Harriers were bred to chase hares and foxes in the past. The canine breed isn't very well-known nowadays, but their keen sense of smell and tireless work ethic make them ideal for hunters.

Despite the fact that they are uncommon purebred canines, some may find up in shelters or rescues. If you think this is the breed for you, consider adopting one.

Harriers are often referred to as "Beagles on steroids." These dogs are energetic and lively, and they would struggle in an apartment situation. They require space to run and expend their tremendous levels of energy. They are, nevertheless, quite loving, especially with children and other dogs. This breed is also quite healthy and easy to groom. The Harrier is a terrific companion for an active family.

This dog bed is recommended by DogTime for a nice night's sleep for your medium-sized Harrier. For any outdoor trips you have with your dog, you should also pick up this dog water bottle!

Beagle-Harrier Highlights
Breed Size	Medium
Nature	Playful, Friendly
Energy Level	Active
Intelligence	Medium
Barking Level	Howler
Coat Length	Short
Breed Group	Hound
Droll Amount	Low
Good with	Familes, Children, Dog
Feed Level	Medium, High
Colour Type	Fawn, Black, Tan, or White
Other Facts	Easy to groom,tolerates being alone,high prey drive,high potential for weight gain,strong loyalty tendencies,good hiking companion

Dog History

The origins of the Harrier breed are disputed by numerous accounts. Harrier was a Norman French term that meaning "hound" or "dog." With that relationship, it's possible that the first Harrier-type canines were a cross of Bloodhounds, Talbot hounds, and maybe even Basset Hounds, all of which originated in what is now France and Belgium.

A group of Harrier-type dogs was founded in England, where the Harrier breed was developed, as early as 1260 – more than 800 years ago! Sir Elias Midhope founded the Penistone pack, which lasted at least 500 years, far into the 18th century.

These hounds were originally employed to hunt hare with the hunters following on foot, therefore they were a much slower and more systematic breed than today's Harriers. Harriers were bred to be faster when foxhunting became popular among horse-mounted hunters.

In March 1891, the Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles was founded in England. Harriers were far more popular than Beagles at the time. The AMHB's Stud Book has 107 registered Harrier packs from 1891 to 1900.

In those days, admission to the Stud Book was based on the pack owner's records or by committee. Many of the first Harriers appear to have been little Foxhounds. Some of these foundation Harriers' names also feature in the pedigrees of top-winning Beagles. It's assumed that the term "Harrier" was given to the hound to represent its hunting style and size rather than its ancestry.

Although the American Kennel Organization, the Canadian Kennel Club, and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (the international canine club), among others, acknowledge Harriers, the Kennel Club of England has not recognised the breed since 1971.

Harriers were last displayed at a Kennel Club show in 1915, and they were not recorded in their Stud Book. This might be due to the fact that Harriers are exclusively owned by hunting groups in England and are registered with the Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles. Only if they are a member of a pack and have been utilised for at least one hunting season are they normally registered with the AMHB.

Harriers have been said to have been introduced to the United States as early as the 1700s. Several Harrier packs were formed, with some of them being recognised by the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America. In England, the AMHB identified at least two American packets.

Harriers have never been a popular breed, despite being excellent family pets. Only 949 Harriers were registered with the American Kennel Club between 1884 and 1994. Despite being at or near the bottom of the popularity rankings, 182 Harriers have become AKC Champions of Record, a fairly high ratio of champions to dogs registered.

Despite their lack of popularity, they have been a part of the American Kennel Club since its inception, and are the 13th and 4th Hound breeds to be recognised by the AKC. In 1877, the first Westminster Kennel Club Show featured two Harriers from Baltimore, Maryland. The second Westminster display featured four Harriers from New York.

Health and Care

Harriers are typically healthy, however they are susceptible to some health issues, as are other breeds. Although not all Harriers will contract any or all of these illnesses, it's crucial to be aware of them if you're thinking about getting one.

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disorder in which the thighbone does not fit securely into the hip joint. Some dogs indicate pain and lameness in one or both hind legs, but a dog with hip dysplasia may not show any indications of discomfort. Arthritis can occur as a dog aged. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program offer X-ray screening for hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia dogs should not be bred.

Find a reliable breeder who will show you health clearances for both your dog's parents if you're buying a puppy. Health clearances demonstrate that a dog has been checked for and cleared of a certain disease.

You can expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease in Harriers; thrombopathia from Auburn University; and normal eyes from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) in Harriers. The OFA website can be used to verify health clearances (offa.org).

Harriers have a lot of stamina and energy. If they get enough exercise, they make terrific friends, but if they don't, they may be destructive. Harriers are not suggested for those who live in apartments. They thrive in homes with huge yards or acres for them to run around in. Fences that your Harrier can't dig under or leap over are required in yards.

Harriers may live outside with sufficient protection from the elements, but they prefer to remain indoors with their family, which they refer to as their pack. When harriers are bored or lonely, they bay - a lengthy bark — so it's not a good idea to leave them alone in the backyard for long periods of time, especially if you have neighbours nearby.

