Harrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Hounds

Weight

22-30 kilos

Height

48-53 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

Jump To

About the Harrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

Initially bred to hunt hares, these hounds are often referred to as ‘hare hounds’.

Since their first introduction, they have become favourite dogs for families around the globe, being both high-energy, friendly, sweet and affectionate.

These are just a few of the reasons Harriers are a prevalent breed, and just as popular as the English Foxhound or Beagle.

This Breed Guide will provide you with everything else you will need to know about this breed.

What is the history & origin of the Harrier?

The initial pack of harriers was said to have been introduced as early as the 1200s.

Even though these hounds are native to the United Kingdom, they aren’t referred to as a British breed by the Harrier Club.

Harrier dogs are very prevalent in Ireland and Australia, yet are hard to source in the U.S.

What is a Harrier Breed?

Originally, Harriers were bred specifically to hunt foxes and hares. This is down to their strong work ethic and impressive sense of smell.

Although classed as purebred hounds, perfectly suited to hunting in large packs, they also make excellent pets for families, even those with younger children and other animals.

However, due to selective breeding, they can be quite tricky to find and you may have to venture further afield if you’re looking to invest in a Harrier or even a few.

Bred to be a working dog, the Harrier dog boasts a great deal of substance and bone for their size. They are renowned for their open nostrils and lengthy muzzles, complete with well-rounded noses, which are perfect for hunting hares.

Their alert eyes appear both intelligent and dark, and despite being able to hunt, stamina is more important than speed to this breed, which is one of the rarest breeds available today.

They rarely lose their stamina, which makes them better suited to active families, especially those that enjoy exploring or hiking in destinations that are off the beaten track, as well as playing lots of dog sports such as fetch.

Harriers boast string-padded feet, which means they can run for long periods over rough terrain. On top of this, their broad chests provide them with a big set of lungs.

In terms of personality, Harriers are as outgoing as they are playful. They love nothing more than being surrounded by other animals (just not hamsters and cats) and people as they enjoy living in a pack.

This pack dog is also sweet and gentle-natured when in the presence of children.

Who is a Harrier Best For?

Harriers, as a hound group, boast an extreme amount of energy, which makes them perfectly suited to athletic individuals and active families, especially those who enjoy cycling or running with their only dog.

They are happy when surrounded by dogs of their kind, as well as other larger pets and children. This makes them a distinct breed for families.

Harrier Grooming & Shedding

Harriers feature a dense, short coat, which tends to come in pretty shades of tan, red, brown, white or yellow.

To ensure their coat remains shiny and healthy, it is a good idea to give them only a weekly brushing. This helps to rid their coat of unwanted dead hair.

This breed sheds dog hair a little but not overly, and less so when groomed regularly. If they get dirty, which often happens as they are active dogs, it is important to bathe them.

On top of this, you can brush their teeth and trim their nails to ensure optimal health.

Finally, they do necessitate an ear clean every once in a while, however, this is often best left to a professional.

Tools to invest in when it comes to grooming your puppy or adult Harrier include a hound mitt or a rubber curry brush.

Do Harriers bark a lot?

When it comes to barking, most Harriers score a three out of five on the ‘barking scale’.

They tend to bark when they’re lonely as they can suffer from anxiety issues, when they are playing when they chase animals, or when they are feeling tired.

Luckily there are several ways you can train them to bark less frequently, by doing so from a young age. You can even join a kennel club to assist with this training.

What is the average weight & height of a Harrier dog?

The Harrier comes in the shape of a medium-sized hound, and this doesn’t tend to differ between female or male dogs.

All in all, lengthwise, they tend to measure between 48 to 53 cm and an adult dog will weigh between 22 and 30 kilos.

Are Harriers easy to train?

As mentioned, these hounds were originally bred as hunting dogs, which means they require a lot of daily exercise in comparison to other dogs.

Without lots of exercise, they could become slightly disruptive.

From lengthy walks to running, cycling, and hiking, these dogs are happy to accompany their owners on an assortment of outdoor pursuits.

Asides from ensuring good behaviour, they are much happier when exercising! One point to note? If in a busy area or close to a road, it is wise to keep them on a lead, as certain scents will cause them to bolt in the opposite direction!

This is when puppy training classes come in handy and will ensure they stay by your side when out and about.

How do Harriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

In terms of personality and temperament, Harriers are renowned for their playful, energy-high persona.

They love to be associated with a pack, be this human or canine company. However, it is wise to keep them away from smaller pets as (due to their hunting background and the fact they hunt hares) they can mistake these for potential prey and will chase them.

On another note, Harriers are very independent and decisive, as well as extremely intelligent and great with children.

Does the Harrier have any common health issues?

Like the majority of dog breeds, Harriers (although generally seen as a very healthy breed) do suffer from certain ailments, most of which come in the shape of genetic health problems.

Some of these include extremely painful hip dysplasia, which can cause hip bone misalignment and is often something passed down from the puppy’s parents.

Other genetic ailments include hormonal illnesses, eye diseases, and hypothyroidism. Left unattended, these issues can cause weight gain in Harrier packs.

These ailments however are very uncommon and shouldn’t put you off this old breed, as a healthy dog will likely never experience any of them.

What is the lifespan of a Harrier?

A Harrier’s life span varies between 10 to 12 years in total. This is a similar life span to several breeds of the same size and builds, and ensures a long future with your animal.

How much does a Harrier need to be fed?

In comparison to other dogs, Harrier Hounds boast deep, large chests, which means they are sometimes susceptible to bloating and are therefore better suited to two smaller meals each day, rather than one big meal.

How much can you expect to pay for a Harrier in Australia?

The price of this rare breed in Australia is dependent on the location and the breeder’s reputation.

According to the American Kennel Club, a Harrier puppy or Harrier dogs NSW tend to start at around $1,000.

Harrier FAQs

Do Harrier dogs swim?

Yes, they do! A Harrier is classed as an extremely active dog and enjoys running, jogging, and swimming.

Per day, they necessitate around an hour of exercise, and swimming is a great way to tire them out.

Is a Harrier the same as a Beagle?

Although Basset Hounds and Harriers tend to look similar, their nature is very different. The breeds registered also boast lots of different features, yet both do come from the scenting pack hound family.

Both are native to Europe and both feature a similar coat, however, Harriers are often twice the weight of a beagle, yet despite this, they only measure an additional three to four inches in length.

Both breeds boast black, white, tan, and red hues, with Harriers boasting an additional shade of yellow.

On top of this, Harrier’s features a shinier, thickets coat than that of the Beagle, which boasts a very dense coat.

Even the Basset Hound, the Talbot Hounds, and the Fox Terrier are classed as similar, with some boasting an unusual mottled blue pattern.

Are Harriers hypoallergenic dogs?

Unfortunately, the Harrier dog breed is not classed as a hypoallergenic dog.

Do Harrier dogs get along with cats?

Cats can be a little tricky, especially if smaller in size. As hunting dogs and dogs that enjoy being in a pack, the Harrier dog breed loves the company of humans and non-canine pets, yet smaller animals, such as cats, are often viewed as prey.