Harrier

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Size: Medium to Large
Other Names:
Country of Origin: England
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Hound
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Hounds
United Kennel Club (UKC): Scenthound
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Hounds
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Hound

The Harrier is a solidly built, muscular dog, slightly longer than he is tall. His skull is broad with a strong square muzzle, brown or hazel eyes, and a black nose. He has short hair, hanging ears, and comes in a variety of color patterns. His expression is mellow when he is relaxed and alert when he is excited. His medium-length tail is carried high, but is not curled over the back. His feet are tight and cat-like, and his front toes may turn inward. He appears to be a smaller version of the English Foxhound, but is not as small as a Beagle.

A medium pack hound with a short coat and a musical bay; he wants field days and a fence, not a short apartment loop.

The Harrier was developed in England to hunt hare in packs, and has been used in America for hunting since Colonial times. Although the origin of the Harrier is not known for sure, one theory is that the breed is simply a smaller version of the English Foxhound, bred down from the larger breed through selective breeding. Another theory is that the earliest Harrier types were crossed with Bloodhounds, the Talbot Hound, and even the Basset Hound. And, yet another theory is that the breed developed from crosses of the English Foxhound with Fox Terrier and Greyhound. The Harrier is still fairly rare in the United States, but has a long history of popularity as a working pack dog in England.

Height: 19-22 inches
Weight: 40-60 pounds
Color: Usually black, tan and white, but can be of any hound colors
Coat: Short, hard, dense, glossy; weatherproof
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Litter size: 5–8 puppies

Temperament

The Harrier is outgoing, cheerful, sweet-tempered, tolerant, and excellent with children. As a pack dog, he is good with other dogs. He prefers life in a pack with people, dogs, or both. Due to his strong prey drive, he should be supervised with non-canine pets unless he is raised with them from puppyhood. He is an active dog that likes to go exploring, sniffing, and trailing. Some Harriers like to bay.

Training

As all hound dogs, the Harrier tends to be ruled by his nose, with a strong tracking instinct, which can make him appear to be independent, willful, vocal and somewhat stubborn. Early training will help the Harrier to follow the leadership of his human pack leader.

Care and grooming

The Harrier requires very little grooming. An occasional brushing or combing to remove dead hairs is sufficient. He only requires a bath when dirty or smelly. His ears should be cleaned periodically and checked for ear mites. He enjoys food, and has a tendency to overeat, which can make him fat. The Harrier requires daily exercise, such as long vigorous walks or runs. He also enjoys playing in open space, which should be enclosed and safe, as he tends to follow his nose and it could lead him into trouble. Without appropriate exercise, the Harrier can become hyperactive, overweight and/or destructive.

Shedding

Low to moderate.

Health

Harriers are typically hardy pack hounds. Ear infections and hip dysplasia can occur; they do best with daily work and a lean body weight.

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