Harrier Dog: Origins, Behavior, Care & More!

Height:	19-21 inches
Weight:	45-60 pounds
Lifespan:	11-15 Years
Colors:	Brown, black and white, red, white and grey
For:	Houses that have a yard, active families, or families with lots of time. Temperament: Friendly, playful, highly active, independent, sweet, and high in prey drive.
Temperament:	Friendly, playful, active, with high prey drive. Independent and sweet.

The Harrier is a large breed of dog. This dog is often confused with a larger Beagle. It has bigger muscles and is smaller than the English Foxhound. This dog is also called the Harehound or Heirer, and the Super Beagle.

Harriers were originally bred to hunt foxes, hares, and other animals in packs. They are still packed animals and do not like being left alone.

The Harrier is a playful, energetic dog who loves to be around people. The Harrier is a great choice for active families due to its high energy level.

The Harrier is a reliable dog that will be there for your children. It makes a wonderful companion. Harriers should be with families who spend the majority of their time with them; otherwise, they’ll become bored very quickly.

Harrier Puppies – Before You Buy

How much are Harrier puppies?

It can be difficult to find Harrier puppies in the United States. Most are priced at around $1,000.

This price can increase depending on the lineage of the puppy, the reputation of the breeder, and other factors. If you source these puppies from reputable breeders, you might need to be added to the waiting list.

It’s possible to expect a longer list if it’s a top breeder of show-quality dog breeds or an award-winning hunter.

Because puppy mills and backyard breeders can be untrustworthy, it is better to purchase your puppy from a trusted breeder. Because they are more concerned about making a profit, they will treat these dog breeds less well, not provide health clearance tests or call a larger Beagle a Harrier. It’s better to stay with reputable breeders to avoid falling for these traps.

Origins & History

It is believed that the Harrier originated in England. This breed was created by Sir Elias de Midhope around the 1200s. It is one of the oldest English dog breeds. The Penistone Harriers have been hunted hares in England for more than 500 years. They were kept together in packs.

Harriers were preferred by hunters to hunt the slower European Hares. The Harrier, which was brought to America by American settlers, was also used for this purpose. The Harrier was bred with Foxhounds in the 1820s to improve his speed and make him a dual hunter of hares and foxes.

This breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), in 1885. The Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles was founded in 1891. The Harriers’ working packs had decreased by the beginning of the 20th century.

Harriers are great family dogs but AKC ranks them at the bottom of the popularity list. These dog breeds were not registered until a very specific time in the 20th Century, as most of them are part of a hunting pack.

Harriers currently rank 189th in the AKC. They are recognized by all other kennel clubs in the world, except the Kennel Club of England.

Here are the facts if you’re thinking of getting a Harrier.

What should you look for in a breeder?

If a breeder has a website, and they have a physical location, you can determine if they are professional. You can also see the breeding process by visiting their premises. You can also find information about your dog’s medical history.

You can also look into shelters and rescues if you have a tight budget. They don’t usually have purebreds, and they will charge between $50-$400 for puppies. You must budget for any medical expenses that might arise after you purchase a dog from these breeders.

Puppies need to be able to live in comfort in your home, so you will have to pay an additional amount. Before you bring your dog home, you will need to purchase a collar, collar, leash, bowls, carrier, and bowl. You will also need to have your dog neutered, spayed, and vaccinated. When you purchase a Harrier puppy, be sure to factor in all of these costs.

Three Little-Known Facts About Harriers

Here are some facts to know before you get a Harrier dog.

1. The Harrier has many origin stories

There are many conflicting stories about the origins of Harrier breeding. It is believed that the Harrier breed originated in England. Harrier in Norman French also means “hound” or “dog”. They are related because they descend from the Bloodhounds, Talbot hounds, and Bloodhounds that were originally from France and Belgium.

These factors are the reason there are many theories about the origins of this breed of dog.

2. Harriers can change their color

The black and tri-colored Harriers’ colors, particularly, fade as they age. Harriers of lemon-colored and white colors tend to get darker. These changes can be unpredictable, so it is difficult to predict how much.

