Harrier Dog: Breed Characteristics & Care

The harrier dog is a medium-size hound breed from the United Kingdom with a short, smooth coat and strong resemblance to beagles and foxhounds. The breed is larger than a beagle but smaller than a foxhound.

This is a well-balanced and muscular dog, bred for good endurance. And they have an excellent nose for catching scents while on the hunt. Overall, the harrier is a cheerful and energetic dog that’s best for an active household.

Learn all about the harrier dog’s care needs, history, temperament, diet, and more.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound

Height: 19 to 21 inches

Weight: 45 to 60 pounds

Coat: Short double coat

Coat Color: Black, white, and tan; lemon and white, or red and white

Life Span: 12 to 15 years

Temperament: Friendly, energetic, sociable

Hypoallergenic: No

Origin: United Kingdom

Characteristics of the Harrier Dog

The harrier dog generally has a very upbeat and outgoing personality. They love people and even other dogs, though they might view smaller household pets as prey.

High energy and a tendency to bark also help to shape this dog's temperament.

History of the Harrier Dog

The harrier dog's origin story is murky. It’s believed that dogs resembling harriers appeared in England during the 1200s and were used for hunting hares (hence the breed’s name) and other quarry in packs. This is why today's harrier typically still gets along well with other dogs.

Some think bloodhounds, basset hounds, and other hound breeds played a role in the harrier’s development. Another theory is that the modern harrier is simply a smaller version of the English foxhound.

Harriers arrived in the United States during Colonial times and were favored among hunters. They also potentially contributed some genetics to American hound breeds. The American Kennel Club first recognized the harrier breed in 1885, and today it is rare to find in North America.

Harrier Dog Care

Plan to provide your harrier dog with lots of daily exercise. Fortunately, the breed's grooming needs are minimal. And they typically take well to training, though they can be stubborn at times.

Exercise

Harriers have a high energy level, as they were bred to run for hours on hunts. At least two hours of exercise per day is ideal to make sure your dog is calm and well-behaved when in the house. A bored harrier might become destructive and engage in behaviors, such as unwanted chewing or excessive barking.

Long walks, jogging, cycling, and hiking all are great ways to get some of their energy out. Dog sports, such as tracking and agility, also can help to challenge their minds along with their bodies. 

Always keep your harrier on a leash or in a securely fenced area when outside. These hunting dogs will quickly take off following a scent and often will ignore a recall command.

Grooming

Brush your harrier dog’s short coat weekly with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt to remove loose fur and distribute skin oils.

Plan on periods of higher shedding often when the weather changes in the spring and fall, during which you’ll have to brush more frequently. 

Bathe your dog every month or so, depending on how dirty they get. But check their ears at least weekly to see whether they need cleaning. Trim your dog’s nails roughly once a month or as needed. And aim to brush their teeth daily.

Training

Start training and socializing your harrier dog when they're a puppy to instill good manners and prevent bad habits from forming.

These dogs typically respond well to positive-reinforcement training methods, such as treats and praise. It’s also important to be consistent in your commands, as harriers can be stubborn at times. Don’t let bad behaviors slide. 

A puppy class can teach your dog basic obedience and social skills. Also, aim to expose your dog to different people, other dogs, and various locations to ensure proper socialization. 

Common Health Problems

The harrier dog is overall a healthy breed, but it is still prone to some hereditary health issues1, including:

• Hip dysplasia: This is an orthopedic problem affecting the development and function of the hips. It impairs mobility and causes pain, so it requires vet care.

• Eye problems: Conditions like progressive rod-cone degeneration can affect this breed. Also watch for signs of other conditions that can affect dogs, like cataracts.

Diet and Nutrition

Always provide fresh water for your harrier dog. And feed a nutritionally balanced canine diet typically via two measured meals per day.

Be sure to discuss both the type of food and the amount with your vet to verify that you’re meeting your dog’s individual needs. Dietary needs can change with age, activity level, and other factors. Plus, be mindful of treats and other extra food to prevent overeating.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Harrier Dog

Harriers are not a common dog breed in North America. But it’s still worth checking local animal shelters and rescue groups for a dog in need of a home. Put your name on a breed wait list if possible.

Likewise, you might have to travel far and wait some time for a puppy from a reputable breeder, depending on where you live. And expect to pay around $1,500 to $2,500 on average.2

For further information to help you find a harrier dog, check out:

• Harrier Club of America

• Harrier Rescue

Harrier Dog Overview

The harrier dog is a great companion; unfortunately, it can be hard to find one. These dogs have a high prey drive and high exercise needs, but they are easy when it comes to grooming and they get along with children.

Pros of Harrier Dogs

• Affectionate and playful

• Often good with kids and other dogs

• Low-maintenance grooming

Cons of Harrier Dogs

• Can be very vocal

• Requires lots of exercise

• Not recommended for homes without fenced yards

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

As with any breed, make sure to do thorough research on the harrier dog breed to determine whether it’s right for your lifestyle. Talk to harrier owners, reputable breeders, rescue groups, and veterinary professionals. Spend some time around harriers too if you can.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Beagle

• American Foxhound

• English Foxhound

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!