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A brindle Shih Tzu touches noses with a small brown bunny in a room with a couch and a basket. 12 / 23

A Shih Tzu and a Bunny Touched Noses for the Very First Time

AI imageshih tzubunnyliving room

Face to face, a brindle Shih Tzu and a small brown bunny are having a very careful conversation. The dog's shaggy face and dark eyes are close to the camera, while the bunny leans in from the right with her nose just touching his. Behind them, a couch, a plaid blanket, and a basket of toys sit in a softly lit room. The dog's whiskers are tipped with light, and the bunny's fur looks soft as velvet.

A nose touch is a common greeting between pets, and it is a good sign when both animals stay calm. Shih Tzus were bred as companion dogs, so they tend to be affectionate and gentle. Rabbits, however, are very sensitive to sudden movements, so a gentle approach is important. Let the rabbit decide how close to come, and keep the dog calm and low. Reward both with praise, and keep early meetings short and supervised. Never pick a rabbit up by the ears, and always support its back legs.

The tiny sniff says a lot. Neither animal is tense, and neither pulls away. It is a small, quiet moment of trust. Their eyes are calm and curious.

Some friendships begin with a big romp, and others begin with a single, polite touch of noses. This one clearly began the second way. A new friendship can be built in a second.

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