3. The United States has a number of the most endangered breeds, including Harriers.

It is difficult to find a Harrier puppy in America. Most breeders will put you on a waiting list. Because it is a hunting dog, this dog is very rare. Most families are unable to handle their energy levels. It’s difficult to find so it was ranked as the 189th most beloved dog breed among the 196 breeds by the American Kennel Club.

Temperament & Intelligence for the Harrier

The Harrier is playful and loves to have fun. Because it loves people, this dog is a great pet for families.

Dogs love their family and are loyal to their masters. They love human company and will happily have guests. Harriers enjoy cuddling up and being rubbed on the stomach after a hard day of hunting or exercising.

Harriers can be very vocal. They bark non-stop when they are sad, lonely, bored, or unhappy. They can also be annoyingly loud when they howl.

They can be heard howling at night, or when the siren is activated. Owners can find this very annoying. These dogs are known for their howling and digging skills.

If they’re bored or haven’t had enough exercise, they will start digging into your lawn. This dog breed is not recommended for people with noisy neighbors or a great lawn.

They are intelligent and can be trained to work well as watchdogs. They are friendly and open-minded, no matter how alert they may be.

These dogs are good for families

A Harrier’s friendly nature makes it very welcoming. The Harrier will get along well with all members of the family, including children, strangers, and new family members. This breed, despite being active, is calm and respectful in the house and knows when it should be at its best.

This pup is a natural pack animal and will prefer to be around other dogs or humans. This is a great choice for families who spend a lot of time together, either at home or outside.

It can get along with anyone and will have no problems interacting with them. It is best to keep this dog with you for a while as it can get boring and cause problems.

Harriers do not like new owners. They prefer active families and are best suited to being with family members. Harriers see their family as their pack.

Is this breed compatible with other pets?

This breed was originally bred to be a pack dog. It will enjoy having company from other dogs when you’re not there. This dog will be a companion to other dogs if socialized well and early enough.

However, Harriers are known for their high prey drive. Harriers are not able to get along with small animals like cats or birds. Even though the Harrier and the other pet have been raised together, they will still see the Harrier as prey. He or she will hunt, chase and kill the Harrier.

Harriers may not be a good choice if your pets are smaller than dogs. They should be confined to homes that have other dogs and people.

How to Own a Harrier

Harrier dogs are very active and require a lot of exercises. To avoid boredom, they need to be committed and dedicated. You should consider its medical needs and exercise requirements before you purchase a puppy.

These are the daily needs that will keep your pet content. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Food & Diet Requirements

Harriers are energetic dogs and require high-quality food that meets their nutritional requirements. You should give your Harrier at least two cups of high-quality food per day. To aid digestion, the food should be rich in fiber, vitamins, carbs, minerals, and probiotics.

If harriers are fed mostly canned, wet food, they can develop dental problems. To reduce the chance of gum infections and cavities in your dog’s teeth, it is best to give dry kibble.

Harriers are just like the Beagle. If food is not kept in the cupboards, they will eat a lot. For the safety and well-being of your dog, you should store extra food in a locked place once you have brought one of these dogs home.

Your Harrier’s dietary needs will vary depending on their size, activity level, health, metabolism, and age. You can ask your veterinarian for a nutritional guide if you don’t know what the Harrier needs.

The quality of the food is also important. Your dog will benefit from a better diet if it is of higher quality.

Exercise

The Harrier is much more active than the Beagle. This pup’s high energy level makes it unsuitable for your family. Not all families have the time or resources to provide exercise.

Harriers were originally bred to hunt and chase. For this incredible stamina, you need to do intense exercise every day.

To meet your exercise needs, you can tag your dog for walks and runs. You can also engage your dog in exercises in a fenced area. This dog needs to be active every day.

To keep your dog from following other animals, make sure it is leashed when you take the dog for a walk, especially in a dog park. The dog has a strong prey drive. If it smells something, it will follow it. Dogs will love to go for walks in the dog park as long as they are well socialized.

You can give your dog different levels of exercise depending on his intelligence. You can keep your dog engaged by switching activities. Otherwise, he will become bored and unruly.

