Harrier

Breed Description

One of the earliest mentions of hounds resembling modern harriers dates back to 1260. More robust than Beagles, they participated in hare coursing during foot hunts. The specificity of this hunting method was that guns were not used; instead, a pack of dogs would track and drive the game to death or, upon catching it, suffocate it.

Various hunting breeds developed in what is now France and Belgium are considered their ancestors: Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds, and even the now-extinct Taobot hounds.

When lined up, Beagles, English Foxhounds, and Harriers would find the Harrier somewhere in the middle. Their appearance varies in size, weight, and some other characteristics. It is believed by reputable zoologists that the Beagle is more likely a result of crossbreeding between the Harrier, Whippet, and Foxhound rather than the other way around. Until the 19th century, hares were only hunted by foot hunters, but breeding with Foxhounds eased the process, allowing packs to assist mounted hunters not only in chasing hares but also foxes and sometimes wild boars.

An interesting fact: during the breed’s formation, oversized Beagles or undersized Foxhounds could often be represented as English Hare Hounds or Harriers.

In the USA, the breed was almost immediately loved after its introduction; in 1885, the American Kennel Club recognized it as an independent breed. However, it cannot be called popular, as fewer than 1,000 individuals have been registered in the USA over the past 100 years.

Incidentally, these “English” hounds are often referred to as “Loon” – like the raptor that can leisurely soar above the ground in search of prey.The International Association of Canine Professionals recognized the Harrier in 1974.They are very sociable and are rightly considered not only hunters but also family companions. The English focus more on their working qualities than on appearance. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, in the USA and Canada, the breed is more often presented specifically as family dogs.There is a misconception among inexperienced dog owners that the breed is unrecognized in the UK due to its small numbers. However, this is not true. The breed standard has been published on the official website of the British Kennel Club.It is worth acknowledging that the Harrier is a fairly rare dog not only in its homeland but around the world today. Buying a Harrier puppy with a good pedigree in our country is quite challenging.

Appearance

The medium-sized quick-footed hound is nearly an exact copy of the beagle or English foxhound. Ideally, it stands at 51 cm tall, with females being slightly more compact at 48 cm, though a small variation of up to 2.5 cm is acceptable. Compact and lean, they typically weigh between 20 to 26 kg.

Active and cheerful companions, they possess quite robust health, allowing them to live for 12 to even 15 years or more. Despite their effectiveness during work, the hare hound is not very widespread. Its aristocratic appearance is somewhat more elegant than that of its relatives.

The thoughtful yet attentive gaze is especially captivating, as if it is looking into the distance, waiting to see something. At the same time, it has a puppy-like face.

In England, this is one of the most recognizable breeds within the hunting community and beyond. Its endurance and versatility are impressive: a pack can participate in both foot and mounted hunting.

Unlike beagles, hare hounds are not used for inspections at airports. However, in a home setting, the harrier truly reveals its charm. Its cheerful disposition and good-naturedness allow it to connect with every family member. The harrier is a kind of “universal soldier,” capable of working, befriending, and showing off.

Отличительные черты

Голова

Elongated but not pointed. The skull is of medium width between the ears, slightly flat, narrowing towards the muzzle. The brow ridges are noticeably developed. The forehead is sloping. The back part has no prominences. The distance from the occiput to the forehead is less than the length of the muzzle from the forehead to the tip of the nose. The fur on the head is somewhat softer than on the body.

Морда

Moderately long, rectangular, blunt (not pointed, like that of a Greyhound). The forehead may have barely noticeable folds between the eyebrows. The lips are downturned and cover the lower jaw. The bridge of the nose is straight, with a black-colored nose tip. The nostrils are fairly large.

Уши

They are planted high, quite thin, not too large, but hanging forward. Thus, the ear canal is covered. The edges are rounded. They are covered with short soft fur, similar to suede in texture. They never stand upright fully due to the soft cartilage.

Глаза

Oval, most often dark in color, harmonizing with the main coat color. Set deep, they gaze attentively, gently, sometimes with a hint of playfulness. The English standard does not specify a particular iris color but emphasizes the brightness of the eyes in general.

Зубы

Quite large for a dog of this size. They grow perpendicularly and are positioned evenly. The upper canines completely overlap the lower ones, resulting in a scissor bite. A correct alignment of the teeth is acceptable. The upper lips are thin and slightly cover the lower jaw.

Корпус

The chest is well-developed, with a good curve and slightly lowered between the front legs. The back is straight, strong, and has a slight bend at the lower back. It is worth noting that the lower back is quite wide and muscular. The body is fully covered with short, smooth fur.

Конечности

The front legs are well-developed, with a strong bone structure and short pasterns. The shoulders are slightly shifted back but not overloaded. The front limbs are straight and firmly positioned under the body. The hind legs are quite long, with clearly defined knees and muscular thighs, while the hock joints are placed low. This structure allows for a quick transition to a gallop during a chase after game or prey.

