The Harrier comes from Great Britain and belongs to the dachshunds and the walking dogs. It is a slender dog, yet it is powerful and muscular. In appearance it resembles the Foxhound and Beagle. It was used to hunt hares. This medium-sized pack dog is energetic, affectionate and easy to care for. As a family dog, he is very suitable as long as he gets enough exercise. If you let him run loose, be aware that if he smells a trail he will want to follow it.
History
In the year 1260 the first mob of Harriers were assembled in England. This dog was considered a continuation of the Southern Hound and the Greyhound. People also believed it to be a smaller variety of the Foxhound. Opinions on the origin of the Harrier are divided. At the turn of the 20th century, there was only one mob of Harriers left in West County. The Foxhound was crossed by the locals with the surviving pure specimens to save the type. The addition of the Foxhound blood made this dog a lot faster. It was mainly used for hunting hares.
Appearance
It is very similar to the Foxhoud, but there are differences. It also resembles the Beagle, but has a lighter build. The ears and eyes are also smaller than the Beagle’s. The average shoulder height is between 38 and 46 centimeters, with a small deviation allowed. The weight is about 20 kilos. Despite being slim in build, it is powerful and muscular, with a short back and sturdy loins. The coat has the color white as the ground color, with all shades from black to orange carried on it in the form of spots. Usually it is tricolor, sometimes with the gray of a gray Harrier. The tail is usually carried high.
Character
The Harrier is an affectionate, social and playful dog. He is less playful than the Beagle, and more playful than a Foxhound. He has a pleasant and lively temperament and great stamina. He fits well in a family with children. He generally gets along well with other dogs, but he should be watched with other species. If he has grown up with other animal species from an early age, he can live with them. Originally a pack dog, he likes to be around his family. That is why it is very suitable as a companion dog.
Active dog
Being an energetic dog, it needs a lot of exercise. It is not suitable to keep in an apartment because it likes a spacious living environment. The owner must have time to take him for a walk every day. Since he likes to explore, the yard should be well closed and you should be careful if you let him run loose. If he smells a trail, he’ll want to follow it.
Grooming
The Harrier is quite easy to care for. The coat is short, dense and resistant to different weather types. The coat needs to be brushed from time to time to remove dead hair. The Harrier sheds on average.
Health
It is a healthy breed with few serious genetic defects. When purchasing a puppy, it must be ensured that the parents of the relevant puppy are OFA certified, because there are bloodlines where there is a predisposition for hip dysplasia. There are also bloodlines that have a predisposition to epilepsy. Like all dogs, the Harrier requires proper care and veterinary checks. Average life expectancy is between 10 and 12 years.
Other information
If you think a Harrier is suitable for your family and you are considering purchasing one, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the breed first. A breeder or breed club will be happy to tell you more about this breed.
