Rabbits and dogs are both smart and sociable fluff balls.
They also have tremendous energy.
And they’re popular household companions too.
But given that dogs are more common as pets…
What makes rabbits a better choice for some fur parents?
Continue reading to discover:
- 13 fun reasons why rabbits are better pets.
- Whether bunnies are cleaner than dogs or not.
- What makes them ideal for a typical busy family.
- The answer to “Are rabbits more high maintenance than dogs?”
- And so much more…
Why are rabbits better than dogs?
Rabbits are better than dogs because they’re usually quiet and clean. They can be litter trained too. And they don’t need daily walks. They’re also fun and they could live indoors or outdoors. And they rarely spread diseases to humans. Plus, taking care of them costs less and is more eco-friendly.
Rabbits vs dogs: 13 reasons why rabbits are better pets
#1: Rabbits are usually silent
First of all, if dogs bark and cats meow, what noises do bunnies make?
Well, most of the time, they’re usually quiet.
So if you live in an apartment or have neighbors nearby, you don’t have to worry about getting a noise complaint.
There would be no howling at 3 AM. No crying noises when you leave the house. Nor barking every time the mailman comes.
So if you’d like a pretty peaceful life, a rabbit might be ideal for you.
However…
Don’t get me wrong here.
Rabbits aren’t completely silent.
This is because they also produce some sounds depending on their mood. Although they’re not as loud as dogs’ noises.
For example, if they’re happy, you may notice some purring or clucking sounds. And if they’re in distress, you’ll hear them growling or stomping their feet loudly.
They can let out a piercing scream too. Like a kid who’s frightened of a ghost or spider.
And this is a noise you certainly don’t want to hear. Because they usually do it when they’re terrified, in pain, or dying.
#2: Rabbits are clean freaks
Well, fluffy adorable ones to be more specific!
This is because bunnies groom themselves a lot. Like cats who constantly lick their paws and fur.
And when I say a lot, this means they’re clean as they are. So they don’t even need a bath.
Yup! You’ve read it right.
If dogs must be washed once in a while, bunnies don’t need it at all. (Oh, except if they played in a mud puddle or whatsoever!)
In fact, it’s discouraged to wet their whole body.
This is because rabbits get scared easily. So they might panic during baths. And this could lead to fractures.
Letting their bodies damp may also cause a respiratory illness. As well as an ear infection.
But, house buns with long coats will need some help with brushing. To avoid tangles and matted fur.
So, this could save you a lot of time.
Interesting fact: This grooming behavior in rabbits is so amusing to watch. But, some bunnies might also be shy. So they’ll refuse to do it in front of an audience.
#3: Rabbits rarely smell
Since bunnies keep themselves clean every day…
They’ll also smell nice and they hardly ever stink.
Some say their rabbit has a sweet clean smell. Particularly in the back of their ears.
This is because they have a scent gland in that area based on experts’ research.
While others claim an odor similar to freshly fallen leaves. Which could be the result of their ‘vegan diet.’
But hold up. I’m not saying that dogs smell bad.
Like rabbits, canines also have a distinct odor (probably from the natural oils in their skin).
It’s all-natural. And of course, dog parents adore it.
However, they’re bound to smell a bit, unlike rabbits. Especially if they have an active lifestyle.
But this being said…
Bunnies aren’t odorless
Their pee will surely smell bad. As well as their litter box.
However, this won’t be a problem if it’s cleaned regularly.
Also…
Interesting fact: Did you know that unneutered rabbits produce musk? Dr. Dana Krempels says that it comes from their ‘apocrine glands’ near their butt. And it serves as a ‘perfume’ to attract potential mates.
This is why neutering or spaying bunnies may help lessen this odor. Although it won’t go away completely.
#4: Rabbits can be litter trained
Like cats, you can also teach bunnies to poop in a litter box. (Although training them may take longer compared to felines.)
So you don’t have to take them out for toilet breaks. As they’ll gladly do their business in the right spot when trained well.