Harriers love to play and are great for families with children. To keep your dog happy and engaged, you can have your children play tag, fetch, catch, or catch. This breed is not recommended for people who aren’t active.

Training

It is important to train this dog. It has a strong prey drive so you must put it on a lead. This behavior will not change no matter how much training you give it. It becomes difficult to control once it is off the leash.

Harriers, like all dogs, need to be socialized as soon as possible. To help them adapt to their environment and other animals as they age, Harriers need to be socialized early.

Your Harrier will become a well-trained and obedient dog. You can also bond with your Harrier by teaching him obedience.

A professional trainer or breeder can help you train your dog to hunt. Although these dogs are natural hunters, they still need proper training to maximize their potential.

Harriers are hounds and have an indomitable side. They are able to learn hunting commands faster than other commands. You must be a positive and calm leader while you train your dogs.

This breed needs positive reinforcement. These dogs love snacks so you can give them small amounts of food.

Keep the sessions brief and fun during training to keep your dog interested. Dogs will also appreciate consistency.

Grooming

Harriers have shiny, short coats that are thick and thick. They are easy to care for because of their short, shiny coats.

Their grooming routine is also very simple because they shed at least twice a year. To keep your coat shiny and healthy, you should brush it several times a week.

To keep your dog from developing unpleasant odors, a bath should be taken every three months. You can spread out the baths to keep your dog’s skin from drying out if they are clean. You can water them down if they become muddy from running around.

Harriers can have long, drop-down ears that can become a breeding ground for bacteria. It is important to inspect the ears for any redness, accumulation of wax, or discharge. This will help prevent infections. You should also make sure to check for foreign objects as they are often outside.

Use a cotton ball or a damp cloth to clean the ears each week. The best ear cleaning product can be recommended by your vet.

You should also trim your dog’s nails. You should use a nail clipper that is specifically designed for dogs. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the skin or blood vessels.

To make it easier, you can have your vet or professional groomer take care of it. Brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week.

Conditions and Health

Harriers live between 12 and 15 years and are relatively healthy. They can have some health issues, just like all purebreds. These are some of the most common.

Minor Conditions

• Ear infections: Harriers are very susceptible to bacterial infection because of their long ears. These problems can be prevented by regularly cleaning your dog’s ears.
• Eye problems: Harriers can develop eye problems as they get older. To detect any changes in your dog’s eyesight, you should always check them regularly. You can prevent your dog from becoming blind if you catch the problem early.

Severe Conditions

• Hip Dysplasia is a medical condition that can be passed down. This is when the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the thighbone. This is when your Harrier begins to experience pain in one or both of its rear legs. This condition isn’t easily visible so it’s important to screen your dog with X-rays as they get older. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that should be avoided when breeding dogs. Ask the breeder to give the medical history of their parents to confirm they have been tested. This condition can be caused by injuries or rapid growth due to a high-calorie diet. Reputable breeders make sure that their stock is free of these problems. Hip dysplasia is a declining issue among Harriers.
• Hypothyroidism is a medical condition that occurs when a dog’s thyroid problems are present. Consult your vet immediately if you notice or suspect any symptoms, such as a lack of appetite.
• Bloating: Harriers love food. Bloating is a common condition in dogs who eat and then exercise vigorously. Bloating can lead to serious health problems for your dog. It is best to give your dog a meal before you start exercising.

Male vs. Female

The type of upbringing, training, and family environment will determine the personality differences between male and female Harriers. The physical attributes of the Harriers are different. The males are taller and heavier than their female counterparts.

Summary

A Harrier is a great family pet. The Harrier is a medium-sized to a large dog breed, which makes it more appropriate for families with active children.

Because of its intense exercise requirements, it is very rare in America. This pup can live happily with a family that is perfect for it. It’s playful and friendly.

It is important to understand that this dog has a high prey drive and a pack mentality before you buy it. It will require companionship from other dogs or humans. If you have small pets, like cats, these dogs may not be the best choice.

This dog is not recommended for people who are not physically active.