Harrier Breed Guide

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.

Who are Harrier dogs 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.

How much grooming does a Harrier need?

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 Harrier bark much?

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, or 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, providing you do so from a young age. You can even join a kennel club to assist with this training.

Do Harrier bite?

If your Harrier puppy gives you (or someone else) a hard bite, it is important to yelp in a loud manner.

This will startle your hound. When he looks in your direction, move your hand away from your dog and ignore your hound for just under 20 seconds.

Repeat this process every time he or she tries to bite you.

What is the temperament & personality of a Harrier?

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 hare) 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.

What is the weight & size of a Harrier?

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.

How much training does a Harrier need?

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 exercises, 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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Harrier?

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. You can learn more about their eye issues from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.

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 should you feed a Harrier?

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.

What is the price of 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.