Hound group · England
Harrier
Also called Harehound.
What makes them remarkable
This pack hound was developed for hunting hares, including with hunters following on foot.
- Outgoing
- Friendly
- Active
- People-oriented
- Pack-minded

- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 20 to 27 kg45 to 60 lb
- Lives
- 12 to 15 years
- Energy
- High
- Trains
- Moderate
- Barks
- High
Training
Training a Harrier
Hound breeds. Recall is the whole game. Build it on a long line before you trust it, and never punish a slow return.
Like a Large Beagle
Start here
Think of a Harrier as a bigger, more athletic Beagle. Similar training challenges but with more energy.
Needs Canine Company
Bred to work in packs, Harriers are happiest with other dogs. Solo Harriers may become destructive.
Food Motivation
Like Beagles, they're very food-motivated. Use this for training but monitor portions carefully.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Harrier and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to hunt by scent or sight, often far from the handler. Independent, with a nose or eyes that override you.
Gets on with
- ChildrenHigh
- Other dogsVery High
- StrangersHigh
- CatsModerate
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 1-2 hours daily. Active breed that loves running, hiking, and outdoor adventures.
- Grooming
- Low maintenance. Weekly brushing, regular ear cleaning.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Short, Dense, GlossyTricolour, Lemon and White, Red and White
- In a flat
- Needs more space than a flat gives.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Joint condition that can affect athletic breeds
Ear Infections
Moderate
Floppy ears require regular cleaning
Eye Problems
Mild
Some eye conditions can occur
Where they come from
History
Ancient English breed developed for hunting hares on foot. Possibly descended from Foxhounds, Greyhounds, and English Bulldogs. One of the rarest breeds in America.
Similar breeds
All breeds
English Foxhound
Foxhound breeding records have been kept for more than two centuries, tracing generations of working packs.
Large · Hound

Beagle
The white tip on many Beagles’ tails helped hunters spot them while their noses were down following a trail.
Small · Hound

Bluetick Coonhound
The “blue” is an illusion created by dense ticking in its coat; its speciality is following old scent trails.
Large · Hound

Cirneco dell'Etna
This Sicilian rabbit hunter takes its name from Mount Etna, the volcano near its homeland.
Medium · Hound