Harrier

The Harrier: a faithful companion on four paws

Who is the Harrier suitable for?

The Harrier is ideal for active people and families who spend a lot of time outdoors and are looking for a loyal companion. As it was originally bred as a hunting dog, it needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This breed is less suitable for city dwellers, unless there is access to sufficient green spaces and daily, extended walks.

Character and behavior

The Harrier is a friendly, energetic and social dog. It gets on well with children and other dogs, making it an ideal family dog. However, his hunting instinct can lead him to see smaller animals as prey, so care should be taken if he lives with cats or other small pets. Harriers are intelligent and eager to learn, but also independent, which requires consistent and patient training.

Appearance of the Harrier

The Harrier is a medium-sized dog with a strong yet elegant build. It has a shoulder height of 48 to 55 cm and weighs between 20 and 27 kg. Its coat is short, dense and weatherproof, usually tricolored in black, white and brown. The ears are medium-sized and drooping, while the eyes are large and expressive, giving it a watchful and friendly expression.

Grooming and health

Grooming the Harrier is relatively uncomplicated. Its short coat needs to be brushed regularly to remove loose hair and keep the skin healthy. As with all dogs, the ears should be kept clean and dry to avoid infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly and claws trimmed when necessary.

In terms of health, the Harrier is a robust breed, but as with many breeds, genetic diseases can occur. Hip dysplasia and eye problems are occasionally observed. Regular visits to the vet and a balanced diet help to keep the Harrier healthy.

Exercise requirements and training

The Harrier has high exercise requirements and needs at least one hour of intensive exercise every day. Long walks, jogs and outdoor games are ideal to keep him physically and mentally active. Due to his hunting instinct, he should be walked in safe areas or on a lead to prevent him from following a trail on his own.

Training should start early and be carried out consistently. Positive reinforcement, patience and variety are the keys to success, as the Harrier learns quickly but also gets bored easily.

Behavioral characteristics and interactions

The Harrier is a very social dog that enjoys the company of its family. He is playful and affectionate, especially with children. Its friendly nature makes it a good playmate, but contact between dog and child should always be supervised to ensure that both are respectful of each other.

The Harrier generally gets on well with other dogs and enjoys being in company. However, its strong hunting instinct can lead it to chase smaller animals, so careful socialization and training from an early age is important.

Recognition and interesting facts

The Harrier is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and is listed in Group 6 (running dogs, sighthounds and related breeds). In the USA, it is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an independent breed.

An interesting fact about the Harrier is that it is sometimes referred to as "the great Beagle", indicating its similarity to that breed. Despite its excellent hunting abilities and friendly nature, the Harrier is rarely seen outside the UK.