Is the Harrier a good family dog?
Harrier
Harriers are friendly and energetic medium-sized dogs with a sturdy build, short coat and keen, expressive face. Originally bred in England as scent hounds for hunting hare, they are known for their stamina, sociable nature and strong nose. Generally cheerful and good-natured with their family, Harriers can be independent, vocal and easily distracted by scents, so they benefit from regular exercise, secure outdoor spaces and consistent training.
| Recommended for | Active owners with secure outdoor space who can manage a sociable scent hound with high exercise needs. |
| Breed Classification | Hound Group |
| Other names | Harrier Hound |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Size | Medium |
| Temperament | Friendly, outgoing, energetic and scent-driven |
| Intelligence | Generally intelligent; best results come from patient, positive and consistent training |
| Tendency to bark | Moderate to high; baying hound voice |
| Maintenance Level | Low grooming; weekly brush |
| Health Risk | Harriers can be prone to several inherited or structure-related health concerns, so health testing, weight management and early veterinary advice are particularly important. |
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Insuring a Harrier?
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Breed history of Harriers
The Harrier is an English scent hound developed for hunting hare, traditionally in packs followed by hunters on foot or horseback. It sits between the Beagle and English Foxhound in size, combining stamina, voice and scenting ability for long days of pursuit.
Although the breed has existed in Britain for centuries, its exact origins are less clearly documented than those of many show breeds because it was maintained primarily in working packs. Its history is therefore one of countryside hunts, functional pack breeding and practical hound work rather than fashionable ownership.
Physical description of Harriers
The Harrier is a medium-sized scent hound with a sturdy, athletic body and an alert, good-natured expression. It resembles a smaller English Foxhound, with a broad head, strong muzzle, pendant ears and a balanced frame built for endurance.
Its coat is short, dense and smooth, making it practical for outdoor work. Harriers are usually seen in traditional hound colours, including tricolour, black and tan, lemon and white, red and white, or other mixed hound patterns.
| Weight range | 20 to 27 kg |
| Height range | 48 to 53 cm |
| Colours | Any recognised hound colour, often tricolour |
| Coat length | Short, dense, hard coat |
Harrier personality and temperament
The Harrier is friendly, energetic and sociable, with a cheerful temperament and strong scent-hound instincts. Bred to hunt in packs, it generally enjoys company and is often good-natured with people and other dogs.
Harriers can be independent when following a scent and may become vocal or restless without enough exercise. They benefit from secure outdoor areas, patient training and active owners who can meet their need for movement and exploration.
Harriers with kids and other pets
Harriers are usually friendly, cheerful and energetic with children, especially in active families. Their playful nature can make them enjoyable companions, but they may be too boisterous for very young children without supervision and training.
With other pets, Harriers often do well with other dogs because of their pack-hound background. They may chase cats or smaller animals if not raised with them, so early socialisation and secure management are important.
Harrier training and exercise
Harriers need a good amount of daily exercise, including long walks, running in secure areas and scent-based activities. As scent hounds, they enjoy following their noses, so safe, enclosed spaces are important when allowing them more freedom.
Training should be patient, consistent and reward-based. Harriers can be independent and easily distracted by scents, so recall and lead manners require ongoing practice. Early socialisation helps them become confident, sociable and easier to manage in busy environments.
| Energy level | High |
| Exercise requirements | High - long walks, running and scent work in secure areas |
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Harrier feeding and nutrition
The Harrier needs a balanced diet that supports its active scent-hound nature, stamina and lean muscle. Quality protein helps maintain muscle, while healthy fats can provide energy for long walks, running and scent-based activities.
Because Harriers enjoy food and can follow their noses into trouble, portion control and secure food storage are important. Their diet should be adjusted to match activity level, with measured meals and limited treats to prevent weight gain.
Harrier care and grooming
The Harrier has a short, dense coat that is easy to groom. Weekly brushing with a grooming mitt or soft brush helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy. As an active scent hound, the Harrier should also be checked after outdoor exercise for ticks, scratches or debris.
Bathing is only needed when the dog becomes dirty or develops odour. The ears should be checked regularly, as hanging ears can trap moisture and dirt. Regular nail trimming and dental care are important, especially for dogs that are very active outdoors.
Health issues for Harriers
- Hip dysplasia: A developmental condition where the hip joint forms abnormally, causing looseness, pain and reduced mobility. Genetics are a major factor, while rapid growth, excess weight and inappropriate exercise can worsen symptoms. Early diagnosis, weight control and veterinary care can help manage the condition.
- Ear infections: Common in dogs, often involving inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal caused by yeast, bacteria, allergies, mites or trapped moisture. Signs may include head shaking, scratching, redness, swelling, discharge, odour, pain or sensitivity around the ears.
- Hypothyroidism: A hormonal disorder where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, slowing the dog’s metabolism. Common signs include weight gain, lethargy, hair thinning, skin infections and cold intolerance.
- Eye disorders: This includes problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, dry eye, corneal ulcers and inherited eye disorders. Signs may include redness, cloudiness, discharge, squinting, pawing at the eye, swelling or changes in vision.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: A life-threatening emergency, also called bloat, where the stomach fills with gas or fluid and twists on itself. Signs may include a swollen abdomen, restlessness, drooling, unproductive retching, weakness or collapse.
Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.
FAQs about the Harrier
It can be, provided the household matches the breed’s exercise, training, grooming and supervision needs.
High – long walks, running and scent work in secure areas.
Shedding depends on coat type, season and grooming routine. The breed has a short, dense, hard coat.
No. While some individuals may shed less than others, no dog breed is truly allergy-free.
Most respond well to positive, consistent training, but owners should work with the breed’s instincts rather than against them.
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MORE INFORMATION
Harrier Club of America: http://www.harrierclubofamerica.com/
Harrier Club UK: https://harrierclub.co.uk/
