One look at the Harrier might confuse you into thinking you’re looking at an enlarged Beagle or a small Foxhound. However, the Harrier is an English breed that belongs to a category of its own. Keep reading to discover 10 fun facts about this breed, including its hunting style, loving personality, and energy levels.
1. Harriers Are an English Dog Breed
The Harrier’s origin story began in the 13th century in England, where it gained popularity as a hunting companion for the upper classes. These pups were initially bred for horseback hunting and were developed to chase hares across varied terrain. Like other hounds which are named after their primary game, “Harriers” are named after the fast, long eared hares they hunt.
Although the exact origins of the Harrier are somewhat disputed, several theories have been proposed. One account claims that early Harriers likely resulted from crossbreeding Bloodhounds, Talbot Hounds, and possibly Basset Hounds. Another theory suggests that these canines were developed by crossbreeding English Foxhounds, Fox Terriers, and Greyhounds. Regardless of its precise lineage, the Harrier was developed to be a versatile scent hound, capable of tracking prey over long distances. Harriers found their time to shine when traditional large game populations declined in the 18th century and hare hunting became the favored sporting pastime.
2. Harriers Are Medium-Sized Dogs with Double Coats
The Harrier is a medium-sized hound, typically standing between 19-21 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing about 45-60 pounds, depending on the gender. Their double coat is short, dense, and weather-resistant, usually featuring a combination of black, tan, and white coloration. The breed’s standard fur colors are black, white, and tan; lemon and white; and red and white.
Dog show judging criteria and the official standard favor Harriers with strong, well-proportioned bodies built for endurance. They should have a broad chest, muscular legs, and a straight, tapering tail often carried high. Their heads must be proportionate to their body, with a slightly domed skull and a square muzzle. Their ears are preferably pendant, set low, and hanging close to the cheeks, while their eyes are medium-sized and described as having a gentle, pleading expression.
3. These Dogs Have Low-Maintenance Grooming Needs
One benefit of the Harrier’s short, compact fur is that it needs minimal grooming. They will look their best with a weekly brushing using a firm bristle brush or hound glove to remove loose fur and distribute natural oils throughout the coat, keeping it healthy and shiny. This breed is also a moderate shedder and the amount of dust bunnies in a home may vary depending on the season.
Additionally, bathing is only necessary when the Harrier gets excessively dirty or develops the unpleasant doggy odor. During the grooming routine, the Harrier’s large, droopy ears should be checked and cleaned to remove dirt and decrease the likelihood of developing an infection. Their nails should also be trimmed when they reach a length that clicks on the ground; however, active pups might get away with having their nails wear down naturally when walking or running on rough surfaces. Lastly, their teeth should be brushed regularly to maintain good oral hygiene.
4. Harriers Are Described as Friendly and Outgoing
Harriers are known for their friendly, outgoing, and even-tempered nature. They are pack animals at heart, which means their strong desire for companionship allows them to get along with their human family and other dogs. These hounds are also good with children and can adapt well to family life when given enough outdoor exercise and mental stimulation. In addition, the American Kennel Club (AKC) ranks them as a 4 out of 5 on the “Openness to strangers” rating, highlighting their welcoming nature towards new faces.
While they are generally friendly, Harriers follow their hunting instincts and can be quite determined when on a scent trail. This trait can sometimes manifest as stubbornness or independence, especially if they catch an interesting smell during walks or playtime. This also means that they are an incredibly vocal breed and will bark at whatever piques their interest.
5. These Scent Hounds Have Some Unique Traits
One of the Harrier’s most standout features is its exceptional sense of smell, a trait honed through centuries of breeding for hunting purposes. This nasal superpower, combined with their stamina and determination, makes them excellent tracking dogs. Another unique trait is their voices’ pleasant sounds. Like many scent hounds, Harriers tend to bay or howl, especially when they are excited or on a scent trail. This vocalization might sound charming to enthusiasts, but, as mentioned earlier, the barking frequency might not be the best for apartment living as it can bother neighbors.
Harriers also possess remarkable endurance, which developed from their history of following hunters on horseback for extended periods. Their stamina ensures they have enough energy to travel and hunt through terrain that might change from open fields to dense forests.