Plus, rabbits’ stools are usually dry and don’t have much odor. (Well, only the ones you’ll find in their litter box.) Like small cocoa puff balls.
Interesting fact: Based on vets, bunnies produce 2 kinds of poop. The one I mentioned earlier is called ‘fecal pellets.’ And they’re usually hard and firm.
While the other type is known as ‘cecotropes.’ Which are soft stools that are consumed by rabbits.
“But why?”
This is because their colon can’t absorb some nutrients for the first time. So they have to re-ingest it.
This is normal. So don’t worry!
Learn more: 9 Weird Reasons Why Rabbits Eat Their Own Poop + 9 Tips
#5: Rabbits don’t need to be walked daily
If you’re a busy person throughout the day, a rabbit might be a better pet for you.
Why?
Because they don’t require daily walks, unlike dogs.
(Although bunnies can be walked outside too, using a rabbit leash.)
If canines need to take strolls twice or thrice a day, rabbits will be fine without them.
This is because they can exercise indoors. And they only need a small area to do it.
#6: Rabbits don’t mind living indoors or outdoors
Another good thing about rabbits is that they’re flexible.
Meaning, they can live either inside or outside the house.
According to PDSA, this won’t affect their health. Both indoor and outdoor bunnies can live contented lives.
But just as long as their basic needs are met. And they have a secure hutch. As well as enough space to move around.
“How about dogs?”
Canines can also live outdoors.
But, most pet dogs may not do well outside for long hours.
When left alone outdoors, they might start to be stressed. Then develop unwanted behaviors. Like excessive barking and digging.
Note: How big should a rabbit’s living space be? Again, as per PDSA, a pair of rabbits need a minimum of 10 ft x 6 ft x 3ft (3 m x 2 m x 1 m) area.
#7: Rabbits are also amusing to watch
It’s known that dogs have many goofy quirks.
Like sitting or sleeping in a funny position. Or jumping up and down like a spring.
But, rabbits have their own cute antics too.
Have you seen or heard about a ‘binky’?
It’s when rabbits suddenly jump in the air. And mind you, they’ll only do this if they feel like it.
This means, they only do the ‘binky’ when they’re really excited and happy. And seeing this in action can light up your world in an instant.
Not convinced?
Well, check out this clip:
(Warning: This video may contain too much cuteness that you can’t handle.)
Reading recommendation: Top 27 Reasons Why Bunnies Are So Cute (#3 Is Crazy Cute)
#8: Rabbit allergies are more uncommon
A study in 2018 says that 10% to 20% of people around the world have allergies to dogs and cats.
These result in sneezing and a runny nose. As well as water eyes.
But, if you’re allergic to those animals…
It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re also sensitive to rabbits. As well as other furry animals.
“Do bunnies cause allergies too?”
Yes, they do.
It was found that allergens from rabbits are in their:
- Fur.
- Urine.
- Saliva.
But, research shows that pet rabbits rarely cause severe allergic reactions.
#9: House rabbits rarely transmit diseases to humans
Since pet bunnies usually live indoors, the chances of them spreading illnesses to us are low.
As well as if they’re outdoors. Because they stay in a clean area. And they’re also away from other animals.
But of course, it’s a different case for wild rabbits. As they go to different places and may carry diseases.
“How about canines?”
Studies say that dogs might transmit many zoonotic diseases. Or illnesses that can be transferred to us humans.
These could be found in saliva, pee, or poop. As well as direct contact with an infected pooch.
And dogs may get this during walks. Or when they meet other furry friends.
So, are rabbits 100% disease-free?
Nope.
They’re only considered to be ‘low-risk’ pets.
This is because experts point out that domestic bunnies are usually clean. And zoonotic diseases from them are not often reported.
But, they can also spread bacteria and parasites, like:
- Fleas.
- Tetanus.
- E. cuniculi.
- Ringworm.
- Pasteurella.
#10: Rabbits match our daily routine
Researchers observed that rabbits are crepuscular.
“What does it mean?”
It means that they’re most active at dusk and dawn. And this can be convenient for us parents. As well as for most families.
