Harrier Dog

The Harrier is an old English scent hound breed with a history that dates back to at least the 13th century in England. Their primary purpose, as their name suggests, was to hunt hare (“harrying” the hare). They were developed to be smaller and often faster than the English Foxhound, making them suitable for hunters following on foot or horseback over varied terrain. The exact ancestry of the Harrier is somewhat debated, but it is widely believed they were developed from crosses between various English scent hounds, including early English Foxhounds, and possibly smaller French hounds or even Beagles to refine their size and specific hunting style for hare.

Harriers were traditionally hunted in packs, prized for their keen noses, stamina, and ability to work together to pursue their quarry. Different regions in England often had their own strains or types of Harriers, adapted to local conditions and preferences. The first Harrier pack in England is thought to have been established around 1260. The breed was first imported to the United States in colonial times. While they are one of the oldest hound breeds, Harriers have never achieved the widespread popularity of Beagles or Foxhounds and remain relatively uncommon, particularly outside of hunting circles. The American Kennel Club recognized the Harrier in 1885.

The Harrier is known for its outgoing, friendly, and cheerful temperament. They are typically very sociable dogs, having been bred for centuries to work and live in packs, which generally makes them good with other dogs. Harriers are energetic and playful, often retaining a youthful enthusiasm. With their families, they can be affectionate and loyal companions, though their primary drive is often towards outdoor activity and following scents. They are generally good-natured and can be good with children, especially if raised with them, though their energy might be a bit much for very young children without supervision.

As true scent hounds, Harriers are driven by their noses and can be very independent and determined when on a trail. This can make them appear stubborn during training if a compelling scent is present. They are intelligent but not always motivated by a simple desire to please with rote obedience. Harriers are known for their classic hound bay, which they will use readily when hunting or sometimes when excited or seeking attention. Early socialization is important to ensure they are well-adjusted companions.

The Harrier has a short, dense, hard, and glossy coat that is very easy to maintain in terms of grooming. This practical working coat provides good protection from the elements and underbrush without requiring elaborate care.

They are considered average shedders. A weekly brushing with a rubber curry mitt or a hound glove is usually sufficient to remove loose dead hair, distribute skin oils, and keep their coat looking sleek and healthy. Baths are needed only occasionally, as their coat tends to stay relatively clean. One of the most important aspects of their grooming is regular ear care. Their moderately long, floppy hound ears can trap moisture and debris, making them prone to ear infections if not checked and cleaned frequently with a vet-approved solution. Routine nail trims and dental care are also essential for their overall well-being.

Harriers are high-energy hounds with exceptional stamina, bred for long days of hunting and trailing game. They require a significant amount of daily exercise to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. This is not a breed suited for a sedentary lifestyle or confined apartment living; they need ample space and opportunity to run and use their keen senses, particularly their powerful nose.

Aim for at least one to two hours of vigorous activity per day, if not more, especially if not actively working. Excellent exercise options include:

• Long, brisk walks, jogging, or running alongside a bicycle (once fully mature and conditioned) in natural environments.
• Off-leash running and exploring in a very large, extremely securely fenced area. Their powerful nose and hunting drive mean they should **never** be trusted off-leash in an unsecured environment as they will follow a scent with unwavering determination and may roam for miles.
• Hiking in varied terrain.
• Participating in scent work trials, tracking activities, or other canine sports that engage their natural scenting abilities if not used for actual hunting.

Without a sufficient outlet for their energy and strong instincts, Harriers can become bored, restless, and may develop undesirable behaviors such as excessive baying, digging, or escape attempts. They thrive in active homes, ideally with access to ample safe space for running and exploring scents, and with owners who understand their need for purposeful activity.

The Harrier is generally considered a healthy and robust breed, having been developed primarily for working ability and stamina. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Potential concerns common to scent hounds of their size include:

• Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint, common in many medium to large active breeds. Elbow dysplasia can also occur.
• Ear Infections (Otitis Externa): Due to their floppy ears trapping moisture. Diligent, regular ear cleaning is crucial.
• Hypothyroidism:** An underactive thyroid gland.
• Eye Conditions: While not widespread, occasional eye issues like cataracts or glaucoma could occur.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV):** A risk for deep-chested breeds.
• Hunting-Related Injuries: If used for hunting, they can be prone to cuts, scrapes, sprains, or other injuries sustained in the field.