Harrier Information & Dog Breed Facts
Collection of all the general dog breed info about Harrier so you can get to know the breed more.
| Group | Hunting Dogs |
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| Popularity Rank | 183 |
| Reviews | 0 |
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Compare the Harrier With Other Dogs
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| Origin |  United Kingdom |
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Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Harrier known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed. | Harehound |
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Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Harrier? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category. | Purebred |
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Size Classification
What size category is a Harrier? Learn how big the Harrier breed typically grows. | Medium |
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Weight Statistics
How much does a Harrier weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Harrier breed. | 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg) |
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Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Harrier? | 50 pounds (22.5 kg) |
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Height
How tall is the Harrier? Harrier height: | 19-21 inches (48-50 cm) |
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Average Height
What is the average height of a Harrier? | 20 inches (49 cm) |
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Price Range
How much does a Harrier puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Harrier costs. | $300-$400 If you choose to purchase the Harrier, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Harrier for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Harrier gets to a happy place. |
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Availability
How easy is it to get a Harrier? How many Harrier are there in the world? | Frequent: The Harrier is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed. Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems. So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision. |
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Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Harrier? Discover the Harrier's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities. | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Harrier obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.
The Harrier ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs. |
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Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Harrier? Learn about the Harrier's trainability and response to training methods. | Harrier dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly. |
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Watchdog Rating
How good is a Harrier as a watchdog? Learn about the Harrier's alertness and guarding instincts. | Harrier dogs are not the best watchdogs. They aren't very territorial and protective about their property, so they probably won't alert you if they sense something different. |
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Territorial Protection
Is a Harrier protective of its territory? Learn about the Harrier's guarding instincts and behavior. | Harrier dogs can't provide protection for their territory. It's better to leave them out of the duty of protecting your valuables and property. |
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Personality Traits
What personality does a Harrier have? Learn about characteristic Harrier temperament and behavior traits. | ActiveFriendlyOutgoingTemperedSweetCheerfulTolerant |
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Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Harrier sensitivity: | Harrier dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds. They aren't receptive to their owner's emotions and handle soft punishment quite well.
They don't mind an always changing daily routine, a hectic household, young children, a noisy or office environment, and frequent guest visits. |
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Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Harrier a good family dog? | Average: Harrier dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. Some breeds are forthcoming and friendly, while others are independent and don't bond too closely with their owners. |
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Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Harehound need? Harrier social needs: | Harrier dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone. |
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Harrier to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Harrier roam? | Harrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence. |
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Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Harrier have high prey drive? | Harrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Harrier dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash. |
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Barking Frequency
Does a Harrier bark a lot? Learn about typical Harrier vocalization patterns and triggers. | Low to Average: The Harrier rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.
Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking. |
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Playful Nature
How playful is a Harrier? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Harrier breed. | Average: Harriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed. |
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Apartment Adaptability
Can a Harrier live in an apartment? Learn about the Harrier's suitability for apartment living. | Not an apartment-friendly dog the Harrier breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Harrier indoors can cause a lot of problems. |
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Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Harrier to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Harrier's flexibility to new situations. | Average: Harrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. |
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Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Harrier be left alone? Learn about the Harrier's tolerance to solitude. | Harrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work. |
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Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Harrier biting potential? Learn about the Harrier's bite risk factors. | Low 🔽 The Harrier has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.) |
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Mouthing Tendency
Is a Harrier mouthy? Learn about the Harrier's tendency to use mouth during play. | Harrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Harrier dogs need to be taught a good attitude. |
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Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Harrier bite? Learn about the Harrier's bite force measured in PSI. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Harrier bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Harrier measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Harrier is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Harrier bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Harrier bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Harrier puppy not to bite from an early age.
