Dog Breeds That Will Probably Chase Your Rabbit
Some families lose their rabbit to their dog because of a bad choice made when choosing the dog. A Siberian Husky might be a sweet dog and great with kids, but that does not mean he is going to be good with rabbits. Here are some types of dogs that I would not recommend for a family that has or wants to own a rabbit.
In general, dogs that look upon small animals as prey are more likely to chase rabbits. This does not mean that any individual is going to be aggressive. (If you look at the Youtube videos of dogs from this list playing with rabbits, however, you will usually find that the rabbit and the dog are showing signs of stress.)
The best dog around my rabbits is a Pit Bull Terrier. She might want to get in there and attack a smaller animal, but she is trained and she does not do so. I cannot guarantee that any individual dog from a breed on this list is able to be trained and will leave a rabbit alone, however.
If you want a dog that is safer around your rabbit, choose from one of the breeds with a low prey drive.
Many of the giant rabbit breeds are calmer around dogs.
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.
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.
Will my dog attack my rabbit?
A dog does not even have to be trying to harm a rabbit to kill him. … A rabbit darting quickly across the room or yard sets off an instinct in many dogs that is just so intense that they cannot resist it.
Will My Dog Eat My Rabbit? | This Morning
Before adding a new pet to your family, it’s important to consider how the animal will get along with your existing pets. For example, you may wonder if your dog will get along with a new bunny. Likewise, you may expect conflict between your long-time rabbit companion and an excitable new puppy. One is obviously a prey animal and the other a predator.
Domestic rabbits and dogs can live together. However, this requires bonding the two animals through consistent exposure in a safe environment. This will train your canine to resist its hunting instincts when around the rabbit. If possible, you should also choose a dog with a low prey drive. Even after training, you will still need to constantly supervise your dog when it roams free with a rabbit.
By selecting the right dog, you can lessen the chances of it lapsing in its training. The most important step will be creating a firm bond between the two animals. This will make your rabbit less prone to fleeing and your dog less prone to hunting.