Dawn Lowery 
Harrier
Harrier: The Energetic Scent Hound
Friendly Pack Hunter with Boundless Stamina
The Harrier is a medium-sized scent hound, originally bred in England to hunt hares in packs. Often described as a "Beagle on steroids" or a smaller version of the English Foxhound, this breed combines stamina, friendliness, and a classic hound appearance in one energetic package.
With their cheerful disposition and love for people, Harriers make excellent family companions for active households. Their history as pack animals means they thrive on canine companionship and human interaction, forming strong bonds with their families while maintaining their independent hunting instincts.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about the Harrier—from their medieval origins to their specific care requirements and whether this energetic, vocal breed might be the right fit for your active lifestyle.
Basic Information
The Harrier is a medium-sized scent hound known for its stamina, friendly nature, and classic hound appearance. Developed in medieval England for hunting hares in packs, this breed combines working ability with family-friendly temperament.
| Other Names | Hare Hound, Harrier Hound |
|---|---|
| Breed Group | Hound (AKC) |
| Origin | England |
| Height | 19-21 inches (48-53 cm) |
| Weight | 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Coat | Short, dense, and glossy |
| Colors | Tricolor, lemon & white, red & white, black & tan, white |
| Temperament | Friendly, outgoing, cheerful, tolerant |
| Energy Level | High - requires extensive daily exercise |
| Good With | Families, children, other dogs when socialized |
Did You Know?
The Harrier's name comes from its original purpose - hunting hares. The breed has been known since at least the 13th century, with the first recorded pack, the Penistone pack, established by Sir Elias de Midhope in England in 1260. Despite being recognized by the AKC in 1885, Harriers remain one of the rarest breeds in America.
History and Origin
The Harrier has a long and distinguished history as a hunting hound in England, with origins tracing back to medieval times and a name that reveals its specialty - hunting hares.
Medieval Beginnings
The Harrier breed was developed in England specifically for hunting hares on foot. Their size positioned them perfectly between the smaller Beagle and larger English Foxhound, making them ideal for hunters who followed their packs on foot.
The breed's origins are somewhat mysterious, with several theories about their development. Some suggest they were crossed with Bloodhounds, Talbot Hounds, and even Basset Hounds, while others believe they're simply a bred-down version of the English Foxhound or crosses between English Foxhounds and Fox Terriers or Greyhounds.
Pack Hunting Heritage
Harriers were traditionally hunted in packs, which explains their strong social nature and ability to get along well with other dogs. In 1891, the Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles registered 107 Harrier packs. However, by 2013, only 18 Harrier packs remained in the UK, with numbers declining to just 13 packs by 2022.
Breed Development
The Harrier's journey includes several significant developments:
- 13th Century: First recorded Harrier pack established in England
- Medieval Period: Developed as a dedicated hare-hunting hound
- 19th Century: Some interbreeding with Foxhounds to create faster hounds
- 1885: Recognized by the American Kennel Club
- 1891: Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles formed
- 2020: Re-recognized by UK Kennel Club after decades
Appearance & Physical Traits
The Harrier presents a balanced, muscular appearance that conveys strength, stamina, and purpose - characteristics essential for a hound bred to hunt all day.
Physical Characteristics
- Body: Muscular, slightly longer than tall with a level topline
- Head: Broad skull with a strong, square muzzle
- Eyes: Medium-sized, brown or hazel with an alert expression
- Ears: Rounded, pendant (hanging) ears set moderately low
- Tail: Medium-length, carried high but not curled over back
- Nose: Wide and black with open nostrils
- Feet: Tight, cat-like with well-arched toes
Size and Proportion
Harriers stand between 19-21 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 45-60 pounds. They're slightly longer than tall, with large bones that provide the stamina and strength needed for long hunts.
Coat and Color
The Harrier has a short, dense, hard coat that's weather-resistant and glossy. Acceptable colors include:
- Tricolor: Black, white, and tan markings
- Lemon & White: Pale yellow and white
- Red & White: Rich reddish and white
- Black & Tan: Black with tan points
- White: Predominantly white coat
- Badger Pied: Mixed grayish-brown and white
Temperament & Personality
The Harrier combines cheerful friendliness with determined hunting instinct, creating a sociable yet independent companion that thrives in active family environments.
