Harrier

Temperament:

Good-natured, Active, Outgoing
Size: Medium
Height: 48-55 cm
Weight: 22-27 kg
Lifespan: 9-15 years
Coat: Shorthair
Colors: Lemon yellow-white, White, Tan, Black, Red-white
FCI Group: Scent hounds and related breeds

The Harrier originally comes from Great Britain. This breed is officially recognized by the FCI and bears the standard number 295. The Harrier is also classified as a medium-sized running dog.

Harrier
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Characteristics

The Harrier is very similar in appearance to the Beagle. It reaches a height at the withers of 48 to 55 centimetres. The optimum weight of a Harrier is between 22 and 27 kilograms.

The smooth, close-fitting coat of these four-legged friends can come in a wide variety of colors. From orange to black, anything is possible. However, its white undercoat is characteristic. In France in particular, the Harrier is bred as a tricolor with a black coat.

The skull of this breed is medium sized and broad. The stop is very weakly pronounced. The drooping ears are at eye level. They are also V-shaped. The body of the Harrier is strong and muscular. It appears stocky, which is due to the short torso and the relatively short legs.

Anyone who brings a Harrier into the family can look forward to a long-lasting companion. The life expectancy of these four-legged friends is between 9 and 15 years.

The breed is considered to be very friendly. Their character is gentle and peaceful. They are characterized above all by their high intelligence. This is why they are very eager to learn and always want to be kept busy.

If you want to get a Harrier, you should bear in mind that these dogs make some demands on their new home. They have a great urge to move and are very persistent. As they were originally used to hunt hares, the Harrier has an excellent sense of smell.

When hunting, the Harrier is usually used in packs. It is therefore very sociable by nature and loves the company of other furry friends. It is therefore generally very compatible with other dogs.

It should be noted that the Harrier is highly assertive. It is also very headstrong and independent. Consistent training is therefore essential. However, you should do this very gently and lovingly.

If you keep your new pet as a family dog, you will gain a very affectionate and loyal friend. If he is kept for hunting in a pack, he will not develop such a close relationship with his owners. Although the Harrier is a very alert and attentive dog, aggression is alien to him.

Due to its nature, the Harrier can be excellently trained as a running and welding dog. It is particularly brilliant on flat terrain. This breed is also ideal for hunting with horses.

If you are not a hunter yourself, you can take your Harrier to dog sports instead. Otherwise, the fur nose loves contact with other dogs. Long walks also make the four-legged friend particularly happy. Sufficient activity should be provided in any case.

One should be prepared for the pronounced hunting instinct of this breed. As a precaution, it should be kept on a lead in areas with lots of game. The Harrier feels most comfortable in a home with plenty of exercise. A house with a large garden is therefore ideal. The Harrier does not feel at home in the city.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.

Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity.

Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until the dog is fully grown. A rest period should be observed after meals.

Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.

Health & Care

As with many hunting dogs, the Harrier requires little grooming. Occasional brushing is completely sufficient. If the Harrier is taken hunting, it should be checked afterwards for wounds and vermin.

Suitable accessories

Depending on your pet's attitude, you will also need different accessories. For hunting training, you will need special dummies, scents and a training whistle. Otherwise, you should have everything that any other breed of dog needs.

This includes a collar or harness with lead, dog basket or mat as a retreat, water and food bowl, tick tweezers, claw clippers, mild dog shampoo, brush and comb, toothbrush and toothpaste for the dog, transport box for transportation in the car and a first aid kit. Ask your vet what belongs in the first aid kit.

Harrier dog origin

Origin & History

The Harrier originates from Great Britain and was first mentioned in writing in 1260. It is assumed that French hounds are the ancestors of this breed. In the Middle Ages, it was mainly used for hunting in the west of England.

The English nobleman Sir Elias of Midhope, for example, owned a famous Harrier pack. The first Harrier show took place in 1889. Subsequently, two clubs were founded, which from then on dedicated themselves to the pure breeding of this breed.

It is not entirely clear where the name Harrier comes from. As the Harrier is a very old dog breed, it is not easy to clarify its origin beyond doubt.

The Harrier was originally bred for hare hunting. Therefore, some believe that its name is derived from the English word "hare". Others, however, believe that the four-legged friend got its name from the Norman-Saxon language. There, "harrier" simply means "dog".