Harrier: temperament, size, care and health

About the Harrier

The Harrier is a hound of middle size, standing roughly nineteen to twenty-one inches high, that looks like a bigger, longer-legged Beagle or a smaller English Foxhound. It has a strong, well-balanced body, a broad skull and a muzzle of moderate length, with drop ears and a high tail carried with a slight curve. The short coat comes in the usual hound colors, such as tricolor or lemon and white.

Harriers were bred in the British Isles to hunt hare in packs, and the hunters followed on foot or on horseback. The job called for a dog that could run for hours at a steady pace with a good nose and a pleasant voice. In North America there are few Harriers, most of them in working packs, though some live as family companions. People who choose one are usually drawn by the breed's sunny nature and boundless energy.

Temperament and family life

A Harrier is friendly, good-natured and outgoing. It likes everyone, including strangers, and works best as a member of a group or a household with another dog. It was bred to hunt with a pack, so it is usually social and rarely aggressive. It is not a guard dog.

It generally does well with children that can keep up with it, and a Harrier enjoys active play. Young dogs are exuberant and may bowl over smaller children. As with other hounds, small animals will be chased, so cats and pet rabbits need careful introductions. The Harrier does not like being alone and will make its feelings known by baying, digging or chewing. It is a hound that needs company and purpose.

Exercise and training

Of all the breeds in this group, the Harrier is among the most demanding in stamina. A suitable home provides long daily runs or hikes, perhaps with a cyclist or a horse, and a fenced area. A walk around the block is only the start. Without hard exercise it becomes loud, restless and destructive. Because it follows scent trails, it must be kept on a leash or in a strong fence, and it cannot be trusted in open land.

Training takes persistence and humor. The Harrier is intelligent and amiable but independent, and it may follow its nose instead of a cue. Reward-based training, short sessions and early socialization help. Recall will never be perfect. A crate is helpful for house training and for quiet time. Scent work and tracking use the breed's talent and give a mental outlet.

Grooming and shedding

The coat is easy to keep. A weekly brushing with a hound glove or a rubber curry removes loose hair, and a bath is needed only if the dog gets dirty. Shedding is moderate.

The pendant ears should be checked and cleaned regularly, especially after running through brush or water. After work, inspect the feet, legs and skin for ticks, burrs and cuts. Trim nails when they grow long.

Health

The Harrier is generally a healthy breed, in part because working packs have emphasized soundness. Reported conditions include hip dysplasia, ear infections, epilepsy and eye problems. Overweight dogs are at risk of joint trouble. The numbers of Harriers in North America are small, so the gene pool is limited. Breeders may test hips and eyes. Treat this as general information on the Harrier, and take questions about an individual dog to a veterinarian.

History

The breed is generally traced to medieval England, where hare packs were kept, though the early record is vague. The Harrier probably descends from foxhound, Basset and Greyhound blood, though sources differ. It was kept by hunt clubs in Britain, Ireland and the United States. The American Kennel Club recognized it in 1885.

Is the Harrier right for you?

A Harrier suits a very active family or an experienced owner who can run, hike and provide a strong fence. It is a poor choice for sedentary households, for apartments, for people who are away all day or for anyone wanting a quiet dog.

The smaller Beagle is a more common choice with a similar personality and lower exercise needs. If you want a larger, heavier hound, look at the English Foxhound or the American Foxhound.