Harrier Dog & Puppies

 

" The Hare Hunter "

Breed Origins: England ( Middle Ages )
Breed usage: Hunting Dog: Small Game - Fox, rabbit and hare
Dog Weight: 50 - 60 Pounds
Dog Height: 19 to 21 inches to the shoulder
Cost of Puppies: Cost of puppies varies depending on location, breeder and pedigree history

 

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Information, Facts & Origins of the Harrier
The Harrier originates from England and is a dog of medium size. The harrier is similar to the Foxhound but is somewhat more playful and outgoing. It was bred originally to hunt small game - fox, rabbit and hare . It's origins can be dated back to the Middle Ages and it is classified as one of the Hound Dogs Group which we go on to describe in describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page.

Harrier Dog Names

The Harrier - A Scent Hound
The Harrier belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Scent Hounds, which specialise in following the scent or the smell of its quarry. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. Scent Hounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. They have large noses which have deep, open nostrils and their lips are loose and moist, designed to pick up scent particles and follow the trail of an animal. Their ears are long which concentrates the scent on the nose. Their bodies are designed for endurance, an essential asset when following any scent trail. Hunting takes different forms and as man opts for hunting their quarry either on foot or on horseback the scent hounds have been selectively bred to produce small legs, to enable a man to easily follow on foot, or longer legs suited to keep up with a man on horseback. Most scent hounds were used in packs - making a loud, deep baying noise alerting hunters to their location. As a pet the Harrier is a very active dog and is best suited to families who are very experienced with dogs. It has a friendly & non aggressive character.

 

Information, Facts & History of the Harrier Dog
The Harrier - what's in a name? The Harrier's name is described as being a derivative of many different origins - all seem to be logical so we have included them all!

  • Harrier - meaning the word Hound from the Normans
  • From the Middle English harien - to force or to move along by harassing or worrying
  • Middle English hairer, eirer influenced by hare

The Harrier was bred in England specifically for hunting hares and rabbits. It was probably cross bred originally from French hunting dogs during the Middle ages. This French influence occurred during events such as the Norman Invasion of 1066 and it will come as a revelation to many that the only spoken language of the famed English King, Richard the Lionheart, was in fact French. English Hunters wanted smaller and faster dogs than the traditional Hound dogs. Harriers were considered the poor man's alternative to the upper class practice of hunting with packs of foxhounds. The breeding process included strains of the Bloodhound Terrier, Bulldog and Greyhound to eventually produce the Harrier known today. During the 17th and 18th century Harriers were used specifically for hunting rabbits and hares at a pace that enabled hunters to follow on foot. Harrier packs were, however, also kept by the aristocracy as the Harrier was also capable of running with mounted hunters. The Harrier was introduced in America during the times of the first settlers. The first AKC (American Kennel Club) registered English Foxhound was registered in 1909.

Description of the Harrier Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours info
The Harrier's coat comes in a range of the following colours: Tri-colour - Black/White/Tan or Pied - Fawn/White Coat. The coat is dense, short and glossy.

Dog Health information - potential health problems of the Harriers
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Shikoku, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. There are no apparent common health problems with the Harrier.Please click the following link for additional information which we have provided via our:

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems

 

Dog photograph

 

This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Illness Symptoms Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.

Description of the Harrier Dog and Puppies - Comparative Sizing Pictures & info
The pictures above allow for a useful sizing perspective between an average man (Five feet ten inches) or an average sized woman (Five feet six inches) in comparison to the average sized Harrier dog which we have detailed above. These pictures are extremely important as they provide an immediate and accurate visual representation of the height of an average Harrier compared to the height of a male or female - essential information but unique to this site. Use the pictures to help to estimate the size of this breed of dog to each the various growing stages of children. Use the pictures to provide a guideline to the adult size of Harrier Puppies. The pictures will also prove to be invaluable when comparing the sizes and heights of other dog breeds. The dimensions will vary according to the sex of the dog or puppy. Girl dogs, or bitches, are on average, 2 inches smaller than boy dogs. Another useful piece of information when considering puppies.

Information on Grooming and Care of the Harrier Dog Breed
The Harrier requires a minimum amount of grooming. Regardless of the breeds, a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older dogs.

Information on the Temperament and Character of the Harrier Dog Breed
The Harrier is a very sociable breed, traditionally a pack hound, they are playful, inquisitive, tolerant and gentle. It makes a good house pet as long as it receives plenty of exercise and companionship. Developed as an active hunting dog it is also obedient although it is a natural scent trailer and will go off following a scent. Reserved with strangers.

Living conditions and Exercise Requirements of the Harrier Dog Breed
The Harrier dogs and puppies are not well suited to living in the town because it requires a substantial amount of exercise. It is well suited to living in the country and outdoors in kennels with a pack. The foxhound is an easygoing dog that needs plenty of exercise - it has a tendency to bay.

Harrier Puppies info
The following considerations should be taken into account when choosing Harrier puppies:

  • Budget - Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed
  • Convenience and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
  • Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain
  • Exercising requirements for the Harrier breed
  • Living Conditions for the breed - suitability for puppies
  • Family - child suitability

Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Harrier - essential information and unique to this site. It should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of the family.

Age comparison between the Harrier Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.

Life Expectancy of the Harrier Dog Breed
The life expectancy for this particular breed is between 10 – 12 years.

Hound Dog Breed Information
As implied by its name the Hound has been bred to chase a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance.
Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for.  Thus, the various hound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as:

 
  • Hunting and running down small quarry
  • Flushing out and Driving game
  • Vermin Hunting
  • Guard duties
  • Tracking

In this day and age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Harrier dog breeding program successful.

 

The Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and others by sight. Many hounds are kept in packs, in outdoor kennels. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Hound breeds require a significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels suitable for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in this group who make a distinctive ' baying ' sound - invaluable information should be considering puppies. The pictures above allow for a useful size comparison providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Harrier dog - essential information but unique to this site. 

 

Harrier Dog Breed

Examples of other Breeds within the Hound Dog Group 
The Hound group of dogs includes the Harrier and all of the following breeds:
Afghans, Foxhounds, Basenjis, Bassets, Beagles, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bloodhounds, Borzoi, Dachshunds, English Foxhounds, Greyhounds, Harriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Otterhounds, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens, American Fox hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds and Whippets. Pictures and information about all of the above Hound Dog breeds, together with all other dog groups, may be found on this website via the following links:

 

Dog Breeds - ABC List

Dog Names & Breeds Site Index

Hound Dog Breeds

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