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Harrier Puppies for Sale
Harrier
(Harehound)
Photo Courtesy of Kingsbury Harriers
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Pronunciation |
Harrier
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Description |
The Harrier is similar to the
English Foxhound, but smaller. It is a compact dog. Speedy, hardy, and with the finest
sense of smell. A muscular hunting hound with a short, hard coat, usually lemon &
white, red & white, or white & tan, however any color is allowed. The back is
sometimes all black. Built with large bone for stamina and strength, the Harrier is
slightly longer than tall, with a level topline. The tail is medium-length, carried high,
but is not curled over the back. The skull is broad with a strong square muzzle. The
rounded ears are pendant, and the eyes are either brown or hazel. The wide nose is black.
The expression is mellow when the dog is relaxed and alert when he is excited. The teeth
should meet in a scissors or level bite. The feet are tight and cat-like, and the front
toes may turn inward. |
Temperament
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The Harrier is somewhat more playful
and outgoing than the Foxhound, but not as much as the Beagle. Cheerful, sweet-tempered,
and tolerant, 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. |
Height, Weight
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Height: 19-21 inches (48-50 cm.)
(behind the withers)
Weight: 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg.) |
Health
Problems |
The Harrier is generally a healthy
breed with no serious genetic defects. Hip
dysplasia occurs occasionally, so only buy pups from parents that have OFA
certification. Epilepsy is also occasionally found in some lines. |
Living
conditions |
Harriers are not recommended for
apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and do best with acreage. |
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Exercise |
The Harrier is a pleasant companion
when it is sufficiently exercised; however if they do not get enough outdoor space to
exercise, it may become a nuisance. Country environments are best. Harriers will make an
excellent jogging companion and if not taken on a daily jog, they need to be
taken on a long, daily, brisk
walk. |
Life
expectancy |
About 10-12 years. |
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Grooming |
The short-haired coat of the Harrier
is easy to groom. Occasionally brush and comb out the dead hair. This breed is an average
shedder. |
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Origin |
Harriers are a swift hunting hounds
with an excellent nose and superior stamina in the field. 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. In a third source, the Harrier is said to be simply a bred-down
version of the English Foxhound. In any case, today's Harrier is between the Beagle and
English Foxhound in size and was developed primarily to hunt hare, though the breed has
also been used in fox hunting. The name, Harrier, reveals the breed's specialty. Neither
hare nor Fox can escape its exceptional sense of smell, its cunning, and its unequaled
boldness. Prey chased by the inexhaustible Harrier have been known to collapse from sheer
exhaustion. The Harrier is still fairly rare in the United States, but has a long history
of popularity as a working pack dog in England. |
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Group |
Hound, AKC Hound |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, HCA, APRI,
ACR |
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American Kennel
Club
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National
Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
HCA = Harrier Club of
America
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
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