The Schnauzer Forum

My family and I are considering getting a mini schnauzer this year. Our friends have one and we love him. We have a house rabbit and wondered if anyone could advise if this would be ok to have the two of them together at home? Any advice is much appreciated

Thank you

Donna

Hi Donna and welcome to the Forum

When we had our first mini schnauzers many years ago, we had two guinea pigs which lived in the house although did not have unsupervised free run of any rooms. Our minis were never left alone with the guinea pigs but showed no sign of wanting to harm them. I do know of people with cats and birds who live together in harmony as well as cats and dogs with pet rats and mice as well as rabbits.

From my own experience of having other species living in the same family (guinea pigs, cats, hens, bearded dragons) I think that if the puppy is brought up in close proximity with another creature (cats, rats, rabbits, birds etc.) they will regard them as part of the family and will not harm and may even protect them if needed. That is not to say that individuals of the same species which were met outside the family would not be viewed in an entirely different light and (if they are prey animals) possibly chased, attacked or even killed. A family with house rabbits who have three dogs bred by us including two mini schnauzers have never had any problems between the animals.

So I think it should be fine to have a mini schnauzer and house rabbit living together as long as they are carefully introduced right from the start and making sure that your rabbit is safe and comfortable with the meeting. Use a barrier between them initially to monitor reactions and never leave the two unsupervised together as a precaution.

Hi Donna,

Welcome to the forum.

I know a lady here in Guernsey who had a house rabbit for a few months before she introduced a mini schnauzer into her home. They all live a very happy life together though, the schnauzer and rabbit are never left free to roam when they are left alone. One, or both of them, is crated.