Harrier
Overview
Since medieval times, the Harrier has been working in packs to hunt their quarry. Created in the 1200s as the perfect middle-ground between the larger more-powerful Foxhound and smaller eager Beagle, this dog has character in spades.
England has a fine history of hunting and a day out with your hounds chasing hare or fox would have been every nobleman's day job.
The breed then became popular in France too as the two countries battled to out-do each other. It has since become popular across the globe - reaching the States during colonial times - and are still found in homes today just as then.
Loving Life Outdoors
Harriers adore the outdoors and you will make them so happy if they could take regular long runs - but they can adapt readily to city life if kept entertained. They wouldn't be the stay-at-home type and can become destructive if regularly left alone.
Covering any terrain for hours on end with their superb stamina and steady gait, they will certainly keep their owners in shape. They would be a determined partner for trails, agility and cani-cross. They would equally be at ease running with horses and mountain bikes.
Character And Coat
Being a typical English hound, Harriers have a tricolour smooth coat; dropping ears that feel like velvet, and a very thoughtful face. Bonding strongly to their owner and other pack members (although this doesn't usually include cats) they are a loyal companion.
They will need firm training from a young age as they are easily distracted by almost anything. They will also need regular grooming as are a shedding breed - but they will be thankful for the attention.
Being a sweet-natured breed in general they are able to settle into most family homes and can be very affectionate. Always ready to explore, they look to their owners for direction and are ready to go at a moment's notice - even if you were only reaching for the remote!
Size And Statistics.
At a decent size (around 2ft at the shoulder) and weight (around 25kg), they are classed as a large breed. They have no known eye and ear troubles, but can be prone to inheriting hip dysplasia - so working out an exercise plan for their early years would help considerably.
Long-lived at over 12 years, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know their personality and to experience some great adventures. Harriers would certainly become one of the family.
Breed Information
| Popularity: | 2018: #183 2017: #183 2016: #186 2015: #183 |
| Origin: | United Kingdom |
| Breed Group: | Hound (AKC:1885) Scenthound (UKC) |
| Size: | Medium |
| Type: | Purebred |
| Life span: | 10-12 years |
| Temperament: | Active Cheerful Friendly Outgoing Sweet-Tempered Tolerant |
| Height: | 19-21 inches (48-50 cm) |
| Weight: | 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg) |
| Colors: | Black White & Tan Lemon & White Red & White |
| Litter Size: | 5-7 puppies |
| Puppy Price: | Average $300 - $400 USD |
Breed Characteristics
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Dog names
| Rank | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buddy | Daisy |
| 2 | Jack | Lola |
| 3 | Toby | Maggie |
| 4 | Duke | Sophie |
| 5 | Buster | Gracie |
| 6 | Bandit | Riley |
| 7 | Ollie | Dixie |
| 8 | Scout | Honey |
| 9 | Moose | Millie |
| 10 | Ace | Sugar |
| 11 | Peanut | Trixie |
| 12 | Chance | Peanut |
| 13 | Sparky | Shadow |
| 14 | Bruce | Heidi |
| 15 | Maverick | Sally |