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AKC: Harrier breed overview

Hound group · England

Harrier

Also called English Harrier

A pack hound bred to hunt hare on foot, bigger than a Beagle and more sociable than most dogs you will meet.

The Harrier is an old English scent hound bred to hunt hares in packs, with hunters following on foot or horseback. It sits between the Beagle and the English Foxhound in size and shares their cheerful, sociable and stubborn nature. It is rare as a pet, especially outside Britain, but it can be a wonderful companion for an active household.

Original AI-generated breed illustration

Weight

20 to 27 kg

44 to 59 lb

Height

46 to 55 cm

at the shoulder

Life expectancy

12 to 15 yrs

Activity estimate

120 to 150 min

editorial daily planning range

Adult-size estimate

15 months

approximate model input

Life with a Harrier

The Harrier's roots run deep into English hunting history. Packs of hounds were chasing hare across the English countryside by the thirteenth century, and one early pack, the Penistone in Yorkshire, is said to have been founded around 1260. Hunters often followed on foot, so the hounds were bred for stamina and a steady nose rather than raw speed, allowing them to work out a hare's twisting, doubling trail over many hours.

Over the centuries the type was refined, probably with some Foxhound blood, until it settled at a size between the Beagle and the English Foxhound. Harriers still hunt in packs in parts of Britain, yet as household pets they remain rare, particularly in North America, where only a few litters are registered in most years. Finding one usually means joining a waiting list or contacting a breed club.

Living with a Harrier is like living with a cheerful, sociable athlete. They love company, human and canine, and aggression toward people or other dogs is rare. They are also deeply independent once they catch a scent, loud when excited, and happiest in a busy household where something is always going on.

Because they were raised and kenneled in packs for centuries, Harriers often find solitude harder than most breeds. A home with another dog, or with people around for much of the day, suits them far better than a quiet flat where they spend long hours alone.

A great match for

runners and hikers
homes that already have a dog
families with active, older children
experienced hound owners

Think twice if

follows its nose and ignores recall
loud baying and howling
dislikes being left alone
hard to find from a reputable breeder

Personality and needs at a glance

Living together

Good with children

Good with other dogs

Open with strangers

Apartment friendly

Copes with alone time

Energy and character

Energy level

Playfulness

Easy to train

Barking

5 means very vocal

Care and climate

Grooming needs

Shedding

Drooling

Handles cold

Handles heat

How much a Harrier eats

Illustrative calculations for neutered adults at midpoint breed weights, with food at 370 kcal per 100 g and 100 g per cup. These are not measured breed requirements. Use actual weight, the food label and veterinary body-condition advice.

Dog	Weight	Calories	Dry food
Female, relaxed lifestyle	23 kg	1010 kcal	275 g (2.8 cups)
Female, typical pet	23 kg	1160 kcal	315 g (3.3 cups)
Male, typical pet	25 kg	1230 kcal	335 g (3.3 cups)
Male, very active	25 kg	1540 kcal	415 g (4.3 cups)

Full Harrier feeding guide Calculate for my dog

Care guides for the Harrier

FeedingHounds live for food, and the Harrier is no exception. Expect bin raids, counter surfing and shameless begging, which means secure storage and a firm household rule about feeding from the table.Read more Puppy growthHarrier puppies grow steadily, reaching adult height by about 12 months and filling out with muscle until 15 to 18 months. They are sturdy, curious puppies who follow their noses everywhere, so recall practice with a long line and crate training should both start in the first weeks at home.Read more ExerciseStamina is the Harrier's working inheritance. Most need at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise and will happily take more, excelling at running, hiking, canicross, tracking and scent work.Read more GroomingCare for the coat takes minutes a week. A brush with a hound glove or rubber mitt removes loose hair and keeps the coat glossy, and shedding is moderate year-round.Read more TrainingHarriers are intelligent but independent. They were bred to work as a pack, following scent rather than waiting for human direction, so they can seem stubborn.Read more HealthHarriers are generally healthy for a medium-sized dog. Conditions reported in the breed include hip dysplasia, some inherited eye disorders and ear infections linked to the long drop ears.Read more

Things owners are often surprised by

1One of the earliest recorded English hound packs, the Penistone in Yorkshire, is said to date back to 1260.
2The name is thought to come from Old French harier, a word for hunting with hounds.
3Stands about 48 to 55 cm (19 to 21.5 in), taller than a Beagle and smaller than an English Foxhound.
4Among the least registered breeds in the US, with only a handful of litters in most years.
5Centuries of pack life mean most Harriers get along easily with other dogs.

Harrier questions

What is the difference between a Harrier and a Beagle?

They look similar, but the Harrier is noticeably bigger, standing about 48 to 55 cm (19 to 21.5 in) and weighing around 20 to 27 kg, compared with a Beagle's 33 to 41 cm and 9 to 11 kg. Both hunt by scent in packs and share a friendly, stubborn nature. The Harrier needs more exercise and more space.

Are Harriers good pets?

For the right home, yes. Harriers are friendly, gentle with people and usually excellent with other dogs. They need lots of exercise, company and patience with training, and they can be loud. They suit active households, ideally with another dog, and are a poor match for owners who work long hours or live in small apartments.

Why are Harriers so rare?

Most Harriers have been bred for working packs rather than as pets, and breeders focused on hunting ability over popularity. The breed is also overshadowed by its close relatives, the Beagle and the English Foxhound. In the US, only a small number of Harriers are registered each year, so finding a puppy usually requires patience and a waiting list.

Can Harriers live with cats?

Many can, especially if raised with cats from puppyhood. Harriers were bred to trail hares rather than kill vermin, and they tend to be sociable, but some will still chase a running cat. Supervised, gradual introductions work best. Outdoor cats and small pets like rabbits need extra caution because the scenting and chasing instinct is strong.

Do Harriers howl a lot?

Harriers are vocal hounds, and many bay when they catch a scent, when excited or when left alone. The deep, carrying sound can be an issue for close neighbors. Enough exercise, company and scent games reduce it, and teaching a quiet cue helps. Expect some noise as part of the breed rather than a fault to be fully trained out.

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