Friendly & Sociable
Harriers are outgoing, sweet-tempered, and tolerant of people. They're excellent with children and prefer life in a pack with people, dogs, or both.
Energetic & Determined
Bred for stamina, Harriers can work all day long. They're active dogs who love exploring, sniffing, and trailing.
Independent Hunter
As scent hounds, Harriers have strong hunting instincts and can be single-minded when on a trail. They may ignore commands when following an interesting scent.
Vocal Communicators
Harriers are known for their distinctive baying and howling, especially when excited or on a trail. Some individuals like to bay more than others.
Important Temperament Considerations
Harriers are pack animals that need companionship and don't do well when left alone for long periods. Their high prey drive means they may chase small animals, and they should always be leashed or in securely fenced areas. Without sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, they can become destructive or develop nuisance barking habits.
Temperament Traits
Exercise & Activity Needs
As a hunting breed bred for stamina, Harriers have extensive exercise requirements and need significant daily activity to stay physically and mentally healthy.
Daily Walks
60-90 Minutes
Harriers need substantial daily walking, ideally divided into two sessions. They make excellent jogging or bicycling companions for active owners.
Always use a leash - their prey drive is strong!
Active Play & Sports
30-45 Minutes
Interactive play, fetch, and canine sports like agility, tracking, or field trials provide both physical and mental stimulation.
Excellent at dog sports that utilize their natural abilities.
Mental Stimulation
Daily
Puzzle toys, scent games, and training exercises prevent boredom. A mentally understimulated Harrier may develop destructive behaviors.
Their hunting intelligence requires regular challenges.
Weekly Exercise Schedule
- Daily: 60-90 minutes of walking + 30-45 minutes of active play
- 4-5 times per week: Off-leash running in securely fenced areas
- Weekly: Opportunities for hiking, swimming, or dog sports
- Ongoing: Access to puzzle toys and scent games
Exercise Considerations
Harriers are excellent escape artists who will dig under or jump over fences if they catch an interesting scent. Secure fencing is essential. Puppies under nine months should avoid excessive jumping or running on hard surfaces to protect developing joints. Due to their strong prey drive, Harriers should never be trusted off-leash in unsecured areas.
Diet & Nutrition
Proper nutrition supports the Harrier's high energy needs and helps maintain their muscular build and overall health.
Puppy Diet
0-12 Months
High-quality puppy food formulated for medium to large breeds, fed 3-4 times daily. Look for DHA for brain development and controlled calcium for proper bone growth.
Puppies need frequent, measured meals for proper growth.
Adult Diet
1-7 Years
High-quality adult dog food with balanced protein (22-26%) and moderate fat. Adults typically need 2-2.5 cups daily, divided into two meals.
Adjust portions based on activity level - working dogs need more.
Senior Diet
7+ Years
Senior formula with joint support, controlled calories, and adjusted nutrient levels. Monitor weight as metabolism slows with age.
Seniors may need smaller, more frequent meals.
Nutritional Requirements
- Protein: High-quality animal protein for muscle maintenance
- Fat: Moderate levels from quality sources for energy
- Carbohydrates: Complex carbs for sustained energy
- Joint Support: Glucosamine and chondroitin, especially for active dogs
- Portion Control: Important to prevent obesity
Feeding Considerations
Harriers are prone to obesity if overfed and underexercised. They're known for their food motivation and may counter-surf or get into food containers. Measure food carefully and limit treats to no more than 10% of daily calories. Avoid sudden diet changes which can upset their digestion. Provide fresh water at all times, especially after exercise. Consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations based on your Harrier's age, weight, and activity level. For more detailed information on feeding hunting breeds, visit the American Kennel Club website.
Health & Care
Harriers are generally healthy, hardy dogs with a lifespan of 12-15 years, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions.
Common Health Concerns
| Health Condition | Description | Prevention/Management |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | Developmental abnormality of the hip joint | Weight management, proper nutrition, screening breeding dogs |
| Ear Infections | Common in floppy-eared breeds due to poor air circulation | Weekly ear cleaning, keeping ears dry, regular inspection |
| Obesity | Weight gain common due to food motivation and appetite | Portion control, regular exercise, limited treats |
| Epilepsy | Neurological disorder causing seizures | Medication management, regular veterinary care |
| Eye Conditions | Various inherited eye issues | Regular eye exams, genetic testing of breeding dogs |
Grooming Requirements
The Harrier's short, dense coat is relatively low-maintenance but requires regular care to keep it healthy.
