Harrier Breed Information

Harrier profile

Country         United Kingdom

Breed Group:     Hound

Weight:     male:18-27 kg;female:18-27 kg

Height:     male:48-53 cm;female:48-53 cm


Color(s):     White, Black and Tan, Lemon and White, Red and White, Black, White, and Tan

Life expectancy 12-14 years

Litter size     7-8

Harrier History

Harriers are typically found in England where they work in packs as hunters. while their exact origins are unknown, most individuals believe the breed developed from a cross in between several other breeds, including Basset Hounds, Fox Terriers, and maybe even Greyhounds. This breed is rare in the United States.




Harrier Description

The Harrier is similar to the English Foxhound, but smaller. The coat is short, fine and glossy, and can come in any color, but is often tri-colored, lemon and white, red and white, or white and tan. The topline of the back is level. The legs are long with circular cat-like feet. The long tail is set high. The low-set ears hang right down beside the cheeks and therefore are rounded at the tips. The teeth meet in a level or scissors bite. The wide-set ears are medium in size, and brown or hazel in color.The muzzle is about the same length as the skull. The black nose is wide with open nostrils.The head is in proportion to the relaxation of the dog, with a bold forehead and a moderate stop.



Harrier Temperament

The Harrier is cheerful, sweet-tempered, tolerant of people, and it is excellent with children. This pack dog is good with other dogs, but should be supervised with non-canine pets unless it is raised with them from puppyhood. It prefers life in a pack with people, dogs, or both. This active dog likes to go exploring, sniffing, and trailing, so be sure to keep it on a leash or in a safe enclosed area. Some Harriers like to bay.



Harrier Care

The Harrier, just like the beagle, enjoys food. They possess a tendency to overeat eat which can put added pounds on their short frame. You should talk with your vet and only permit the Harrier to have the amount of foods he needs or you will soon have an overweight dog.




The Harrier does not require much grooming. He is not a huge shedder and only needs a bath when he becomes dirty or smelly. since he does have long hanging ears, they should be cleaned periodically and checked for ear mites.



The Harrier will not adjust to apartment living. He needs room to roam, sniff, romp, and play. because of their instinct to hunt, they should never be left in the lawn alone with a fence or on a leash, as they will venture away to hunt.



Harrier Grooming

The Harrier has a low-maintenance coat. All that is necessary for the coat is regular brushing. although the breed only sheds an average amount of its fur during shedding season, more brushing is necessary during this time. A comb can be a good tool to use around the breed's coat.



Harrier Training

Harriers are good with children, and they tend to be also friendly with strangers. It is good to socialize them with other dogs from a young age onwards; otherwise they might chase more compact pets once they are older. because of their stubborn nature, a number of them do prove complicated to housebreak. They are however quick learners. In general, these dogs are friendly and affectionate.therefore producing wonderful companions for their families.




Harrier Pictures