Harrier - Harrier

Harrier Temperament

A good natured, eager, and responsive dog, the Harrier is a good choice for a family pet. This breed tends to be friendly and sweet natured, but can also be very stubborn, willful, and independent, making them best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership. He is a well balanced and determined dog, and has plenty of energy, enjoying a range of activities outdoors such as jogging and biking. This is a dog that needs to have physical and mental stimulation in order to avoid boredom and destructive behavior, and is not a breed for those with little time to commit to their pets. These dogs also love to explore, and this means that they should not be let off the leash in an area that is not secure and fenced otherwise he may wander off.

The Harrier gets along well with children and is also friendly around strangers. He gets on well with other dogs, but care and early socialization is necessary around smaller pets such as cats, otherwise he may chase them. Some Harriers can be difficult to housebreak, and training in general can be difficult with some of these dogs because of their stubborn nature. However, they are quick to learn, and a confident and assertive owner should not experience any major problems with training. A friendly and loving dog, the Harrier can make a good companion.
Harrier Appearance

The appearance of the Harrier has been likened to that of an English Foxhound. These medium sized dogs have a sturdy build and an eager expression. The coat of the Harrier is short and hard, and the coloring can vary and includes tan and white, lemon and white, red and white, and most commonly tri-colored. The Harrier weighs in at around 45-60 pounds, and the height is around 18-21 inches.
Harrier Grooming

The grooming requirements for the Harrier are low, which is ideal if you cannot commit too much time to maintenance. His coat simply requires occasional brushing, and you should check the ears are clean and dry in order to reduce the risk of infections. The Harrier is a relatively low shedder, and this means that he may prove suitable for those suffering from allergies.
Harrier Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Harrier is around 10-12 years. This is a relatively hardy and healthy breed, but there are a few health problems that have been linked to the breed. This includes lens luxation, epilepsy, PRA, and HD. The parents of the Harrier puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.
Harrier History

The Harrier originates from Great Britain, and was once considered a poor man's version of the Foxhound. These dogs hunt in packs with huntsmen, trailing hares and foxes. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1885.

# AKANA
# SizeMedium
# Ease of trainingLow/Medium
# GroomingLow
# SheddingLow
# Exercise neededA walk and some running daily
# Energy levelMedium/High
# ProtectionLow, barks to raise alarm though
# Good with childrenYes
# Health clearancesOFA, CERF
# Popularity154/155