Regular Brushing
1-2 Times Weekly
Weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush, hound glove, or rubber curry brush to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils.
Increase frequency during seasonal shedding periods.
Bathing & Additional Care
Every 2-3 Months
Bathing every 8-12 weeks or when dirty. Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are essential for overall health.
Avoid overbathing to preserve natural skin oils.
Preventive Care
- Regular Veterinary Visits: Annual check-ups, more frequently for seniors
- Dental Care: Daily brushing and professional cleanings as needed
- Weight Management: Regular monitoring to prevent obesity
- Ear Care: Weekly cleaning to prevent infections
- Parasite Prevention: Regular flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
Training & Behavior
Training a Harrier requires patience, consistency, and understanding of their independent nature and strong scenting instincts.
Training Approach
- Positive Reinforcement: Use reward-based training with high-value treats, praise, and play
- Short Sessions: Keep training brief (5-10 minutes) to maintain their attention span
- Early Start: Begin training and socialization from puppyhood
- Consistency: Use the same commands and expectations consistently
- Scent Work: Incorporate scent games and tracking to engage their natural abilities
Socialization Needs
Early and ongoing socialization is crucial for Harriers:
- Puppy Classes: Enroll in puppy kindergarten for early socialization
- Various Environments: Expose to different people, places, and situations
- Other Dogs: Supervised play with well-behaved dogs
- Positive Experiences: Ensure new experiences are positive and not overwhelming
Training Tips
Harriers respond best to positive reinforcement methods and may shut down with harsh corrections. Their food motivation makes them eager to work for treats, but their independent nature means they may choose to ignore commands when distracted by interesting scents. Recall training is particularly challenging due to their strong prey drive. Always train in securely fenced areas and use long lines for safety. Their intelligence means they learn quickly but can also get bored with repetition, so vary your training routines.
Common Behavioral Issues
- Baying/Howling: Vocal breed, especially when bored or excited
- Digging: May dig to escape or out of boredom
- Destructive Behavior: Usually results from boredom or lack of exercise
- Selective Hearing: May ignore commands when following scents
- Counter Surfing: Food-motivated and will seek out food sources
Living Environment
Harriers are adaptable but thrive best in homes that can accommodate their high energy levels and need for secure containment.
Ideal Home Setup
- Space: Best in homes with large, securely fenced yards
- Fencing: Secure 6-foot fencing (they can jump lower fences)
- Location: Prefer rural or suburban areas with access to open spaces
- Indoor Access: Should live indoors as part of the family
Family Compatibility
- Children: Excellent with children when properly socialized
- Other Dogs: Generally good with other dogs due to pack heritage
- Small Pets: Not recommended due to high prey drive
- First-time Owners: May be challenging due to exercise needs and independence
Important Considerations
Harriers are pack animals that thrive on companionship and don't do well when left alone for long periods. They're best suited for households where someone is home most of the day or the dog can accompany family members. Their high energy means they need both physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behaviors. The breed's strong prey drive requires secure containment at all times. They are known escape artists who will dig under or jump over inadequate fencing.
Best Living Situation
The ideal home for a Harrier is with an individual or family who:
- Has time for extensive daily exercise and mental stimulation
- Values a friendly, outgoing companion
- Has a securely fenced yard or access to safe exercise areas
- Doesn't mind some vocalization (baying/howling)
- Can provide consistent training and early socialization
Cost & Availability
Harriers are a rare breed with specific considerations regarding cost and availability.
