The Beagle Harrier presents as a well-balanced, medium-sized scent hound with a sturdy, athletic build designed for endurance hunting. Standing between 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder, these dogs exhibit slightly more substance than their Beagle ancestors while maintaining a lighter build than the Harrier. The breed displays harmonious proportions with a body slightly longer than tall, creating a rectangular silhouette that facilitates efficient movement across varied terrain. Males and females show minimal size dimorphism, with both sexes falling within the same height range, though males may carry slightly more muscle mass and bone substance. The overall appearance suggests a dog capable of sustained work while maintaining agility and speed when trailing game.
The head presents moderate length and breadth, appearing neither heavy nor refined to extremes. The skull shows a slight dome with a well-defined stop, creating a gentle transition from forehead to muzzle. The muzzle length approximately equals the skull length, maintaining balance in head proportions. Eyes are dark brown, medium-sized, and set well apart, conveying an intelligent, gentle expression typical of scent hounds. The ears, a defining characteristic, are moderately long, reaching nearly to the nose tip when drawn forward. Set at eye level, the ears hang close to the cheeks with slight forward folds, contributing to the breed's appealing expression. The ear leather is thin, showing fine texture when examined. The nose is well-developed, always black in color, with open nostrils facilitating the breed's exceptional scenting ability.
The neck appears strong and moderately long, flowing smoothly into well-laid shoulders without excessive throatiness. The topline remains level from withers to croup, displaying the strength necessary for long hours of hunting. The chest reaches to the elbow level with well-sprung ribs providing adequate heart and lung capacity without creating a barrel-chested appearance. The loin shows muscular development while maintaining flexibility for the gaiting motion. The croup slopes gently to the tail set. Front legs stand straight and parallel with strong bone proportionate to body size. Pasterns show slight angulation, providing shock absorption during movement. Hind legs display moderate angulation at stifle and hock joints, creating a balanced driving mechanism. Feet are compact and well-arched with thick pads and strong nails, designed to withstand rough terrain.
The tail, described as saber-shaped, reaches approximately to the hock joint in length. Carried gaily when active but never curled over the back, the tail serves as a mood indicator and balance mechanism during fast turns. The coat consists of a short, dense double coat lying flat against the body. The texture feels somewhat harsh to the touch, providing weather resistance while remaining easy to maintain. Coat length remains uniform across the body without feathering on legs or tail. The standard recognizes tricolor patterns as typical, featuring black saddles or patches, rich tan markings on the head, legs, and beneath the tail, and white base color. The distribution of these colors varies between individuals, with some showing extensive white areas while others display more prominent black and tan coverage. Color patterns do not affect working ability, though balanced, symmetrical markings are aesthetically preferred. The breed's movement appears free and flowing with good reach in front and strong drive from behind, covering ground efficiently without wasted motion.
Affection Level
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Friendly and affectionate with family members, forming strong bonds with their household
Good with Children
Patient and gentle with children, enjoying their energy and playfulness when properly socialized
Good with Other Dogs
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Excellent social skills with other dogs due to pack hound heritage and breeding
Good with Other Pets
May chase small animals due to hunting instincts; best with early socialization around cats
Playfulness
Energetic and playful nature, particularly enjoying games that engage their sense of smell
Energy Level
High energy breed requiring substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation
Trainability
Moderately trainable with positive methods; can show independent thinking typical of scent hounds
Intelligence
Intelligent with excellent problem-solving abilities related to scent tracking and hunting
Tendency to Bark
Moderate to high vocalization, particularly when on a scent trail or seeking attention
Amount of Shedding
Moderate year-round shedding with increased shedding during seasonal coat changes
Grooming Needs
Low maintenance grooming requirements with weekly brushing and occasional bathing
Prey Drive
Strong prey drive and trailing instincts requiring secure fencing and leash management