Harrier Dog Breed

There isn't much documentation about the origins of the Harrier breed, however, we do know they were around as early as the 1200s. The were popular hare hunting dogs throughout the United Kingdom but especially in England. The breed was supposedly imported into America during the colonial era and was actually one of the first breeds to gain AKC recognition in 1885 (shortly after the clubs formation). This fact is surprising considering the rarity of the breed now. As far as looks, these sweet faced dogs are smaller than Foxhounds but larger and more muscular than Beagles. Overall, they are sturdy dogs built with the endurance to lead a long day's hunt. The low maintenance coat is short, hard and glossy and they shed moderately. Keep reading for a list of the pros and cons of owning a Harrier.

Harriers are pretty smart and shouldn't be difficult to train. One of the longest running Harrier clubs, the Harrier Club of America, notes that the breed is very food oriented so they will probably respond well to treat based training. Be careful, Harriers are also prone to obesity so overfeeding them or giving them too many treats may result in extra pounds. Training your pet regularly from puppyhood will help lessen his/her likelihood to excessively bark and dig.

Members of this breed and friendly, outgoing people dogs that need very hands-on owners. They need to live indoors with the family; if you are frequently gone from the home it is recommended to have another dog (or more) for your Harrier to pal around with. These dogs are playful family pets and get along extremely well with other dogs. Early socialization will be necessary for them to coexist peacefully with cats.

Ideally, if you are considering a Harrier and are not a hunter, you are at least an active, outdoorsy individual. They need at least an hour or two of playtime outdoors every single day. A large fenced yard is good for letting them burn off some energy without them running off to follow a new scent. Hikes, long walks and trips to the dog park are great ways to exercise your Harrier.

The Harrier breed temperament is hard-working, strong-willed, bold and friendly. They are very family oriented and must have owners willing to let them live indoors and be part of the family. The Harrier Club recommends having a second dog if you spend long hours at work or school every day. Harrier hounds are very friendly with other dogs and are playful with children. They may great strangers with loud barking and curiosity but will likely warm up quickly.

Compared to others, the Harrier dog breed requires high amounts of exercise; bored Harriers may be prone to digging and excessive barking (in addition to other nuisance behaviors). Members of the breed make good companions on long walks, hikes and camping trips. They are natural hunters and will follow their nose to trouble if not kept on leashed when outside of fenced areas. Early obedience training is necessary so luckily most experts agree they are not difficult to train.

Harrier hound dogs are likely to live 12-15 years with few health issues. They are prone to eye disease and ear infections but, other than that, tend to be free of major disorders that affect other breeds. Checking the ears and teeth weekly and cleaning accordingly are preventative measures you can handle at home. Feeding them according to veterinary guidelines will help prevent them from becoming obese-- obesity puts unnecessary strain on joints and bones. Make sure to keep up with your regular veterinary check ups as some diseases and disorders are better recognized by trained professionals.