Harrier
Can live in small spaces Is good for seniors or low-activity homes Does shed a lot Is good with children Is good with other dogs Is good with cats Is affectionate with family Is protective or territorial Is prone to separation anxiety Is prone to allergies Can be trained for herding or hunting Is recognized by major kennel clubs Active Cheerful Friendly Great with kids High energy dog Hound Hunting hares by trailing them Outgoing Sheds a lot Sweet-Tempered Tolerant

Harrier

Height 18 - 22 in (46 - 56 cm)
Weight 40 - 60 lbs (18 - 27 kg)
Lifespan 12 - 15 years
Origin Unknown

Is a Harrier Right For You?

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Is Harrier prone to allergies?

Is Harrier a hypoallergenic breed?

What are common health issues in Harrier?

How much does it cost to raise a Harrier annually?

Does Harrier drool a lot?

Breed Characteristics

Harriers were bred for high energy activities and require at least 2 hours of exercise daily based on multiple sources.

How much exercise does Harrier need?

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The consensus from the sources indicates that grooming needs for a Harrier are generally low, with a weekly brushing being sufficient. While some sources suggest more frequent grooming, overall, the maintenance level is considered to be in the medium range.

How much grooming does Harrier need?

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Harriers are consistently described as very intelligent, responsive to training, and capable of problem-solving. While they may have some stubbornness, their overall intelligence level is rated high across multiple sources.

How intelligent is Harrier?

LowHigh
Based on the consistent mentions of Harriers being independent and stubborn in multiple sources, indicating a high level of these traits in the breed.

Is Harrier stubborn or independent?

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Based on the consensus from the sources that Harriers are fond of using their voice to communicate, known to howl or bay, and may bark excessively when lonely, unhappy, or bored. There are also mentions of the breed's tendency to vocalize and potential challenges with barking tendencies.

Does Harrier bark a lot?

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Harriers require at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise per day, with some needing even more. The consensus is that they should receive at least two hours of exercise daily to meet their high energy levels and ensure their physical and mental well-being.

How much playtime does a Harrier need daily?

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Based on the majority of sources indicating that Harriers are intelligent and willing to learn, with training requiring consistency and positive reinforcement. While there are mentions of some challenges, overall, the consensus leans towards them being relatively easy to train.

Is Harrier easy to train?

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The consensus suggests that while Harriers are athletic and require outdoor exercise, they can also live indoors with their human family. However, they do need regular walks and a securely enclosed area due to their hunting instincts.

Can Harrier stay indoors with limited walks?

LowHigh
Based on the majority of sources indicating that Harriers are protective and territorial during breeding season, actively defending their nests and young, displaying aggressive behaviors towards intruders, and being intolerant of conspecifics near their nest sites.

Is Harrier protective or territorial?

LowHigh
Based on the consistent information from multiple sources stating that Harriers are incredibly loving, affectionate, form strong bonds with their families, enjoy spending time with loved ones, get along well with children and other pets, and are good-natured and patient.

Is Harrier affectionate with family?

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Basic Info

What are the breed characteristics of Harrier?

The Harrier is a medium-sized pack hound breed originating from England, known for its swift and prey-driven nature. They have a short, dense coat that is glossy and harsh to the touch. Harriers are intelligent, social, friendly, and people-oriented dogs that require human companionship to prevent boredom and potential mischief. They are energetic, playful, and affectionate with excellent scenting abilities, falling between the size of a beagle and a foxhound. Harriers are well-balanced, muscular dogs bred for endurance and stamina in hunting hares. This breed thrives in active homes with experienced pet parents who can provide regular exercise and minimal grooming. Overall, Harriers are outgoing, friendly, and loving companion dogs that enjoy human company and outdoor activities.


What is the average litter size of Harrier?

The average litter size of Harrier dogs typically ranges from 5 to 8 puppies, with 7-8 puppies being a common number mentioned across sources. However, litter sizes can vary from 1 to 12 puppies. Harriers are medium-sized hounds originating from England, known for their swift and prey-driven nature. They have a lifespan of 10-12 years and come in colors such as lemon, white, red, tan, and black. The breed is friendly and outgoing, originally bred for hunting hares.


What does a Harrier look like?

The Harrier is a distinctive hawk known for its long wings and long tail, often seen flying low over open grasslands with its wings held in a V-shape. It has a flat, owl-like face with a small, sharply hooked bill, and a white patch at the base of its tail. Harriers are sexually dimorphic, with males having gray coloring and females or juveniles having brown coloring. They have slender yellow legs, piercing yellow eyes, and are described as the most owl-like of all hawks. Juvenile males have pale greenish-yellow eyes that gradually change to lemon-yellow. All Harriers have yellow legs and fly with their wings in a shallow V-shape while gliding low to search for prey.


What is the typical lifespan of Harrier?

The typical lifespan of a Harrier is between 12 and 15 years, making it a relatively healthy breed with fewer health issues compared to other common breeds. Some health problems that Harriers may be prone to include epilepsy and perianal fistula. Harriers are medium-sized dogs of the hound class, known for their sturdy build, large bones, short coats, and floppy, low-set ears. They were developed in England for hunting hares in packs and are often mistaken for smaller English Foxhounds or taller Beagles.


What is the origin of the Harrier?

The Harrier breed is a medium-sized hunting dog that resembles a small English Foxhound and was originally bred for hunting rabbits. Its origins can be traced back to the 13th century in England, where it was developed as a swift, prey-driven pack hound for chasing hares. The breed is believed to have been created through crosses between the English Foxhound, Fox Terrier, and Greyhound. The Harrier is known for its outgoing and friendly nature, making it a popular choice for hunting on horseback. Despite some references to a British manufacturing company named Hawker Siddeley and the development of the Harrier jet in the 1960s, the primary focus remains on the breed's historical roots in hunting and its distinctive characteristics as a pack hound.


What is the average size of Harrier?

The Harrier is a medium-sized dog breed known for its swift and friendly nature. It typically stands between 19 to 21 inches at the shoulders and weighs around 45 to 65 pounds. This hound class breed was originally bred in medieval England to chase hares and closely resembles the English Foxhound but is slightly smaller. The average size of a Harrier is 17-23 inches in length and has a wingspan of 38-48 inches. The Harrier is a pack hound used for hunting hares by trailing them and is known for its outgoing and prey-driven characteristics.


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