6. Harriers Require Plenty of Stimulation and Exercise
As a breed developed for long hunting expeditions, Harriers have high exercise requirements and need an active owner. They thrive on regular, vigorous activity and need at least an hour of daily exercise. This can include long walks, jogging, hiking, or playtime in a securely fenced area. As a disclaimer, Harriers should not be let off their leash in an open area as their prey drive can lead to unpredictable behavior where they run after small animals.
Mental stimulation is equally important for this intelligent breed. Canine sports such as scent work, agility training, tracking, rallying, or coursing can help keep their minds engaged and prevent boredom-induced destructive behaviors. For indoor playtime, puzzle toys or slow feeders allow them to use their problem-solving skills while keeping them occupied and entertained.
7. Harriers Respond Well to Positive Reinforcement-Based Training
Harriers are smart dogs with a strong capacity for learning new skills. The AKC ranks them as a 4 out of 5 on the “Trainability” rating, which shows their willingness to complete training sessions. However, their independent nature and slight stubbornness can present challenges during lessons. Similar to most other breeds, Harriers prefer positive reinforcement methods, as they respond the best to praise, treats, and play-based rewards.
Moreover, early socialization and obedience training are crucial for this breed. This can help decrease unwanted behaviors, such as excessive barking, and may promote positive interactions with other people and pets. In addition, their pack mentality means they are curious about testing boundaries, so consistent, firm leadership is necessary. Training sessions should be kept short and engaging to maintain their interest.
8. These Dogs Have Some Health Concerns
Luckily, Harriers are generally considered a healthy breed; however, they can be prone to certain genetic health issues.
The Harrier Club of America (HCA) recommends two health screenings to increase the well-being of future litters. First, they recommend a hip evaluation for hip dysplasia, an abnormal hip joint development that can lead to arthritis and an inability to walk properly. Second, ophthalmologist evaluations are advised to screen for conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), glaucoma, and vision impairments.
Other conditions that may affect these pups include:
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland that can cause weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.
- Epilepsy: A neurological disorder that can cause seizures.
Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise can help reduce some of these health risks. Responsible breeding practices also play a crucial role in preventing affected pups from passing down hereditary health issues.
9. Harriers Are a Rare Breed in America
Despite their appealing qualities, Harriers are relatively rare outside of their home country, England. In the United States, they consistently rank among the least popular breeds registered by the AKC. In 2023, they ranked 190 out of 201 on the AKC’s list of most popular dogs, making them the 11th least popular dog in the US. This low ranking is partly due to their active exercise needs and the fact that they are less well-known compared to similar breeds like Beagles and Foxhounds.
However, their place on the AKC’s list doesn’t mean they are less worthy of admiration or not ideal pets for all owners. Harriers are still cherished by enthusiasts for their friendly personality, versatility, and hunting abilities. In England, they continue to be valued as working dogs in organized hunts.
10. Harriers Are Similar to Foxhounds and Beagles
Harriers are in a unique middle position between Beagles and Foxhounds in terms of size and hunting style. While all three breeds are scent hounds with origins in England, there are several differences. Beagles are much smaller than Harriers and measure about 13-15 inches tall at the shoulders, whereas Foxhounds are taller and stand between 22-25 inches tall.
Secondly, Beagles hunt hares and their smaller relatives, rabbits. As the Foxhound’s name implies, their primary game is foxes. In terms of how they hunt these animals, Beagles work on foot and Foxhounds prefer to hunt on horseback, while the Harrier can do either. Lastly, Beagles are slower hunters with moderate endurance, and Foxhounds are fast with very high endurance.
11. Harriers Make Great Dogs for Active Owners
Harriers are a remarkable breed that combines the best qualities of both Beagles and Foxhounds. With their friendly temperament, versatile hunting abilities, and minimal grooming needs, Harriers make excellent companions for active individuals or families who can satisfy their exercise and mental stimulation needs. Although they are not as well-known as other hound breeds, Harriers have much to offer to the right owner who appreciates their unique characteristics and is willing to help them thrive in the appropriate environment.
