Do shelties and rabbits get along?

Question

I have a 3 year old rabbit.I am hoping to get a dog, and I really hope to get a shetland sheepdog. For the sake of my rabbit, will the sheltie get along with my bunny? Or would a different breed be better?

Answer 1

No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a rabbit, regardless of the breed.

Anyway, I've had both - though never at the same time. Shelties are very active and vocal and they really do have strong "herding" instincts. I wouldn't trust my old Sheltie not to bark at or nip at the rabbit. They're great dogs, but I don't think they dog and the rabbit would really appreciate each other's company!

You can definitely have a dog and a rabbit at the same time - give the rabbit one room and let the dog have the rest of the house. The best way to prevent problems is to just keep them apart rather than trying to find a dog that will get along with the rabbit. Sure, there are laid-back dogs out there that probably wouldn't even flinch if a rabbit jumped on their head, but Shelties aren't one of them. No reason NOT to get a Sheltie, though. I might be biased, though - Shelties are my favorite!

If you DO get a Sheltie, a few things I should mention -

1. Socialize EXTENSIVELY. Shelties aren't human-aggressive or anything, but they're wary of strangers. They aren't really "people dogs" like labs or goldens tend to be. They don't automatically love everyone, and it's up to you to expose them to lots of people. You don't want a dog that ends up terrified of strangers. Most Shelties will be timid around strangers, but you don't want a dog that fear bites or is constantly terrified.

2. Keep them busy! They're active, intelligent dogs. Lots of exercise is a must. My old Sheltie was a great hiking companion. Lots of training is also a must - I recommend obedience training for any dog, but with Shelties, they're so intelligent that they really enjoy going far beyond that. Agility classes and herding competitions are activities you might want to consider.

Answer 2

Dogs are predators and it is likely any dog will kill your bunny.  Do not take chances with any dog.  Unless you get a teacup poodle that is smaller than the bunny.

Answer 3

A rabbit will make friends with anything that does not try to eat it - including dogs.  I have a Great Dane - not smaller than a rabbit.  lol.  She loves visiting with our rabbits.  I had to train her how to behave around the rabbits.  Now, at 2 1/2 years she can be trusted.

With rabbits and dogs, you train the dog, not the rabbit.  I'd have reservations about Shelties, though.  I've heard they are incessant barkers.  In any case, do research on the breeds you are considering.  What were they bred to do?  Talk to breeders - several.  Ask about problems, both genetic and behavioral, associated with the breed.

If you are prepared to train your new dog from the moment you bring it home...cool.  Best wishes.  :)

Answer 4

It all depends on the rabbit and the dog. As long as the dog doesn't chase the rabbit it should be fine. Rabbits can make friends with just about anything if it doesn't seem to be a threat to the rabbit. It may also depend on the size of the bunny. If it is a smaller bunny a smaller breed of dog might be better. A bigger dog could intimidate the rabbit.