My lab/boxer mix will retrieve rabbits that she manages to catch.
The rabbits are learning that the "hold still and pray" doesn't work, no matter how thick the brush. If they want to live, they need to run for the fence.
Other than that, she'll bring em back, still kicking and screaming. Throw it on the ground at your feet, and step on it so it won't run. If they struggle, she'll beat it with her paws till its motionless.
Actually, its quite an awesome spectical. If you don't take it from her right then, she picks it up and trots off to consume. Almost like she's giving me first dibs.
Dad has a Jack Russell. It will chase a rat/rabbit/etc until armegeddon if necessary. It doesn't retrieve. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Go with the beagle if your looking for a hunting hound. I've had a few and always enjoyed it. My best was a beagle/dachsund mix (low riding rabbit dog)