Dog Breeds - Harrier

Harrier

ATTRIBUTES: Friendly, Outgoing, Determined

GROUP: Hound Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Needs Lots Of Activity

BARKING LEVEL: Likes To Be Vocal

COAT TYPE: Smooth, Double

COAT LENGTH: Short

SHADDING: Seasonal

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: May Be Stubborn

CHARACTERISTIC: Smartest Breeds of Dog, Best Dog Breeds For Kids, Best Family Dogs, Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
Harriers are typically loving and bond well with their families. They enjoy being part of the household and seek attention and companionship from all family members.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
They tend to be patient, playful, and sturdy, making them good playmates for children. As with any breed, interactions should be supervised, especially with younger kids.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
Harriers were bred to hunt in packs and are naturally sociable with other dogs. They thrive in multi-dog homes or environments where they get canine companionship.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
Harriers have short, dense coats that shed moderately. Weekly brushing helps keep their coat clean and reduces shedding.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
Low maintenance — occasional baths and regular brushing are sufficient to maintain their coat.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
This breed does not drool much, which is helpful for cleanliness-conscious households.
COAT TYPE +
Smooth, Double
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
Generally friendly and welcoming, though they may be slightly reserved at first. With socialization, most Harriers enjoy meeting new people.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
They are energetic and love interactive play. Regular activity and play sessions are important for their happiness.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
While not naturally aggressive, they are alert and will bark to announce visitors, serving as moderate watchdogs.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
They adapt well to new environments if they get enough exercise. They are not ideal for apartment living without regular physical activity.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
Harriers are intelligent but have an independent streak. Consistent and patient training with rewards is most effective.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
They are high-energy dogs needing daily exercise. Without it, they may develop behavioral issues.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
They have a strong voice and may bark, especially if bored or not exercised enough.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
They benefit from mentally engaging activities like scent work, tracking games, and puzzle toys.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

Harriers are typically loving and bond well with their families. They enjoy being part of the household and seek attention and companionship from all family members.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

They tend to be patient, playful, and sturdy, making them good playmates for children. As with any breed, interactions should be supervised, especially with younger kids.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

Harriers were bred to hunt in packs and are naturally sociable with other dogs. They thrive in multi-dog homes or environments where they get canine companionship.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

Harriers have short, dense coats that shed moderately. Weekly brushing helps keep their coat clean and reduces shedding.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

Low maintenance — occasional baths and regular brushing are sufficient to maintain their coat.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

This breed does not drool much, which is helpful for cleanliness-conscious households.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Smooth, Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

Generally friendly and welcoming, though they may be slightly reserved at first. With socialization, most Harriers enjoy meeting new people.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

They are energetic and love interactive play. Regular activity and play sessions are important for their happiness.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

While not naturally aggressive, they are alert and will bark to announce visitors, serving as moderate watchdogs.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

They adapt well to new environments if they get enough exercise. They are not ideal for apartment living without regular physical activity.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

Harriers are intelligent but have an independent streak. Consistent and patient training with rewards is most effective.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

They are high-energy dogs needing daily exercise. Without it, they may develop behavioral issues.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Likes To Be Vocal

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

They benefit from mentally engaging activities like scent work, tracking games, and puzzle toys.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black White & Tan	034
Lemon & White	115
Red & White	146

PATTERNS

About The Breed

Harriers are energetic, pack-oriented scent hounds originally bred for hunting hares. Often described as a “Beagle on steroids,” they are slightly larger and more rugged. Harriers are friendly, sociable dogs who enjoy the company of people and other dogs. Their stamina and strong prey drive make them excellent partners for long walks, hikes, or any activity that involves using their nose.

They are vocal, tenacious, and require a secure yard due to their natural instinct to follow scents. Though less common as pets than other hound breeds, Harriers are loving and loyal family companions when given proper exercise and attention.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Harrier: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Harriers are generally a healthy breed. However, as with many medium-sized dogs, they may be prone to: Hip dysplasia Ear infections Eye disorders Regular vet checkups, a clean diet, and exercise help maintain their well-being. Since they have floppy ears, weekly ear cleaning is recommended to avoid infections. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Ear Examination

Grooming

	Harriers have short, hard coats that are easy to care for. Weekly brushing is typically enough to control shedding and keep their coats looking healthy. Baths can be given as needed, particularly if they’ve been exploring outdoors. Regular checks and cleaning of the ears are essential to prevent infections. Nails should be trimmed regularly, and teeth brushed frequently to support dental health.

Exercise

	This breed is built for endurance. Harriers need at least an hour or more of vigorous activity daily. Activities can include: Brisk walks Jogging Scent work Agility Fetch or tracking games Without enough exercise, Harriers may become bored and develop behavioral problems, including digging or barking.

Training

	Harriers are smart but independent. Early socialization and obedience training are important. Use positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, and play to motivate them. Because of their strong scent instinct, recall training should begin early, and they should always be in fenced areas or on a leash when outside.

Nutrition

	Feed your Harrier a high-quality dog food that matches their age, size, and activity level. Because they are active dogs, they may need more calories than more sedentary breeds. Monitor their weight closely and avoid overfeeding. Treats should be healthy and given in moderation. Avoid table scraps, especially those high in fat or containing bones. Always consult with a vet for specific dietary recommendations.

Historiography

The Harrier has existed in England for over 900 years and is believed to descend from a mix of English Foxhounds, Basset Hounds, and other scent hounds. It was developed specifically for hunting hares and other small game on foot. Due to their exceptional sense of smell, stamina, and pack mentality, Harriers became popular among hunters.

Though less known in the U.S. today, the Harrier was one of the earliest breeds registered by the American Kennel Club in 1885. They are still prized by hunters and scent-work enthusiasts around the world for their tracking ability and lively temperament.