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Harehound Breed Description

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Breed Organization

The Harrier Club of America

Native Country
Great Britain

Other Names
Harrier

Life Expectancy
Approximately 12-15 Years

Litter Size
Average 7-8 Puppies

Breed Group
AKC-Hound

General Description

The Harrier is similar to the English Foxhound, but smaller. Harriers stand between 19 and 21 inches at the shoulder, and adults weigh between 45 and 65 lbs. They do shed, have short hair and hanging ears, and come in a variety of color patterns. A humorous description of a Harrier is that of "a Beagle on steroids", despite its resemblance to an English Foxhound. It is a muscular hunting hound with a small, hard coat. It has large bones for stamina and strength. The Harrier is slightly longer than tall, with a level topline. The tail is medium-length, carried high, but is not curled over the back. The skull is broad with a strong square muzzle. The rounded ears are pendant, and the eyes are either brown or hazel. The wide nose is black. The expression is mellow when the dog is relaxed and alert when he is excited. The teeth should meet in a scissors or level bite. The feet are tight and cat-like, and the front toes may turn inward.


Breed Standard

Head: Moderately wide, fairly long. Flat skull. Slight stop. Fairly long, pointed muzzle. Flews covering the lower jaw.
Ears: Set on high, V-shaped, nearly flat, fairly short.
Eyes: Medium-sized, oval, always dark.
Body: Powerful. Long, open neck. Chest taller than it is wide. Ribs not very rounded. Flank neither too full nor tucked up. Straight, muscular back. Strong, slightly arched loin.
Tail: Medium in length, slightly tufted and carried proudly.
Hair: Not too short and flat.
Coat: Usually white with black to orange shading. In France, generally tricolor with a black mantle covering the upper back.
Size: 48 to 55 cm (19-21.7 in).
Weight: approx. 25 kg (55 lb).

History

The Harrier is an ancient breed born in southern England and developed for hunting hare. He is a close cousin of other old English scenthounds, including the Talbot Hound (white, close-lying coat) and the Old Southern Hound (white with blue spots), himself descended from a strain of Gascon Saintongeois. He is also believed to have a splash of Foxhound blood and contributed to improving the Small Game Anglo-French Hound.

Behavior

The Harrier is cheerful, sweet-tempered, tolerant of people, and it is excellent with children. This pack dog is good with other dogs, but should be supervised with non-canine pets unless it is raised with them from puppyhood. It prefers life in a pack with people, dogs, or both. This active dog likes to go exploring, sniffing, and trailing, so be sure to keep it on a leash or in a safe enclosed area. Some Harriers like to bay.

He needs space and exercise, as well as regular brushing.

Function

Hunting Dog, Pet.

Health

Hip dysplasia is known to occur in this breed.


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