Harrier: The Cheerful and Energetic Scent Hound

Welcome to the comprehensive guide on the Harrier, a breed admired for its stamina, friendly disposition, and exceptional tracking abilities. This page explores the Harrier, a medium-sized hound that combines the energy of a working dog with the companionship traits of a family pet.

Physical Characteristics

• Sturdy and Athletic Build: Harriers are known for their muscular and compact bodies, well-suited for endurance in the field.
• Classic Hound Appearance: They have a short, dense coat, usually in combinations of black, white, and tan.

Temperament and Personality Harriers are recognized for their outgoing, friendly, and playful nature. They are sociable dogs, enjoying the company of both humans and other dogs. Their hunting heritage endows them with a strong sense of smell and a love for outdoor activities.

Training and Exercise Needs

• Training: Responsive to positive reinforcement training, Harriers benefit from early socialization and consistent training.
• Exercise: They require regular, vigorous exercise. Activities like long walks, scent tracking, and playing in a secure area keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
• Mental Stimulation: Engaging their natural hunting instincts with scent games and interactive play is crucial for their well-being.

Health and Nutrition

• Diet: A balanced diet suitable for an active, medium-sized breed is essential. Regular veterinary consultations can help maintain their health.
• Common Health Issues: Generally robust, Harriers can be prone to certain breed-specific health concerns. Regular health screenings are recommended.

Grooming and Care

• Coat Maintenance: Their coat is relatively low-maintenance but requires regular grooming to keep it clean and healthy.
• General Care: Routine health care practices, such as dental hygiene and nail trimming, are important.

Living with a Harrier

• Family Compatibility: They are great with families, known for being good with children and other pets.
• Adaptability: Harriers adapt well to various living situations, thriving with enough space for exercise.
• Companionship: They form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy being part of family activities.

Responsible Ownership and Adoption

• Selecting a Breeder: Choose breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and adherence to breed standards.
• Adoption Options: Adoption from shelters or breed-specific rescues is a great option for providing a loving home to a Harrier in need.

Conclusion The Harrier, with its blend of energy, affability, and hunting prowess, is an ideal breed for those seeking an active and sociable companion. Their adaptability and friendly demeanor make them a beloved choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Description

The Harrier has lots of energy and need a well-fenced yard with room to run and play. Weekly brushing and occasional bathing will help to keep the coat in good shape.

Temperament

The Harrier is generally a good-natured, friendly dog. Early obedience training is important as the breed tends to have an independent nature.

Harrier Housebreaking

Housebreaking the Harrier requires consistency on your part. Dogs are creatures of habit, and knowing the tips and tricks of training will make the process so much easier and less stressful.

Puppy Housebreaking     Adult Marking & Retraining

Find a Puppy: Harrier

If you are looking for a puppy or adult dog, please read our important information on choosing a puppy from a breeder and adopting a dog from a rescue. There are good dog breeders and good dog rescues and there are bad dog breeders and bad dog rescues. Our information will help you to make an informed decision and will give you tips on what to look for and what to avoid.

Pet shops are not the best place to look for a puppy. Dogs from pet shops often come from puppy mills, and puppy mill dogs are often kept in unhealthy conditions. The best way to end puppy mills is to rescue or buy from reputable sources.

Nutrition

The Harrier should only be fed high-quality dog food targeted toward the dog’s age, whether puppy, adult, or senior. Avoid cooked bones and food with high fat content. Talk to your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog’s weight.

Training

The Harrier is a loving and energetic breed, though they can oftentimes be stubborn. When training this breed, remember that firm leadership and consistency is key.

Health

(Click here for Health Dictionary)
The Harrier is a generally healthy breed.