Description

The Harrier is similar to the English Foxhound, but smaller. It is a compact dog. Speedy, hardy, and with the finest sense of smell. A muscular hunting hound with a short, hard coat, usually lemon & white, red & white, or white & tan, however any color is allowed. The back is sometimes all black. Built with large bone for stamina and strength, the Harrier is slightly longer than tall, with a level topline. The tail is medium-length, carried high, but is not curled over the back. The skull is broad with a strong square muzzle. The rounded ears are pendant, and the eyes are either brown or hazel. The wide nose is black. The expression is mellow when the dog is relaxed and alert when he is excited. The teeth should meet in a scissors or level bite. The feet are tight and cat-like, and the front toes may turn inward.

Origin

Temperament

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 - 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.

Height

Height: 19-21 inches (48-50 cm.) (behind the withers)

Weight

Weight: 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg.)

Known Health Problems

The Harrier is generally a healthy breed with no serious genetic defects. Hip dysplasia occurs occasionally, so only buy pups from parents that have OFA certification. Epilepsy is also occasionally found in some lines. Living conditions Harriers are not recommended for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and do best with acreage. Exercise The Harrier is a pleasant companion when it is sufficiently exercised; however if they do not get enough outdoor space to exercise, it may become a nuisance. Country environments are best. Harriers will make an excellent jogging companion and if not taken on a daily jog, they need Life expectancy About 10-12 years. Grooming The short-haired coat of the Harrier is easy to groom. Occasionally brush and comb out the dead hair. This breed is an average shedder. Origin Harriers are a swift hunting hounds with an excellent nose and superior stamina in the field. Sources have widely conflicting stories about the origins of this breed. According to one, the earliest Harrier types were crossed with bloodhounds, the Talbot Hound, and even the Basset Hound. According to another, the breed was probably developed from crosses of the English Foxhound with Fox Terrier and Greyhound. In a third source, the Harrier is said to be simply a bred-down version of the English Foxhound. In any case, today's Harrier is between the Beagle and English Foxhound in size and was developed primarily to hunt hare, though the breed has also been used in fox hunting. The name, Harrier, reveals the breed's specialty. Neither hare nor Fox can escape its exceptional sense of smell, its cunning, and its unequaled boldness. Prey chased by the inexhaustible Harrier have been known to collapse from sheer exhaustion. The Harrier is still fairly rare in the United States, but has a long history of popularity as a working pack dog in England. Group Hound, AKC Hound

Conditions for Living

Exercise Requirments

Life Expectancy

Grooming

Group