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By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
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A giant bunny and a golden retriever have taken TikTok by storm, racking up almost 1 million views in just three days.
Leo, the continental giant rabbit, and Dexter, a golden retriever, have become best buds despite their owner's initial fear of how Dexter might react.
The text layered over the first clips states, "We weren't sure how our golden retriever was going to act after bringing home a bunny [one] year ago," followed by, "We definitely weren't expecting all of this."
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The pair quickly became inseparable, and it all began with Dexter admiring Leo while he was in his cage. It wasn't long before they started playing, cuddling and eating together.
"The definition of 'we can be different, but still share love,'" commented one viewer. "My dog and bunny used to play chase, weirdly enough. Bunny would instigate it by doing a binky in front of my dog. They rested near each other too," added another.
"It's cute how animals defy natural instincts when they are roommates," said a third viewer.
An excerpt from the clip shared to @dexterandleotherabbit says: "Remember to be very cautious when introducing different species together and never leave them out of your sight. Always be safe."
Indeed, not all dogs will have the same approach, as some are "hardwired with a high prey drive," according to the Animal Welfare Association in New Jersey (AWA NJ). Dog breeds like Rhodesian ridgebacks, greyhounds, and Irish wolfhounds are naturally driven to chase or attack small animals.
The AWA NJ advises owners to ensure their dog has strong obedience skills before introducing it to a rabbit. They must be able to reliably respond to vocal commands like "leave it" or "back away" without hesitation. If they do not consistently follow these commands, training should be prioritized.
This is crucial in case the dog attempts to chase or lunge at the rabbit—your ability to immediately stop them reduces the risk of harm. If your dog frequently ignores commands, it should never be off-leash or without a barrier when interacting with a rabbit.
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How to Introduce a Rabbit and Dog
The following steps have been provided by AWA NJ:
- Choose a Neutral Space: Pick a quiet area in your home that neither the dog nor the rabbit frequently uses. This helps minimize territorial behavior and allows you to control the interaction.
- Secure the Rabbit and Leash the Dog: Place the rabbit in a crate or cage within the neutral space. Let it adjust for at least 30 minutes before introducing the dog. If the rabbit appears stressed—such as biting the cage bars, overgrooming, changing eating/toileting habits, or circling excessively—delay the introduction for a day or two. Keep the dog on a leash attached to a collar or front-clipping harness before entering the space.
- Slow, Controlled Introduction: With the rabbit already in its enclosure, bring the leashed dog into the space gradually. Allow the dog to observe and sniff the rabbit through the crate without sudden movements or direct contact.
- Supervised Interaction Without Barriers: When ready, introduce them without the rabbit's enclosure, but keep the dog securely leashed. This allows the rabbit to choose whether to engage while maintaining a safe distance.
- Always Supervise: Never leave your dog and rabbit alone together until you are absolutely certain that neither poses a threat or causes stress to the other.
- Keep Sessions Short: Limit introduction sessions to no more than 10 minutes. Prolonged exposure can lead to overstimulation for the dog or increased stress for the rabbit.
- Establish a Routine: Your pets may not bond immediately, and that's OK. Regular, controlled introductions will help them get accustomed to each other's presence over time.
- Separate Feeding Areas: Always feed your dog and rabbit in different spaces. Food can trigger stress or excitement, leading to negative interactions. Keeping them apart during meals ensures a calmer environment.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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