HarrierCharacteristics, history, training and care
Harrier. · Smcmilla, Pharaoh Hound / Wikimedia Commons, public domain. Cropped and resized.
The Harrier is a medium-sized English hound, bred for hunting hares by scent. The AKC describes it as something between a more muscular Beagle and a smaller English Foxhound. It has been used since the middle of the 13th century. It is friendly, lively, loving and sociable, but also independent.
Quick facts
| Common name | Harrier |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 27 November 1974 (group 6, medium-sized scenthounds; standard no. 295); also recognised by the AKC |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | 48–55 cm at the withers (preferably 48–50 cm); about 20–27 kg (AKC) |
| Size (females) | 48–55 cm at the withers (preferably 48–50 cm) |
| Coat type | Smooth, flat, not too short |
| Common colours | Any hound colour: tricolour, lemon and white, tan and white |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | Can adapt, with plenty of exercise |
| Temperament | Friendly, lively, loving, independent |
| Tendency to aggression | Very low; the standard does not accept aggression |
| Good with children | Very good |
| Good with other animals | Very good with dogs; hunting instinct |
| Genetic predispositions | Hip dysplasia, ear infections |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
Wikipedia says the Harrier has been used since the middle of the 13th century to hunt hares by scent. It resembles the English Foxhound, but is somewhat smaller, though not as small as a Beagle.
The AKC says the English Foxhound was used in its development. It was bred specifically to spend hours in the field, trailing game in a pack alongside hunters. Wikipedia jokingly describes it as “a Beagle on steroids”.
How the breed developed
- Middle of the 13th century – Harriers are used to hunt hares.
- 27 November 1974 – The FCI recognises the breed.
- 8 September 2026 – the current FCI standard is published.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★★☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★★ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★★ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★★ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★★ |
| Needs and care | ★★★★☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★★ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★★ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
The AKC says the Harrier has the timeless look of a pack hound: a short, neat coat, low-set velvety ears and a muscular body, between a Beagle and an English Foxhound. Wikipedia says it is slightly longer than it is tall, with a level topline.
General appearance
The head is expressive and of moderate size, with a flat skull and a fairly long muzzle. The eyes are always dark. The tail, of medium length, is carried high, but not curled over the back.
| Feature | Harrier |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | 48–55 cm, preferably 48–50 cm |
| Weight | about 20–27 kg |
| Coat | Smooth, flat |
| Ears | Low-set, velvety |
| Tail | Carried high, not curled |
The standard accepts any colour and any pattern recognised in hounds, most often tricolour (white, black and tan), lemon and white or tan and white.
Training and socialisation
The standard describes it as friendly and lively; aggression or nervousness is not accepted.
The AKC says that, like other hounds, it is loving and amiable, but independent and can be stubborn. Training calls for consistency, patience and an understanding of the hound's nature. It responds well to calm, loving but firm leadership.
Tips for effective training
- Be consistent and patient. It is independent, like all hounds.
- Have a fenced garden. The AKC says it cannot resist giving chase.
- Work on the barking. The AKC gives it the top score for barking.
- Keep it in company. It is a pack dog.
Activity needs and lifestyle
The AKC says it was bred to spend hours in the field, so it needs plenty of exercise every day; without it, it gets bored and can become destructive. If it gets the activity it needs, it adapts to many kinds of homes.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks or running | daily | High energy |
| Scent work | several times a week | Hound instinct |
| Play with other dogs | weekly | It is a pack dog |
Tips for a balanced life
- Keep it on a lead outside the yard.
- The fence must have no gaps.
- Think of the neighbours: it barks a lot.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The AKC says the short, glossy coat needs little care: a weekly brush with a soft brush or a grooming mitt and an occasional bath. The ears should be checked and cleaned regularly.
Common health problems
The AKC says Harriers are generally healthy, and responsible breeders test their dogs. Worth watching for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Ear infections | Infections of the drooping ears | Scratching, bad smell, tilted head |
Other care
- Clean the ears regularly.
- Trim the nails when they start to touch the floor.
- Brush its teeth regularly.
Diet and nutrition
The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age and activity level. Table scraps should be given rarely or not at all.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 kg | 1,060 kcal | 1,190 kcal | 260–340 g |
| 23 kg | 1,180 kcal | 1,320 kcal | 300–380 g |
| 27 kg | 1,330 kcal | 1,490 kcal | 330–430 g |
- Give it its food in two meals a day.
- Training treats count towards the daily portion.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- “A Beagle with a gym membership”. That is how the AKC jokingly describes it.
- 800 years old. It has been used since the 13th century.
- Between two breeds. It is bigger than the Beagle and smaller than the Foxhound.
- It barks a lot. The AKC gives it the top score for barking.
- Friendly with all dogs. The AKC gives it the top score for getting on with other dogs.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Harrier differ from the Beagle?
It is bigger and more muscular than the Beagle, but smaller than the English Foxhound.
How big does it get?
48–55 cm at the withers and about 20–27 kg.
Is it good with children?
Yes, the AKC gives it the top score for children.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 12–15 years.
