The Harrier is much larger than the Beagle but smaller and lighter than another close relative, the English Foxhound. It’s a clear breed of scenthound that is used to hunt hares and foxes. Its history in this country goes back to colonial times and its origins even further back, to the early French dogs that were the ancestors of the Bloodhound and the Basset. This rare breed is first and foremost a packhound, but that is no obstacle to its ability to be a companion dog. This is what you need to know if you are considering making one of these handsome dogs a member of your family.
The Beagle Harrier has a lively and pleasant temperament. Does need space and movement. A harmonic, balanced dog with a certain distinction.
Index
Traits
Character
History
Care: check the ears reagerly
Diseases and hereditary disorders
Does a Harrier hound suit me?
Education with consequence and patience
This is how you find your dream Harrier hound
Traits
The Beagle Harrier belongs to the Breed Group “Running dogs – sweat dogs and related breeds”, FCI: Scenthounds: Medium-sized #295, with following traits:
AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 189 of 193
Height: 19-21 inches
Weight: 45-60 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Character
The Harrier is a very skilled scent dog and it is a breed with an excellent endurance. They are intelligent and curious, intense, somewhat independent and focused. The Harrier is an athletic well-built breed with exceptional endurance.
History
The origin of this breed lies in England around the 13th century. The breed was developed to hunt hares in packs. They were also used for hunting rabbits and foxes. The stamp that the Harrier used to have was “the poor man’s hunting dog”. The Harrier has been popular in England for a long time.
Baron Gerard crossed a Beagle with a Harrier and in this way developed a Foxhound with the average height of both breeds. The standard of this variety is in France.
Care: Check the ears and brush regularly
The Harrier requires care. Regular brushing to remove loose and dead hair is necessary. Washing should only be done if it is necessary. It is important to regularly check the ears, soles and nails. Harrier’s are prone to cataracts, hypothyroidism, and hip dysplasia.
The coat is shiny, stiff, dense and short. The hair on the ears is finer in structure than the hair on the body. The Harrier sheds on average.
Diseases and hereditary disorders
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all humans have the potential to inherit a certain disease. Run, don’t run, from a breeder who doesn’t offer a health guarantee on puppies, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or that you tell her puppies are isolated from most of the household for health reasons.
- Stare
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip dysplasia
Does a Harrier hound suit me?
This breed is tolerant, good-natured and cheerful and, because it is a pack dog, can get along very well with other dogs. It is therefore not recommended to keep a Harrier in the house alone. The Harrier is doing very well with children. If they are left alone for a longer period of time, or if they get bored, chances are that they will become destructive or bark a lot. It is a very social dog that usually attaches itself to a certain family member. They can be reserved to strangers. Anyone who can provide the stimulating environment that this attractive little breed needs.
Education with consequence and patience
This breed is intelligent and obedient but can be stubborn. They are naturally very social. The Harrier excels in obedience, tracking and agility. Education must be given with honesty, firmness and consistency.
This is how you find your dream Harrier hound
The Harrier is not recommended for living in an apartment or in the city. They require an excessive amount of exercise, interaction, and stimulation. They do best in a rural environment with a lot of room to roam.
A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in its lines.