The Harrier is a medium sized breed that resembles the English Foxhound. They are a sturdy, muscular breed that requires minimal grooming but plenty of exercise.

Physical Characteristics

• Strongly built, with large bones for their size
• Coat: Short, smooth hair; comes in an array of colors
• Medium-length tail, carried high
• Compact feet
• Height: 19-21 inches
• Weight: 48-60 pounds
• Average lifespan: 11-12 years

Temperament

• Cheerful, sweet-tempered, tolerant
• Interaction with people: Excellent with children
• Interaction with animals: Needs supervision around noncanine pets, unless raised with them from puppyhood
• Level of attention needed: Prefers to be in a pack with people, dogs or both

At Home

• Not recommended for apartments; best in rural areas
• Needs large yard, or acreage
• Need long, daily walks or a daily job
• Excellent jogging companions
• Enjoys exploring, sniffing and trailing

Grooming

• Average shedder
• Needs occasional brushing to comb out dead hair

Brief History

• Native to England
• Established by Sir Elias Midhope in 1260
• Named for its special talent: hunting hare
• Especially popular in the British Isles because they could be easily followed on foot during a hunt
• Used for hunting in the U.S. since Colonial times

Fido's Facts

• Swift hunting hounds with superior stamina in the field
• Prey chased by the Harrier have been known to collapse from sheer exhaustion
• With the exception of size, the Harrier is an exact external replica of the English Foxhound