Adopt a Harrier

Picture: Kent and Donna Dannen

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

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Energy
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Exercise
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Playfulness
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Affection
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Friendliness towards dogs
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Friendliness towards other pets
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Friendliness towards strangers
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Ease of training
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Watchdog ability
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Protection ability
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Grooming
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Cold tolerance
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Heat tolerance

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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

Dogs Related to the Harrier

Basenji
Basset Hound
Beagle
Black and Tan Coonhound
Bloodhound
Dachshund (Standard)
American Foxhound
English Foxhound
Otterhound
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

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.