My Dog Training Secrets 

Harrier Dogs are a small, muscular hunting hound with a short, hard coat. It has large bones for stamina and strength. The Harrier is slightly longer than tall, with a level top line. The tail is usually medium-length, carried high, but not curled over the back. The skull is broad with a strong square muzzle and the rounded ears are pendant with the eyes being either brown or hazel, and a wide black nose. Their expression is mellow when the dog is relaxed and alert when he is excited. Typically they are 19-22 inches in height and weigh 48 – 60 lbs. The Harrier breed is said to have an excellent, pleasant disposition.

The Harrier dog is a small hound, bred for hunting rabbits ('hares'). They resemble foxhounds but are smaller. Neither hare nor fox can escape its exceptional sense of smell, its cunning, and its unequaled boldness. Prey chased by the inexhaustible Harrier has been known to collapse from sheer exhaustion. The Harrier is still fairly rare in the USA, but has a long history of popularity as a working pack dog in England.

Harriers love to be in their pack of dogs or in their pack of humans. This breed is a 900+ year old scent hound breed used to hunt English Hare in packs. These well-suited dogs are still used today in the British Isles, Australia and New Zealand, with most packs hunting both fox and hare. Harriers are, however, good watch dogs. They will most certainly notice anything unusual and will sound the alarm with a loud, alert voice.

The Harrier is more playful and outgoing than the Foxhound, but not as much as the Beagle. Cheerful, sweet-tempered, and tolerant, it is excellent with mature 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. 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.

Harriers are extremely adaptable and resilient to different living conditions; they can be happily kept as either a house-pet or a barn dog, in very warm or very cold climates. They are best not kept in apartments. Harriers have a short, dense, weatherproof-coat which comes in many attractive colorings (any color is accepted for registration and no color is preferred over another in either AKC or UKC events), and requires very little grooming. They are very unique canine characters. While this is an extremely attractive hound, you cannot consider adding a Harrier to your family based on looks alone.

They can be independent and should be trained early on to let them know whose boss. Harriers tend to be highly trainable with great obedience skills, but low problem solving abilities. They enjoy the outdoors, but should not be left alone as they are inclined to wander if they are free. Dog obedience training is highly recommended.

This breed's lifespan is generally 10-12 years and they are generally a healthy breed. The Harrier is a very energetic breed. It needs plenty of exercise. Minimal coat care is required with a routine rubdown with a harsh cloth and massage releasing the dead hairs. Keep the ears clean and nails trimmed. A Harrier needs regular exercise or they may become fat and lazy. There are occasional cases of hip dysplasia and epilepsy in this breed.

This is a great dog for an active owner who can give the Harrier dog training and a lot of exercise.