The Harrier, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained. However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for. In conclusion, while the Harrier bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Harrier can be a loyal and protective companion for your family. |
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Average Lifespan
How long does a Harrier live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Harrier breed. | 10-12 years The average lifespan of Harrier: 11 years |
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Climate Tolerance
How well does a Harrier handle different weather? Learn about the Harrier's climate adaptability. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat. |
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Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Harrier? Discover typical conditions affecting the Harrier breed. | Harriers tend to have a lot and frequent health issues. Regular vet check-ups are essential with this breed. |
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Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Harrier need vet visits? Learn about the Harrier's veterinary care requirements. | Frequent The Harrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian. |
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Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Harrier breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Harrier breed? Most common health risks of Harrier: | Ear InfectionsEye ProblemsObesity |
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Energy Rating
How energetic is a Harrier? Understand daily activity needs of the Harrier breed. | Harrier dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Harrier need? How much exercise do Harrier dogs require per day?
Do Harrier dogs need a lot of exercises? | Harrier dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. |
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Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Harrier breed need? | Harrier dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you. |
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Obesity Tendency
Is a Harrier prone to weight gain? Learn about the Harrier's obesity risks. | Average: The Harrier has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.
If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Harrier weight regularly. |
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Food Consumption
How much food does a Harrier need daily? Learn about the Harrier's feeding requirements. | 2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
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Allergy Friendliness
Is a Harrier hypoallergenic? Learn about the Harrier's suitability for allergy sufferers. | No Harrier dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair. |
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Coat Colors
What colors does a Harrier come in? Discover all possible Harrier color variations. | BlackTan Red White Lemon |
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Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Harrier need? Learn about Harrier coat maintenance requirements. | Effortless: The Harrier requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary. Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Harrier is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog. Highly recommended for beginners. |
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Drooling Tendency
Does a Harrier drool a lot? Learn about the Harrier's drooling habits. | The Harrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Harrier could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Harrier.
If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible. |
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Stinkiness Rating
Does a Harrier smell bad? Learn about the Harrier's natural odor levels. | Medium ⏺ The Harrier has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks. |
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Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Harrier have? Learn about the Harrier's fur characteristics. | ThickShiny |
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Bathing Needs
How often does a Harrier need baths? Learn about the Harrier's bathing requirements. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.
For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while. |
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Shedding Level
How much do Harrier dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Harehound? Do Harrier dogs shed a lot? | Harrier dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type. |
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Child Compatibility
Is a Harrier good with children? Learn about the Harrier's behavior around kids of different ages. | Harrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
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Pet Compatibility
How well does a Harrier get along with other pets? Discover the Harrier's compatibility with other animals. | Harrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets. |
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Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Harrier temperament with other people: | Harrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. |
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Cat Friendly
How well do Harrier dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Harrier breed live with a cat? | Harrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs. |
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Dog Friendly
Is Harrier good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Harrier dogs get along with other dogs? | Harrier dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Harrier can be a great choice. |
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Good For First Time Owners
Is Harrier breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Harrier breed suitable for first-time owners? | Yes Harrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
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Office Friendly
Are Harrier dogs good office canines? Do Harrier dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs? | Yes Harrier is one of the best dog breeds for office environment |
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Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Harrier dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Harehound temperament with senior people? Are Harrier dogs good for elderly owners? | Harriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
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Service Dog Capability
Can a Harrier be a service dog? Learn about the Harrier's service work potential. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
Harrier is not the best breed for service purposes. |
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Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Harrier good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Harrier's therapy work aptitude. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.
Harrier is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes. |
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Scent Detection Ability
Is a Harrier good at detection work? Learn about the Harrier's scenting abilities. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.
Harrier is not the best breed for detection purposes. |
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Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Harrier do search and rescue? Learn about the Harrier's SAR capabilities. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.
The Harrier is not the best breed for SAR purposes. |
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Maritime Work Ability
Is a Harrier good on boats? Learn about the Harrier's maritime capabilities. | Not really Harrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo. Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats. |
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Draft Work Capability
Can a Harrier pull carts? Learn about the Harrier's drafting abilities. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.
Harrier is not the best breed for drafting purposes. |
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Military Service Background
Was a Harrier used in military service? Learn about the Harrier's military history. | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
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Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Harrier usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes. | 5-7 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Harrier pregnant? Learn about the Harrier's gestation period. | 60-64 days Reproductive cycle of the female Harrier: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.