These are canines who like being with you but do not require your attention. They have the ability to amuse themselves. It's your responsibility to make sure their definition of fun doesn't include getting into mischief! Give your adult Harrier a long walk with plenty of smelling time every day, or jog with him every day.

Puppies require varied amounts of activity. Puppy school, held once or twice a week for puppies aged 9 weeks to 4 months, is a terrific method for them to obtain exercise, training, and socialisation, as well as 15 to 20 minutes of yard fun in the morning and evening.

Weekly obedience training and daily half-mile walks, as well as yard fun, will suit their demands from 4 to 6 months of age. Play for up to 40 minutes in the mornings or evenings, not in the heat of the day, when your child is 6 months to a year old. Continue to keep your walks to a half-mile distance.

Dog Breed Care Tips and Important Instructions

The list of harrier grooming requirements is brief. Because their coat is short, thick, and shiny, it takes care of itself—all a harrier needs is a weekly brushing to keep it looking sharp. These puppies will benefit from a wash with dog shampoo every now and then to keep them looking and smelling their best (especially if they prefer to tumble about outside!). Harriers shed a moderate amount and drool infrequently, so they're unlikely to leave the house filthy.

Pup parents should clean their harrier's ears on a regular basis with a dog-specific mild ear-cleaning solution. Regular nail cuts with a grinder or clipper are also beneficial (a groomer may assist if you're not comfortable clipping your dog's nails at home).

Brush your harrier's teeth on a regular basis (nightly if you can) to maintain dental hygiene, and chat to your veterinarian about if professional deep-cleanings are essential for your dog. Delicious dental chews may serve as both a delight and a breath refresher.

Feeding

1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food each day, split into two meals, is the recommended daily quantity. Puppies can consume up to 4 cups of food each day, split into three meals.

NOTE: The amount of food your adult dog consumes is determined by his size, age, build, metabolism, and degree of activity. Dogs, like people, are unique individuals that require different amounts of food. It practically goes without saying that a dog that is very active will require more than a dog who is sedentary. The type of dog food you buy makes a difference as well; the better the dog food, the more it will nourish your dog and the less you'll have to shake into his bowl.

The general health of your Harrier is more essential than the amount of food he consumes. He should appear strong rather than chubby. Give him the eye exam and the hands-on test if you're not sure if he's overweight.

Look down at him first. He should be able to see his waist. Then, with your thumbs down his spine and fingers stretched downward, place your hands on his back. You should be able to feel his ribs but not see them. If you can't feel the final two ribs, he should eat less and exercise more. Feed extra if you can see his ribs.

Fun Facts

• There are several important distinctions between these two hound breeds in the harrier vs. beagle argument. To begin with, harriers are substantially larger than beagles. They're also uncommon—if you encounter a brown, black, and white dog out and about with soft, floppy ears, he's most likely a beagle. Harriers are also slightly less needy than beagles, making them less prone to separation anxiety, according to Simon.
• The term "harrier" has a wide range of meanings. It's also the name of a human runner and a sort of hawk, in addition to being the name of a gorgeous dog breed.
• Harriers are excellent hiking or jogging partners since they were trained to traverse vast distances over sometimes challenging terrain during British hunting expeditions. They'll cheerfully go, go, go all day (and you'll probably be exhausted before they are!).

Home Training Tips and General Information

• Praise and positive reinforcement are extremely beneficial and necessary while teaching your Beagle-Harrier puppy.
• You should never scream at your Beagle-Harrier or punish them for not listening – positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train your Beagle-Harrier.
• Instead of patting your Beagle-Harrier on the top of their head or back, give them a pat on the underside of their chin or chest, which is more loving for them.
• Long sessions of training for your Beagle-Harrier are not recommended. It's more efficient to train them in short, frequent periods throughout the day. It is recommended that a Beagle-Harrier be trained 3-5 times a day for 5-minute sessions. This guarantees that you have their full attention.
• Reward your dog with a pet reward after they have completed the task you have set for them.
• Many Beagle-Harrier owners make the mistake of allowing their young puppy to do things that they would not want them to do later in life (e.g. laying on furnishings). Allowing them to get into this pattern will make it extremely difficult to change your pet dog's behaviour afterwards.
• Puppies for a Beagle-Harrier should begin training at the age of eight weeks, and they should be fully capable of learning in eight to twelve weeks.
• Your intonation is your most effective teaching tool; use a pleasant tone when praising and a stern tone when saying "No" (but don't yell).

FAQS

Beagle-Harrier Unique Name

Male Name	Female Name
Cain	Baron
Chief	Daisy
Hunter	Daphne
Lewis	Fanny
Logan	Juliet
Mimi	Juno
Prince	Kelsey
Quincy	Koko
Radar	Lily
Scout	Mia
Shadow	Misty
Smoky	Poppy
Taco	Reese
Titus	Samantha
Tripp	Tilly
Yoshi	Carley
Yukon	Casper
Baxter	Chaos
T-bird	Patty
Tuck	Vava