Compatibility of a rabbit and a shih-tzu

Question
I have a shih-tzu and would love to get a house rabbit. My dog is very soft, doesn't bite and is gentle. I've had rabbits in the past.. a french lop and a dwarf, and I know how bad a rabbit scratch can be. My worry is that I don't want the rabbit to hurt my dog. I intend on getting a doe rabbit from a few months old so that it will be used to him.
Would you be able to recommend any particular breeds of rabbit that have a gentle nature? Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi,

it really depends on the personalities of the two animals more than anything, and if they get along/like each other.  I personally would be more worried about the dog hurting the rabbit.

I would suggest a rabbit from a rescue group or shelter, because these rabbits are fixed and therefore, less hormonal in their behavior.  It can cut down on defensiveness/cage aggression and territorial-ness.  I wouldn't get hung up on male or female, more whether they just get along.   I would not advise getting a young bunny who has not been fixed or has not gone through sexual maturity, because when they hit sexual maturity they may not get along with the dog as well, and you will then have to pay to get them fixed, and then wait a month or so while their hormone levels stabilize to the new, lower level.  Much better to get a rabbit that is already been fixed and whose hormones are settled at the new, lower level to determine if the dog and the rabbit will truly get along.

You can find gentle rabbits in all breeds.  It's more the personality of the rabbit.  I have a personal preference towards lops and mini-rex rabbits, but certainly not limited to just these two.