During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge. The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days. The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color. The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months. |
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Breeding Frequency
How often can a Harrier have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year. |
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AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Harrier in? Learn about the Harrier's AKC classification. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Hound breed. |
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FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Harrier in? Learn about the Harrier's international classification. | Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Scent hounds section. |
Harrier Pros and Cons
- Training Difficulty: Harrier dogs are easy to train.
- Grooming Requirements: Effortless: The Harrier requires minimal grooming.
- Drooling Tendency: The Harrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
- Child Compatibility: Harrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
- Dog Friendly: Harrier dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
- Office Friendly: Harrier is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
- Senior Citizens Friendly: Harriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
- Good For First Time Owners: Harrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
- Intelligence Rating: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
- Health Concerns: Harriers tend to have a lot and frequent health issues.
- Allergy Friendliness: Harrier dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
- Apartment Adaptability: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Harrier breed.
- Watchdog Rating: Harrier dogs are not the best watchdogs.
- Impulse to Wander or Roam: Harrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
- Alone Time Tolerance: Harrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
- Cat Friendly: Harrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Harrier History
Early history
The Harrier is often mistaken for a Foxhound or a Beagle, yet in reality, it is a completely distinct English breed, which can trace its origins back to at least 800 years ago. Regarding the breed’s long history, no one is entirely sure of the Harrier’s ancestry or background, however, it is known that it was first recognized as a breed in the 13th century, long before an official program or kennel club would breed it or document their development process at all.
Development concepts
The word Harrier has a Norman-French origin and is referring to hound or dog. There are several conflicting theories around Harrier’s initial development. The most well-known among them is that Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, and the now-extinct Talbot Hounds were brought to England from France and Belgium, and presumably crossed and mixed multiple generations until a new breed has emerged. Another separate theory suggests that Fox Terriers, Greyhounds, and Foxhounds were crossed and mate together, while other theories state that the Harrier is just a smaller, more refined version of the Foxhound. Whichever might be true, it is certain that the Harrier was one of the most popular hunting breeds ever in England, for hundreds of years, up until the end of the 19th century. Originally, these packs of dogs were bred and used for hunting hares with the hunters following the dogs on foot. When foxhunting became fashionable with the hunters on horses, Harriers were further perfected and adapted to have more speed.
Entry to the United States of America
The Harrier was exported to the United States of America as early as the 17th century, however, the breed never really gained much popularity there. Back then, most the Americans saw the Harrier as another form of the Foxhound, and nothing else. Yet, in spite of their lack of popularity, the Harrier had been a part of the AKC (American Kennel Club) from the beginning, it was the 4th breed to gain recognition from the Club. Two specimens from Baltimore, Maryland have entered the Westminster Kennel Club Show in 1877, and from that point on the breed was a regular guest at dog shows too. In March of 1891, the Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles was established in England. At that time, the Harrier was way more popular than the Beagle.
Recognition and Shows
Until the year 1900, volumes of the Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles’ Stud Book listed 107 packs of registered Harriers yet, Harrier registrations were declining during the early 1900s. A specimen named Monarch became the first Harrier Champion of Record and also the first Harrier to win Best Show in 1936. This specimen, Monarch, was owned by the Monmouth County Hunt and was bred from dogs that were imported from England. During the period from 1940 to 1958, no Harriers were registered with the AKC, for the reason that historically, most of the specimens belonged to hunting packs, which usually were not registered with the AKC. The breed started being shown at AKC Shows during the early 1960s. In 1965, a specimen named Breezewood Chop Chop and became the second AKC Champion after a gap of 30 years. Interestingly the breed is recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club), by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), by the Canadian Kennel Club, however, England’s Kennel Club has not recognized the Harrier just yet.
Position today
Nowadays the Harrier is considered to be a rare breed, which is mostly kept as a family companion in Europe and in the United States of America. Nevertheless, there are some who still use the breed for hunting rabbits and other smaller games.
