13. English Bulldog
For a long time, the English Bulldog was bred for bull-baiting. However, as time went by, they became perfect as household pets. They do not have a prey drive and are docile and affectionate towards other people and pets. This makes them a candidate to get along with rabbits pretty well.
Their calm and courageous manner deserves a lot of recognition despite their history. English Bulldogs are not meant to do strenuous activities like running and jogging. They are pretty much low maintenance and will only need their face cleaned every day because of drool.
- Height: 14 to 15 inches
- Weight: 40 to 50 lbs
14. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier was used for dog fights before. However, these days, families love and keep them. By nature, they are affectionate and friendly. This made a lot of American families cherish the breed. They are also an active breed that needs a lot of exercises to avoid any energy burst.
Most people find them amusing because of their unique features. But once trained, they’ll be the greatest pet you’ll ever have that are great with rabbits.
- Height: 15 to 17 inches
- Weight: 12 to 25 lbs
15. Pug
Pugs are popular due to their lively personality and comical nature. They can be mischievous yet loving and charming. However, one thing to take note of is that they are highly prone to respiratory problems. Other than that, you won’t have to worry about anything.
They are enthusiastic whenever they’re with their family. The Pug is generally a great household pet that can get along well with other pets. But take note that they can have a bit of an aggressive nature, so train them well first before introducing them to rabbits.
- Height: 10 to 13 inches
- Weight: 14 to 18 lbs
16. Bearded Collie
Since Bearded Collies are generally smart working dogs, they can be really easy to train. They are charming, intelligent, and energetic dogs that love to please their owners. They are good-natured dogs that are good with rabbits and all sorts of animals.
Since they’re bred to herd sheep, they love to participate in outdoor activities and have fun playing with their owners. Moreover, if you want to get a Bearded Collie to be with your rabbit, it’s better to train them to understand that rabbits can be fragile.
- Height: 20 to 22 inches
- Weight: 45 to 55 lbs
17. Havanese
The Havanese, the only dog breed native to Cuba, has a low prey drive and will not bother your rabbit. Havanese can adapt well and have good social skills. Havanese are also really easy to train because of their high intelligence and trainability.
You can teach them well enough to do tricks, and they’ll master them in no time. By the time you get a Havanese, you’ll have a fun and active household that is safe for non-canine pets.
- Height: 8 to 12 inches
- Weight: 7 to 13 lbs
18. Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is another gentle giant that will capture your heart once you see its shaggy fur. They are bred to herd cattle and are very smart and adaptable. Once you train them well, you can teach them not to bother your rabbit at home.
The Old English Sheepdogs are affectionate and somewhat clumsy in nature despite being large and muscular. Also, Old English Sheepdogs are less likely to bark, which is great when there are rabbits within the vicinity. They are also great as watchdogs that you can rely on.
- Height: 21 inches & up
- Weight: 60 to 100 lbs
19. Pomeranian
Pomeranian is a friendly dog breed. They have no problems getting along with other canine and non-canine pets. However, there are chances that your Pomeranian may chase your rabbit. This is why you have to supervise them when they’re together.
They are also brilliant and easy to teach, so you have to make them understand not to bother the rabbit.
- Height: 6 to 7 inches
- Weight: 3 to 7 lbs
Rabbit-Friendly Dogs: FAQ
Here are frequently asked questions about breeds that are great with rabbits:
The top breeds that are most likely to bother your rabbits are:
– Sled dogs – Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes
– Sighthounds – Greyhound, Pharaoh Hound. Afghan Hound
– Scent hounds – Bloodhound, English Pointer, American Foxhound
– Terriers and hunters – Jack Russell Terrier, Bull Terrier, Rat Terrier
– Breeds with high prey drive – Beagles, Samoyeds, Doberman Pinschers
Yes, dogs and rabbits can live together. However, this will depend on how the breed will act around rabbits. Some breeds are not suitable to be with non-canine pets. Even if you want them to get along well, it will still depend on whether your dog can control its nature.
Rabbits tend to be afraid of a lot of things, and dogs are not an exception. But, this does not apply to canines only. Rabbits are known to be sensitive, wherein they die when their fear is too much for them to handle.
The risk of your dog hurting your rabbit is still there even if they’re already trained. Although training will help the dog understand well enough that they should not look at the rabbit as their prey, it’s in the dog’s nature to be a predator. Their instinct plays a significant role in their relationship.
Slowly Introduce Each Other: Introduce your dog and rabbit together in a cage and correct any aggression coming from your dog. You can take note of progress and see when it’s time to let them loose while supervised.
Form a Pack: Your dog loves to form packs. Try to introduce your rabbit to your dog on a leash and walk with it. Through this, your dog will see the rabbit as part of the pack, not prey.
Erase Dominance: You can teach your dog that he is not dominant by having your dog in a submissive position. You can test if your dog will get aggressive once the rabbit is close. You can eventually make this a routine for your rabbit and dog to get along.
Before getting a dog, you have to know its traits and temperament. There are numerous dog breeds that are good with rabbits for you to choose from. You only have to choose which dog breed is best for your household and train the dog. Training is vital to help your dog get along well with rabbits.
One comment on “19 Dog Breeds That Are Good With Rabbits”
What about Collies? Collies are good with almost anything.