Harrier

Size
Medium (11kg - 27kg)
Exercise
40 min/day
Training
Puppy school only
Size of home
House with garden
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Low maintenance
Barking preference
Moderate
Personality
Independent + affectionate

History

Sources have widely conflicting stories about the origins of this breed. According to one, the earliest Harrier types were crossed with Bloodhounds, the Talbot Hound, and even the Basset Hound. According to another, the breed was probably developed from crosses of the English Foxhound with Fox Terrier and Greyhound. And yet another, the Harrier is said to be simply a bred-down version of the English Foxhound (1), which apart from a few finer points is it is. The first Harrier pack in England was established by Sir Elias de Midhope in 1260 and spread out as a hunting dog throughout the west of England and into Wales. (1) Although having been around for all these years, the breed was finally only recognised by the Kennel Club in 2019, and first shown at Crufts in 2020.

In any case, today's Harrier is between the Beagle and English Foxhound in size and was developed primarily to hunt hares, though the breed has also been used in fox hunting. The name, Harrier, reveals the breed's specialty. The Harrier has a long history of popularity as a working pack dog in England. (1)

Appearance

The points of the modern Harrier are very similar to those of the Foxhound. The Harrier however is smaller than the Foxhound: the most popular size is 19 to 21 inches (48.26 to 53.34 cm) Proportion - is off square. The Harrier is slightly longer from point of shoulder to rear projection of the upper thigh than from withers to ground. He is active, well balanced, full of strength and quality. (2)

The main differences with the Foxhound, apart from the size, is firstly the expression, which is described as bold in the Harrier rather than keen in the Foxhound. This is because of the very prominent eyebrows in the Harrier. The second difference is the tail, which is slightly lower set than the Foxhound and carried from between 12 o’clock and 3 o’clock, so generally carried slightly away from the body. (3)

Temperament & Suitability

Friendly and not aggressive. Essentially a Pack Hound. (2)

The Harrier is cheerful, sweet-tempered, tolerant of people, and it is excellent with children. This pack dog is good with other dogs, but should be supervised with non-canine pets unless it is raised with them from puppyhood. It prefers life in a pack with people, dogs, or both. This active dog likes to go exploring, sniffing, and trailing, so be sure to keep it on a leash or in a safe enclosed area. Some Harriers like to bay. (1)

They are a high energy dog, that requires regular exercise, whether that be just going for a walk or playing with family members, which they love to do. It is important that they do get this, so they are not too mischievous around the yard. (3)

Sizes

Height 48.26 to 53.34 cm. (19 to 21 inches) (2)

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Harrier you may have think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Harrier and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References

Wikipedia.org
DOGS AUSTRALIA.org.au
John Bryson

Image by Ffire Photography

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 01 Jan 2001)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Characteristics

A natural ability to hunt. Normally hunted on horse, but slower in pace than the Foxhound enabling him to be followed on foot.

Temperament

Friendly and not aggressive. Essentially a Pack Hound.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Medium size. Slight Stop; eyebrows very prominent, giving the appearance of a bold forehead with plenty of expression. Skull well balanced, slightly rounded with a slight occiput and of medium width. Muzzle in balance with skull, neither snipy nor truncated, the flews of the upper lip just cover the under jaw. The nostrils large.
Eyes	Medium size, set well apart, brown or hazel colour in darker dogs, lighter hazel in lighter coloured dogs, though darker eye colours are always desired.
Ears	Leathers pendent, with the leading edge lying close to the cheeks. Set on just above the level of the eye. The ears may be raised when alert.
Mouth	Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite: ie. Upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck	Of ample length, well arched, well developed without being coarse. Clean and tapering.
Forequarters	Shoulders well laid back, sloping into muscles of back. Clean and not loaded. Forelegs long, straight and well boned down to feet, but not overburdened. Pasterns strong with slight indication of spring. Point of elbows set away from the ribs, running parallel with the body and neither turning inwards nor outwards.
Body	Chest deep, ribs well sprung and running well back with plenty of heart room. Back broad and level, not dipping behind the withers, slight arching over the loin.
Hindquarters	Powerful, with muscular first and second thighs. Stifles well angled. Hocks well let down and viewed from behind, stand square. Well boned down to feet.
Feet	Neither too tight nor too round. Well padded with well arched toes. Nails strong. Dewclaws optional.
Tail	In balance with the rest of the dog, set high and carried up from 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock, depending on attitude. The tail is strong at the butt; tapers to a point. Tail is well covered with hair, especially on underside where the hair is slightly longer. The tail should not be curled over the back.
Gait/Movement	Free, long striding tireless movement. Good reach in front without high action. Good drive behind with no inclination to roll.
Coat	Short, dense, hard and glossy. Weatherproof.
Colour	Any recognised hound colour and markings. Usually with a white tip on the stern.
Size	Height 48.26 to 53.34 cm. (19 to 21 inches)

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.