Initial Costs
| Expense | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,500 - $2,500 | From reputable breeders; show quality at higher end |
| Adoption Fee | $200 - $500 | From breed-specific rescues or shelters |
| Initial Supplies | $300 - $600 | Crate, bed, bowls, collar, leash, toys |
| Initial Vet Care | $200 - $500 | Exams, vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchip |
| Training Classes | $100 - $300 | Puppy kindergarten and basic obedience |
Annual Costs
- Food: $400 - $700 for high-quality dog food
- Veterinary Care: $500 - $1,000 for routine care, vaccines, preventatives
- Grooming: $200 - $400 for professional grooming or supplies
- Preventive Medications: $200 - $400 for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
- Training/Activities: $200 - $500 for ongoing classes or activities
- Miscellaneous: $200 - $400 for toys, treats, replacements
Availability
- Breeders: Limited number of reputable breeders
- Rescues: Available through breed-specific rescues occasionally
- Popularity: Ranked 193rd out of 199 AKC breeds (very rare)
- Geographic Variation: More common in hunting communities
- Waiting Period: Often need to wait for a puppy from a good breeder
Similar Breeds
If you're interested in the Harrier but want to explore similar breeds, consider these alternatives:
Beagle
Smaller cousin with similar hunting instincts and friendly personality. Less exercise needs but similar vocal tendencies and food motivation.
English Foxhound
Larger relative with similar appearance and hunting heritage. More specialized for fox hunting and generally kept in packs rather than as family pets.
Basset Hound
Similar scent hound with lower energy level and distinctive appearance. Shares the determined hunting instinct but with less exercise requirement.
Fox Terrier
Similar energy and determination but in a smaller package. More terrier-like in personality with higher prey drive toward small animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Harriers can make excellent family pets for active households. They're generally good with children and other dogs when properly socialized. Their friendly, cheerful nature makes them great companions for families who can provide them with adequate exercise and mental stimulation. However, their high energy level and need for extensive daily exercise may be challenging for families with very young children or extremely busy schedules.
Harriers are vocal dogs who bay and howl, especially when excited or on a scent trail. This makes them excellent hunting dogs but can lead to noise concerns in residential areas. With proper training and adequate mental and physical stimulation, vocalization can be managed. However, they're generally not suitable for noise-sensitive living situations or apartments with close neighbors.
Harriers are intelligent but can be challenging to train due to their independent nature and strong scenting instincts. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods but may ignore commands when distracted by interesting smells. Consistency, patience, and understanding of their hunting heritage are key to successful training. Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended.
Harriers have short coats that shed moderately year-round. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient to manage shedding, though they may have seasonal shedding periods that require more frequent grooming. They're not considered heavy shedders compared to some breeds, but regular brushing and occasional vacuuming will be necessary.
Harriers are not well-suited for apartment living due to their high energy levels and vocal nature. They thrive in homes with securely fenced yards where they can run and explore safely. Their exercise requirements and tendency to bay or howl make them challenging for most apartment situations unless the owner is exceptionally committed to providing extensive daily exercise.
Harriers generally get along well with other dogs, thanks to their pack heritage. However, they have strong prey drives and should not be trusted with cats, rabbits, or other small pets unless raised with them from puppyhood. Even then, their hunting instincts may prevail, so careful supervision is always recommended.
Harriers have high exercise needs—typically 90-120 minutes of activity daily. This should include walks, runs, play sessions, and mental stimulation through training or scent work. They enjoy activities like hiking, jogging, and dog sports. Without adequate exercise, they may develop behavioral issues or become destructive.
The average lifespan of a Harrier is 12-15 years. With proper care, some individuals may live even longer. Factors that influence lifespan include genetics, diet, exercise, preventive veterinary care, and management of breed-specific health issues like hip dysplasia. Providing a healthy lifestyle with regular veterinary check-ups can help ensure your Harrier lives a long, healthy life.
Bottom Line: Is a Harrier Right for You?
The Harrier is a friendly, energetic scent hound that offers both working ability and family companionship in a sturdy, medium-sized package. These cheerful, outgoing dogs form strong bonds with their families and thrive when included in daily activities. Their pack heritage makes them excellent with other dogs and generally good with children. However, they're not the right choice for everyone. Their high energy level, substantial exercise needs, vocal nature, and strong prey drive require an owner who's prepared for these commitments. If you're an active individual or family with a securely fenced yard, time for extensive daily exercise, and don't mind some hound vocalization, the Harrier might be your perfect match. This historic hunting breed rewards dedicated owners with years of loyalty, entertainment, and the satisfaction of living with one of the rarest and most energetic scent hounds.
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