Welcome to Petfinder.com! The virtual home of 326,065 adoptable pets from 12,973 adoption groups

Search for a Pet

[See All]Breed

Location*

Ex: Des Moines, IA or 50301

Return to classic search

Find Animal
Welfare Groups

[List by State]

Learn about our book:
The Adopted Dog Bible
Buy a copy today

Check us out at:

Petfinder at Myspace
Petfinder at Facebook
Petfinder at YouTube

Adopt a Harrier


Harrier Dog Breed

Picture: Kent and Donna Dannen

Comment on the Harrier

Family:

Scenthound


Area of origin:

Great Britain


Original function:

trailing hares


Average size of male:

Ht: 19-21, Wt: 50-60


Average size of female:

Ht: 19-21, Wt: 50-60


Other names:

none


  • •••••

    Energy

  • •••••

    Exercise

  • ••••

    Playfulness

  • ••••

    Affection

  • ••••••

    Friendliness towards dogs

  • ••••

    Friendliness towards other pets

  • •••

    Friendliness towards strangers

  • •••

    Ease of training

  • ••••••

    Watchdog ability

  • ••

    Protection ability

  • ••

    Grooming

  • ••••

    Cold tolerance

  • ••••

    Heat tolerance

Harrier Dogs Available on Petfinder Right Now

See more adoptable Harrier dogs available on Petfinder

Harrier Dog Temperament

The Harrier is somewhat more playful and outgoing than the foxhound, but not as much as the beagle. He is amiable, tolerant and good with children. His first love is for the hunt, and he loves to sniff and trail. He needs daily exercise in a safe area. He tends to bay.

Harrier Dog Care

The Harrier needs daily exercise, but his needs can be met with a long walk or jog and a vigorous game in the yard. The coat is easily cared for, needing only occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

Harrier Dog Health

Major concerns: none
Minor concerns: none
Occasionally seen: none
Suggested tests: none
Life span: 10-12 years

Interested in the history of the Harrier dog breed?

The word Harrier was Norman for dog or hound, so it is difficult to unravel the ancient history of hounds in general. nonetheless, the harrier may be one of the older Scenthounds still in existence today, with references dating from 13th-century England. They probably stem from the long-extinct Talbot and St. Hubert hounds, and perhaps the Brachet and later, the French Basset. This lineage produced a dog that tracked hare by scent at a pace that enabled hunters to follow on foot. Thus, although Harrier packs were kept by the gentry, poorer hunters without horses could also hunt with Harriers, often combining the few dogs each individual had to form an impromptu pack. Smaller English Foxhounds may have been bred with these dogs in the early 1800s to develop a
longer-legged, faster dog also capable of running with mounted hunters. The Harrier has been known in America since Colonial times. Despite his classic proportions and handy size, he has never been popular as a show dog or pet.


Comment on the Harrier Dog

Pet Video

Before You Adopt

Before You Adopt

Tips for finding the best cat or dog for you; plus: preparing for a puppy

Adopting the Right Dog for You

Adopting the Right Dog for You

How to find the right dog for you and your family

Benefits of Adopting an Older Dog

Benefits of Adopting an Older Dog

Why adopting an older dog has many advantages

Preparing Your Home for a Puppy

Preparing Your Home for a Puppy

Prepare in advance to make sure your home is safe for your new pup