Harrier

Harrier
History:

Country/Date of Origin: England/13th century

Records of English Harrier packs date back to the 13th Century. However, a similar hare hunting breed is mentioned in Greek writings 400 years before Christ. The Harrier was the poor man's foxhound, it being small enough to follow on foot. In the United States the Harrier has been used since Colonial days.

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

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AKC Group: Hound

Breed Club: Harrier Club of America (HCA)

Rescue Club: Donna K. Smiley-Auborn, (760) 377-4758, California, Email: auborn@harriers.net

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Body Type:

  • A well balanced medium sized hound of the foxhound family
  • Height: 18-22 inches (at shoulder)
  • Weight: 48-60 pounds
  • Hanging ears are not altered
  • Tail is held gaily but not over back and is not altered
  • The Harrier is a rabbit hunter that is between the size of a large Beagle and a small Foxhound
  • The forelegs of this breed are supposed to knuckle over, something that would be a fault in other dogs

Personality:

  • Friendly and gentle like the Beagle, which it closely resembles
  • Pack Harriers are more closely bonded with other dogs than with people
  • High exercise requirements. Does not do well in city apartment
  • very vocal, not only when hunting but when frustrated or lonely

Coat:

  • Short, dense, glossy, and hard to the touch
  • Any of the hound colors are permitted as well as a blue mottled color found only in the Harrier
  • Minimum grooming

Health Concerns:

  • Due to limited numbers and careful breeding programs of working packmasters, this is a very healthy breed
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Jaw malformations
  • Excessive knuckling over on forelegs will cause dog to collapse
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Tasty Tidbits:
  • This is a rare breed and puppies will be difficult to find
  • The name Harrier does not come from the fact that it chases hares. It is derived from an old Norman word harier, meaning hound
  • Without proper exercise Harriers will become overweight. Like their smaller cousins, the Beagle, they like to eat
  • Inclined to roam