“Why?”
Because during those hours, we’re also about to start our day. Getting ready for work or school.
And most of us also finish our shifts early in the evening.
So, you’ll have time to play with your bunny when their energy level is at its highest.
And they’ll also rest throughout the day – while you’re working or outside. As well as during the night when you’re sleeping.
This is why bunnies could perfectly align with our daily routines.
“How about dogs?”
If you ask me whether they’re nocturnal (active at night) or diurnal (active during the day)…
The answer is neither of those two.
Usually, dogs rest when their humans go to sleep too. Or when they’re told to do so.
But, there could be times when they wake up in the middle of the night. Barking at the wall or joining the howling of other doggos in the neighborhood.
#11: Rabbits are content to see you just enough
Most dogs (not generalizing) tend to bark a lot or act out of control when their humans leave the house.
And it’s also the same case when their parents return.
They may do this out of excitement. Or due to frustration. As they also want to go outside or be with their favorite people.
But unlike them, bunnies may greet or bid you goodbye in a less dramatic way.
However…
This doesn’t mean that you can leave rabbits alone for long hours. And that they’re not excited to see their parents come home.
In fact, they’ll be lonely too if they’re left alone.
This is because they’re sociable animals. But usually, getting another bunny companion will solve this issue.
Also, like dogs, rabbits can recognize their parents too.
Bunnies will know if they arrive. And they’ll also be happy to see them. (Which might cause them to go on a binky spree!)
It’s just that their reactions are less dramatic than dogs. Meaning, no barking, howling or scratching the door.
Rabbits also crave human interaction.
So they may climb on their parents to get their attention. As well as follow them everywhere. And they’ll show affection too by licking.
However, compared to dogs, they’ll be content with less attention. Especially if their cage or pen is near or within the same room as you.
Note: Like dogs, rabbits can also be destructive. They love to chew and explore the world. So if they’re bored or left alone to freely roam around the house, expect some chewed wires or baseboards.
#12: Taking care of rabbits costs less than owning dogs
“Are rabbits more high maintenance than dogs?”
Okay. First of all, having bunnies isn’t cheap. So, don’t get the wrong idea here.
But, their diet may be less expensive than dog food. Which are mostly hay and rabbit pellets.
Also, bunnies are less likely to be vaccinated. This is compared to dogs who need 3 or 4 sets of it.
However, I’m not saying that rabbits don’t need any vaccines at all.
According to experts, they must be vaccinated once when they’re at least 5 weeks old.
And it’s ideal for them to receive booster shots annually.
Plus, we already talked about how rabbits don’t need baths and daily walks, unlike dogs.
So, these are surely off your to-do list if ever you get a bunny.
#13: Rabbits are more eco-friendly
Lastly, if you think about it, a dog’s diet has a higher carbon footprint than a rabbit’s.
We may not usually consider this when getting a pet.
But, since we’re on this kind of topic. I might as well include it in one of the reasons.
So, aside from kibbles, dogs also love to eat meat. And they also enjoy treats such as cheese and eggs.
However, based on experts, these have high carbon footprints. Or the total greenhouse gas emitted to grow, transport, and cook them.
| Food | Greenhouse gases produced in an average diet |
| Meats | 56.6% |
| Dairy | 18.3% |
| Vegetables | 2.6% |
| Grain products | 2.1% |
To be more specific, here’s a breakdown of gases emitted per serving:
| Food | Carbon dioxide (CO2) per serving |
| Beef | 6.61 lb (3 kg) |
| Cheese | 2.45 lb (1.11 kg) |
| Pork | 1.72 lb (0.78 kg) |
| Poultry | 1.26 lb (0.57 kg) |
| Eggs | 0.89 lb (0.40 kg) |
While rabbits are on a vegan diet. So they only consume vegetable and grain products that have fewer carbon footprints.
Plus, plants are renewable resources. Meaning, they can be easily used and replaced.
So, after all these reasons…
Are you thinking about getting a bunny right now? 🙂