Harrier
10-12 yrs
45-60 lbs
20-24"
United Kingdom

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Harrier

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Dog Breeds
Harrier

45-60 lbs

20-24"

United Kingdom

Harehound, Heirer

Many times the Harrier is mistaken for a small English Foxhound or a large Beagle. However, the Harrier is a distinct breed that was frequently used as a scenthound to hunt fox and hare. The Harrier is considered a rare breed and most likely dates back to 1066 AD. He is the typical hound who is a loyal companion. He is an active dog with a playful nature and loves talking. The Harrier is a vocal dog and he will use moans, groans, mumbles and grumbles to talk to you. Since he is a hound, he can also vocalize loudly with the signature bay of a hound.

                
                Purpose
              
trailing game

                Date of Origin
              
1066 AD

                Ancestry
              
scenthound

Harrier Health

Average Size

Height: 20-24 inches Weight: 45-60 lbs

Major Concerns

Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

Eye Disease

Occasional Tests

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Harrier Breed History

The Harrier is thought to date back to the middle ages when the Normans invaded England in 1066. Dogs that resembled the Harrier and were used to hunt hares were brought over with the Normans. The first documented pack of Harriers in England was found in 1260. This pack was named the Penistone pack and their bloodlines continued for at least half a millennium. When unleashed to hunt, the Harrier is followed on foot by the hunter. This is the main difference that sets him apart from the Foxhound. Hunters follow Foxhounds on horseback. Although, many suggest that the Harrier is not even related to the Foxhound but rather comes from crossing the Greyhound with the now extinct Southern Hound. Other historians believe that the Harrier came from crossing Bloodhounds, Talbot Hounds and possibly even Basset Hounds or he may have even come about from crossing the Foxhound with the Fox Terrier and Greyhound. Even though his origins are muddied, there is no denying he is all hound and takes his job seriously. The Harrier is one of the oldest breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. He was officially recognized by AKC in 1885. The Harrier Club of America was founded in 1992 and has been working towards breed recognition and gaining popularity. The Harrier is a rare breed and is ranked number 165 in popularity among AKC registered breeds. The Harrier is smaller than a Foxhound but larger than a Beagle and is still used in the UK and US to hunt hare. He has also been used on fox hunts. For this reason, he must have all the attributes of a scent hound and be built sturdily so they can track across rough terrain without tiring easily.

Harrier Breed Appearance

The Harrier should have a short, dense coat that is harsh to the touch. Their coat should also look glossy, never dull. The harsh coat texture is necessary for him to move throughout all types of terrain, tracking hare or fox, without being hindered by a long or silky coat. The harsh texture prevents him from being cut by underbrush. This type of coat is also well suited most types of weather; however, the Harrier is not well suited for overly cold climates and should also not be hunted when temperatures are excessively high. The Harrier will have a finer coat texture on his ears and there should be a brush of hair on the underside of the tail. The tail should not be bushy, but should have a slight thickening or brush of hair on the underneath. The most common colors are black, white and tan, lemon and white and red and white. All colors are acceptable and are not regarded as important in the conformation ring. Black, white and tan is the most commonly photographed Harrier color so this is the coloring that most people think of when they picture a Harrier.

Eye Color Possibilities

Hazel

Brown

Amber

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Black

Gray

Brown

Red

Cream

Fawn

White

Pied

Sable

Brindle

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Harrier Breed Maintenance

It is easy to groom the Harrier because of his short, dense coat. He requires weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush or hound mitt. This will distribute the skin oils appropriately and remove any dead hairs. The weekly brushing will also keep any loose hairs from getting onto your clothes or furniture or accumulating on your floors and carpets. The Harrier does not require to be bathed often. Generally, he should be bathed two to three times per year and then on an as needed basis. Keep his nails trimmed, usually every two to three weeks. Nail clippers or a nail grinder can be used to keep his nails short. Since the Harrier has typical hound ears that hang down, it is imperative to keep them clean and dry to prevent infection. His teeth will also need to be kept clean using a veterinarian approved toothpaste and then yearly cleanings by a veterinarian.

Brushes for Harrier

Pin Brush

Slicker Brush

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Harrier Temperament

The Harrier is a very outgoing and happy dog. He loves people and is very friendly toward other dogs. Since he is a pack hound, he does not like to be alone; this is why being in a single dog home is not the best choice for him. He is very vocal and will let his family know what he wants. He can be very stubborn and he likes to have his own way. The Harrier will need to be trained using positive reinforcement, firmness and consistency otherwise he will not listen and will do things his own way. He requires a fenced yard that is sturdy or he can wander off scenting some kind of small animal. The Harrier does require a job to do or else he will make his own mischief. He is a great problem solver and can cause big headaches for his owners! He also finds digging to be great fun, therefore, make sure that there are plenty of toys provided to keep him occupied.

Activity Level

                  Low
                  Medium
                  High
                
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
12 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
90 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Harrier

Similarly Sized Breeds to Harrier

Harrier Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
Daily Cost
$1.75 - $2.25
Monthly Cost
$60.00 - $67.50

Harrier Height & Weight

6 Months

                  Height: 18.0 inches
                  Weight: 32.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 18.0 inches
                  Weight: 32.5 lbs
                
12 Months

                  Height: 19.0 inches
                  Weight: 42.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 19.0 inches
                  Weight: 42.5 lbs
                
18 Months

                  Height: 22.0 inches
                  Weight: 52.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 22.0 inches
                  Weight: 52.5 lbs