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Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
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Harrier
| Other Names | Harehound |
| Country of Origin | Great Britain |
| Weight | 40 - 60 lbs. (18 - 27 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 19 - 21 in. (48 - 50 cm) (behind the withers) |
| Coat | The coat is short, dense, hard and glossy coat. It should not be too short or flat. Ears should have a finer texture compared to the rest of the body. There should be a brush of hair on the underside of the tail. |
| Colour | There is no set standard regarding colour, as it is not considered very important. Colours may include: black, white & tan, red & white, black & tan, black, tan & white, lemon & white, tan, open-markings with lots of white and white. In France a tricolour with black mantle covering the back (like a blanket) is preferred. The back is usually all black. In the US, the typical Harrier is tan, black & white with a black back, tan on the head, ears, and legs, white on the feet, muzzle, chest, underside, blaze and on the tip of the tail. |
| Litter Size | 7 - 8 puppies |
| Life Span | 12 - 15 years |
| Origin & History | Unlike most breeds, the Harrier is believed to be bred down from the English Foxhound by selective breeding. Except for size, the Harrier looks to be just a smaller sized Foxhound. They are also thought to be "cousins" to the Talbot and Old Southern Hounds, and may have contributed to the Small Game Anglo-French Hound. The name Harrier means hound in Norman-Saxon, and because of this it is thought that the Harrier traveled to England alongside the Normans. Developed primarily for hunting hare, they have also been used in fox hunting. The first pack of Harriers in England was called the Penistone, established by Sir Elias de Midhope in 1260 it held together for at least five centuries. Hunting was very popular throughout the British Isles, most likely because the pack could be followed on foot. Packs contained a hundred plus dogs, most of them scratch packs. Scratch packs were made up of Harriers owned by various people; by doing this the common, or poor people, were able to participate. During the 17th to 18th century they were owned mostly by the poor people, while the wealthy class owned the Foxhounds. The breeds was then adapted to hunting fox in front of a group of horse-mounted riders (though most packs were able to hunt both fox and hare). Harriers have been in the United States since Colonial times. General George S. Patton was Master of the Cobbler Harriers (a pack) from 1936-1938. The last pack of Harriers was in the late 1960s, before everyone got into foxhounds and foxhunts. They were first admitted into the AKC Stud Book in 1885. The breed is still relatively rare in the US. In 1877 only two Harriers were shown in the first Westminster Kennel Club. Today, most are house pets, though some are being shown or obedience. Only a handful are still used in hare hunts, as they work game that are too fast for Beagles, very well. |
| Personality | The Harrier is somewhat more playful and outgoing than the Foxhound, but not as much as the Beagle. Cheerful, sweet-tempered, and tolerant, it is excellent with children. This pack dog is good with other dogs, but should be supervised with non-canine pets. It prefers life in a pack with people, dogs or both. This active dog likes roaming, exploring, sniffing and trailing. Some Harriers like to bay. They are determined and watchful and require patient, firm training. It is important you are this dog's pack leader and that you provide the proper amount of mental and physical exercise, including daily pack walks, to avoid separation anxiety. When under exercised they can become a handful, possibly destructive and high-strung. There are two types, field lines and show lines (bench). Field types are bred for hunting and field trial work. The bench type is bred for conformation shows. Both types are energetic and need daily exercise, but field lines have a higher energy level and need even more exercise. The dominancy level in this breed varies even within the same litter. If you are not the type of person who can display a natural air of calm, but firm authority, then be sure to choose a pup that is more submissive. The temperament of both show and field lines vary widely, depending upon how the owners treat the dog and how much and what type of exercise they provide. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Harriers, in general, are one of the healthiest breeds of dog. The main reason for this is because of the rarity of the breed; there is not high demand for them. Therefore breeders are only breeding only the very best to the very best. Rare cases seen are: hip dysplasia (looseness in the hip joint that can lead to lameness or arthritis), Epilepsy, and jaw malformations. Though no eye problems have been found with the breed, it is still encouraged to buy puppies from parents that are both CERF and OFA certified (OFA tests for hip dysplasia). Though genetically the breed is healthy, this does not mean it cannot catch viruses or disease, cancer, or other illnesses. |
| Grooming | The shorthaired coat of the Harrier is easy to groom. Occasionally brush and comb out the dead hair. This breed is an average shedder. |
| Exercise | Harriers will make excellent jogging companions and if not taken on a daily jog, they need to be taken on a long, daily, brisk walk. While out on the walk make sure the dog heels beside or behind the person holding the lead, never in front, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. |
| Other Considerations | Harriers are not recommended for apartment life unless the owners are very active people who plan on taking them out daily for jogs, hikes or hunts. They are moderately active indoors and will thrive with acreage. They have a tendency to roam do to their hunting and tracking instincts. Do not let them off leash in an unsafe area. |
