I have rabbits living in my yard. Nothing revolutionary about that. They’ve been living here for several years now … ever since I had 5 large spruce trees and 3 viburnums planted.
They lived here during the years Brutus, my last Dobie, was alive. Not being a hunting breed, Brutie left them alone and they soon learned that they didn’t have to scamper away when he was out.
Then THE MURPH came to live here. Here’s what Wikipedia says about dachshunds:
The dachshund is a short-legged, elongated dog breed, of the hound family. The standard size was developed to scent, chase, and flush badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, while the miniature was developed to hunt smaller prey, like rabbits.
As The Murph grew – and breed instincts kicked in – he would chase the rabbits but, thankfully, was never successful as the rabbits scampered through small holes in the fence. Eventually, Murph gave chase only in a half-hearted way, knowing that it was futile. As this transition took place, the rabbits went back to their life as it was when Brutus left them alone.
Dachshunds are playful, but can be stubborn, and are known for their propensity for chasing small animals, birds, and tennis balls with great determination and ferocity.
This Spring, however, the rabbits have changed their attitude. They have taken ownership of the yard, lounging freely in the open grass. While they watch Murph when he goes out, they make no effort to run.
Then it happened. I was outside and after Murph checked to make sure I was watching to see how brave he was, he gave serious chase to the rabbit. All around the yard they went until the rabbit ran under one of the spruces. Murph followed. I could hear a scuffle and feared the worst – that I might have to deal with an injured bunny. Not to worry. Within seconds, Murph began yipping and raced out from under the tree. WTH! The “ferocious rabbit hunter” had been attacked!
Later in the afternoon, I took this video. Not only is The Murph keeping his distance, but the “Attack Rabbit” starts to go after HIM!
Yesterday afternoon, the “Attack Rabbit” hit again. Murph began yipping from the far corner of the yard and kept it up until he was safely through his little screen door.
The dachshund has a deep chest to allow enough lung capacity to keep going when hunting.
He now no longer goes out at bedtime unless I stand outside with him because apparently the “Attack Rabbit” spends nights under the pyracantha which is near the back steps. It’s really quite pathetic.
Read about President Jimmy Carter’s episode with a “Killer Rabbit”.
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