Different dog breeds have been developed over the years for a multitude of reasons. For example, many dog breeds were intended as companions, while others were bred as police dogs, military dogs, service dogs, or sniffer dogs.
But other dogs were bred for hunting small animals, like birds, squirrels, and, yes, rabbits. So, what are the best dog breeds for rabbit owners?
Which dog breeds will treat your rabbit with respect, kindness, and gentleness? Which breeds will play happily and peacefully with a bunny? Well, in this article, this is precisely the topic we’re going to be exploring.
Some answers may surprise you, but all of the dogs on our list make perfect friends for your bunny. So, with no further ado, here are the best dog breeds for rabbit owners:
The Japanese Chin
First bred to loyally serve the Japanese and Chinese imperial courts, the Chin is a loving, playful dog. Unusually, the Japanese Chin enjoys climbing. Perhaps this vantage point helps the Chin better protect you. Whatever the reason, this can mean the Japanese Chin enjoys spending time in the hutch with a rabbit.
Being a companion dog, the Japanese Chin is reluctant to spend long periods by themselves. Thankfully, a Chin is substantially less likely to suffer from separation anxiety with a bunny in the house. Being of a similar size, your rabbit will find the Japanese Chin a great companion!
The Boxer
Despite their appearance and large size, the stigmatized Boxer is actually loyal, gentle, and highly affectionate. Though they have a past as guard dogs and are relatives of the Bulldog group, this imposing pooch will make a great friend to your bunny if they get to know each other from a young age.
Give your Boxer long walks away from your rabbit to burn off that large dog energy. The playful Boxer will also love romping with your rabbit in the yard or another securely fenced area. When you leave your Boxer and rabbit alone together, put your rabbit in a safe area like a hutch or pen.
The Coton de Tulear
Another small fluffball of a dog, you may find it difficult to tell your Coton de Tulear and bunny apart at times! Originating in Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear is named after the Madagascan city, Tuléar. A friendly dog, the Coton de Tulear loves being with other people and other animals, including both rabbits and other dogs.
As a small dog, the Coton de Tulear has similar exercise requirements to rabbits. You could walk a Coton with your rabbit and let the pair play in the yard together. You could even leave your Coton and bunny at home together when you go out, though we do recommend keeping your rabbit secure if left unsupervised along with a dog.
The Maltese
A relative of the Coton de Tulear and Bichon Frise, the Maltese is a small, straight-haired dog with the softest feel. Thought to be an ancient breed, the Maltese have comforted people and kept them company for centuries.
The Maltese are easy to train as friendly, people-centered dogs when they know they’re being praised. The Maltese think every new person they meet, human and animal alike, are inherently a friend, including your rabbit. This makes the Maltese a perfect dog for bunnies.
With their small size, you can let your Maltese and bunny exercise and play together in the yard happily and safely for hours.
The Labrador Retriever
Okay, so maybe the Labrador is kind of a large dog to have around a rabbit. But you can’t deny that the Labrador Retriever is one of the most friendly, laid-back, and happy dog breeds there are! Labradors approach all people and animals with the same friendly attitude.
You’ll need to take your Labrador Retriever for a walk around the block or play some fetch with them in the park to burn off some of their energy. But afterwards, watch your Labrador and bunny chase each other around the garden with delight!
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Another friendly companion dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was actually first bred as a sporting dog. In the past, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would have hunted birds. As a relatively young breed, less than a century old, it’s not so long ago the KC Spaniel was a hunter.
With a constantly wagging tail, the Cavalier will approach everyone – especially if they offer a treat! This friendly personality, combined with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s small size, makes this dog a perfect friend for your rabbit. But, with the breed’s past, just don’t leave your KC Spaniel and bunny alone together.
The Basset Hound
The famous face of the Hush Puppy brand, the Basset Hound, was first bred to hunt small game-like rabbits. The Basset Hound is actually still used for this purpose in some areas of America.
But don’t let this put you off – this small, affectionate, chilled-out dog needs only moderate exercise before coming home to happily play with your bunny. In fact, some Basset Hounds are so chilled that they’ll roll over and let your bunny lie on top of them!
The Bernese Mountain Dog
Once again, the Bernese Mountain Dog is another huge dog to have around a rabbit. But with their long past rescuing skiers and hikers from avalanches and landslides in Switzerland, there is no dog more gentle and kind to have around your bunny.
Categorized as a giant dog, the Bernese Mountain dog needs several times more exercise than a rabbit. Without it, a Bernese Mountain Dog won’t be happy at all.
But if you have access to plenty of space or can take your pooch away for a long brisk walk every day, the gentle Bernese Mountain Dog will (often literally!) drool over your rabbit.
A loyal, family-oriented dog, a Bernese Mountain Dog will love spending all day with you and your rabbit.
So, that concludes our list of the best dog breeds for rabbits. What did you think? Many of the dogs on our list are small and quite rabbit-like, while others are undoubtedly large in comparison to a rabbit!
But all of the dogs on our list are 100% suitable for living with a rabbit. Just make sure to introduce them as early as possible in their lives and give them plenty of time to get used to each other.
