Beagle Harrier

30-50 lbs
18-20"
France
Often confused for a large Beagle or a small Harrier, the Beagle Harrier fits somewhere in between the two breeds in weight, height, and look. While many other breeds possess either clear or at least partially documented pasts, the Beagle Harrier's is almost entirely still up for debate, as there are numerous groups that divide their beliefs at various points in its history. However it did happen to develop, at least its current form is available for analysis. What is known is that like both of its related breeds, the Beagle Harrier is exceptionally well-tempered, if not near one of the most beloved personality types of all breeds. Because they were long-kept as hunting dogs, they have a zealousness that translates from their tracking to affection in the home. They are extremely loving, playful dogs that are known to be relaxed, easy-going types around nearly all who could potentially interact with them, from other dogs to strangers and children, making them universally approachable. While they are enthusiastic and determined hunters, they are generally calm and even-tempered at home, though they do have a mild tendency to bay when excited or startled. They do, however, require a considerable amount of exercise and generally do better in active homes. They are still considered a rare breed.
purpose Purpose
Hunting, Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
French Scent Hounds, English Foxhounds

Beagle Harrier Health

Average Size
Male Beagle Harrier size stats
Height: 18-20 inches Weight: 30-50 lbs
Female Beagle Harrier size stats
Height: 18-20 inches Weight: 30-50 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
  • Intervertebral Disc Problems
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Eye Problems
  • Reverse Sneezing
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Obesity
  • Demodectic Mange
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • Skin Evaluation

Beagle Harrier Breed History

There are very few breeds that still exist that have as much historical conjecture as the Beagle Harrier, and that's hardly an overstatement. Experts seem to be almost entirely split on several junctures of the breed's historical development. Some say it has been in existence since the Late Middle Ages or Early Renaissance, while others claim it was developed by painter Baron Gerard in the 19th century. Some say the Beagle Harrier is likely a mix of the two breeds while others claim it is the last link in the bloodline before the two became their own separate breeds. The trouble, in part, stems from the fact that both the Harrier and the Beagle also have largely undocumented histories that are open to interpretation. While each was said to have been written about between 1200 and 1400 A.D. in relatively accurate terms, there's no way to be certain that there was no influence from antecedents of breeds like the English Foxhounds, let alone outright replacement, as historically implied. Regardless of its history, confirmed or unconfirmed, what is known is that the Beagle Harrier is still quite a rare breed and has not spread in either use or adoration outside of France, and even there is considered rare enough to be considered in danger of outright extinction. Recognition by both the UKC and CKC since 1996 shows promise of their numbers increasing, but there has yet to be any significant evidence to support that this breed is growing in any significant fashion. They were officially recognized by the FCI in 1974 and by the UKC in 1996.

Beagle Harrier Breed Appearance

Unsurprisingly, the Beagle Harrier is often confused for a large Beagle or a small Harrier, standing at almost a perfect height and weight between the two breeds. More specifically, the breed stands at an average height of 19 inches and weighing in at an average of about 40 pounds, and literally looks like a slightly heavier, leggier version of a standard Beagle. Beagle Harriers possess a broad skull with a tapering, somewhat triangular muzzle, black nose, circular, lively eyes, and somewhat broad, folded ears. Their forequarters are long, straight and lightly squared, parallel to their also-straight hindquarters. They have a shallow chest in comparison to the standard Beagle but it holds enough depth to produce a powerful bay. Their back is straight and terminates in a thick, tapered tail that is usually held in saber fashion. Their coats are nearly identical to a Beagle as well, possessing a normal tricolor range that covers black, white and orange/brown.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Beagle Harrier eyes
Brown
amber Beagle Harrier eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
black Beagle Harrier nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Beagle Harrier coat
Black
white Beagle Harrier coat
White
brown Beagle Harrier coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Beagle Harrier straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Beagle Harrier Breed Maintenance

Beagle-Harriers generally require only basic maintenance, as they are only moderate shedders and need brushing with a slicker or pin brush only a few times a week to maintain their coat. They need almost no trimming in terms of their coat and should be washed only at the owner's discretion if they've gotten into something. They otherwise maintain a low smell profile and keep themselves clean through licking and naturally-manufactured oils. An area that does need more active monitoring is their ears, which are prone to moisture buildup and therefore may potentially develop ear infections. Their nails will also need watching, as if they are not used for regular hunting, may grow to unnatural lengths and cause discomfort by cracking or breaking. Owners should be prepared to brush the teeth of their Beagle-Harrier on a weekly basis to help maintain good oral health.
Brushes for Beagle Harrier
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Beagle Harrier requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Beagle Harrier Temperament

Although they may have a limited history, there is more than enough recent evidence to suggest that Beagle Harriers are as universally lovable as their namesake counterparts. While Harriers may not have achieved the worldwide adoration that Beagles have, they've undoubtedly imparted just as many lovable characteristics as the latter. Outside of some random obnoxious baying and having a high drive for exercise, there is little not to like about this breed. It is generally highly affectionate, playful, good with most types of other dogs and people, children included, goofy and entertaining, and has little trouble entertaining itself if left in a space big enough to follow its nose around. While they do have a tendency to follow a scent with or without their owner's wishes, they are actually quite easy to train, making even their worst habits seem within the realm of control, as long as they've actually received thorough training and enough exercise to keep their behavior positive.

Beagle Harrier Activity Requirements

While they are only medium-sized dogs, Beagle Harriers take a considerable amount of exercise to keep happy and healthy, thanks to the endurance developed in their hunting lineage. Compared to other breeds, they rank high in terms of necessary exercise, meaning they need at least 18 miles of walks weekly or at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. Since they are traditionally hunters, activities that engage both their mental and physical abilities will go a long way in tiring them out in any meaningful capacity. Games and activities that engage multiple senses, such as fetch, agility training or even seeking specific smells are especially rewarding, as this breed loves having a job with purpose.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Beagle Harrier Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.00 - $1.50
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$30.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Beagle Harrier Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Beagle Harrier size stats at six months
Height: 13.5 inches Weight: 29.0 lbs
Female Beagle Harrier size stats at six months
Height: 13.5 inches Weight: 29.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Beagle Harrier size stats at 12 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 34.5 lbs
Female Beagle Harrier size stats at 12 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 34.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Beagle Harrier size stats at 18 months
Height: 19.0 inches Weight: 40.0 lbs
Female Beagle Harrier size stats at 18 months
Height: 19.0 inches Weight: 40.0 lbs

Beagle Harrier Owner Experiences

Toby
7 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Toby has the most amazing personality. He is loving affectionate and loves cuddles. He is also cheeky funny and a bit distructive especially with anything filled with stuffing. I have never been so in love and attached to another breed of dog.
3 years, 3 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
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