Harrier — breed guide
Bigger than a Beagle, smaller than a Foxhound, and bred to hunt hare on foot. Rare enough that most sightings are misidentified Beagles.
At a glance
- Group
- hound
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 20–27 kg (44–60 lb)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Short, hard, glossy coat
Living with a Harrier
- Very high energy — built for work and long days out.
- Almost no grooming.
- Moderate shedding.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Very vocal.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Handles warm weather well.
- Average cold tolerance.
Temperament
Cheerful · Outgoing · Busy · Loud
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Ear infections
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Harrier good with kids?
Generally yes. Harriers are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Harrier good with cats?
It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.
How much exercise does a Harrier need?
Hours — this breed needs a job or a long day out.
Can a Harrier handle hot weather?
It copes well with warm days.
Leash Life keeps a Harrier's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.