Хвост

It holds cheerfully, never curls into a ring, and can be slightly curved like a saber. It’s long enough, looks proportional, and is set high. It is never thrown over the back under any circumstances, although it can be raised if there's a reason for it.

Шерсть

Short and very dense, which allows the harrier to feel comfortable both in rain and freezing temperatures. However, the warm undercoat cannot protect it from severe frosts-it is virtually imperceptible. On the underside of the tail, the length of the guard hair is greater than in other areas of the body.

Окрас

In general, harriers are tricolor, predominantly featuring brownish-red tones on a white background with added black spots. The breed standard describes the requirements for this exterior element quite dryly: any acceptable colors of hound dogs. In reality, the colors of the beagle, harrier, and foxhound are virtually identical.

Character

The Harrier is almost always upbeat and quite active. Typically, it tries to distribute its affectionate feelings evenly among all family members. Where the Harrier draws so much energy from remains a mystery. However, the fact is that even a short break can recharge its batteries, reigniting its desire for movement and adventure. A long, exhausting run might tire others out, but not our athlete.

Some believe that the breed is somewhat indifferent toward children. It’s possible that certain children behave in such a way that the cheerful hunter from the misty Albion may not want to be around them. However, for the most part, there’s no better companion for kids: both children and Harriers love spending long periods outdoors. Moreover, they are sure to initiate something entertaining.

Hyperactivity can sometimes play a cruel joke. Getting distracted by a scent, their hearing may “switch off,” causing the dog to run off who knows where. Owners often equip their pets with collars that have GPS trackers. The signal is transmitted to a smartphone screen, significantly easing real-time location tracking. During hunting, such a collar is a crucial piece of equipment.

Dog owners who refer to the Harrier as stubborn are only partly right. It is more persistent than stubborn. Chasing a game animal for several hours or running alongside an owner during a bike ride requires persistence, not stubbornness.

A dog with an open heart – that’s how one could characterize a tail-wagging rabbit chaser. At the dog park, your pet will have a whole bunch of assorted friends of different breeds. However, its friendliness often leads to it being stolen. In the U.S., it’s common to insure dogs, and this practice is just starting to gain traction in our country. By getting insurance, a Harrier owner can be assured of compensation for any losses.

Training is needed for all dogs, regardless of their breed. Even the most prestigious and high-status dog chasing pigeons or cats in the park is not just a blow to that individual dog’s reputation but also a significant detriment to the entire breed. After all, prevailing public opinion can turn everything upside down. Harriers are quite adaptable in training and socialization. The most important thing is to start this process as early as possible.

Care and Maintenance

In a typical city apartment, Harriers do not feel comfortable. They need space; otherwise, their shoes, furniture, and mental health will inevitably suffer. If their owners are rarely home and are willing to take them for long walks, the lack of space can be partially compensated. Of course, the best place for a Harrier to live is a countryside house or a spacious apartment with a short distance from a park.

City hustle and bustle usually does not bring them joy, as they are accustomed to spending long periods outdoors. Although the friendly nature of the pet allows it to find many like-minded companions in the park, it is still best to frequently head out to the countryside. A bike ride with a loyal friend will be beneficial for everyone. In cases where such opportunities are unavailable, activities like coursing, agility, and other sports can help maintain the intellectual and physical health of this energetic runner from England.

One of the most suitable activities is rally obedience, where the owner and their four-legged companion, regardless of skill level, navigate a course with various tasks. This is not just a canine sport but also strengthens the bond between the pet and its owner. For a Harrier, it is very important to see it happy and cheerful.

Keeping a hare hound for hunting in a countryside house is considered an ideal option. However, a Harrier cannot be kept on a chain; it needs to roam the territory, exploring scents. The height of the fence should be increased to 2.5 – 3 meters. If the fence is lower and the scent is stronger, the dog might easily jump over it or dig under.

Daily care is required, but it does not cause significant inconvenience for a loving dog owner.

Nails can be trimmed or filed down to a third of their length with clippers. The pulp is located in the middle of the nail, and it is crucial not to damage it during trimming since it contains nerve endings and blood vessels. Such an injury would prevent the dog from running freely outside. Approximately every 10 to 14 days, starting from the first months of life, carefully perform a “doggy pedicure.” However, the schedule may vary depending on the individual characteristics of the “ear client.”Speaking of ears, droopy ears often suffer from infections that start when dirt gets inside or moisture is not removed in time. While walking, observe your dog; if it shakes its head or tries to scratch the inside of its ear, it could mean an insect (possibly a tick) has entered or itching- a sign of inflammation. About once a week, clean the wax build-up with a cotton swab and take note of any sour odors (or other unpleasant smells); if you detect one, visit the vet immediately for a full examination of the ears for possible infections.The coat is short, dense, and double-layered (meaning it has an undercoat), and it can be brushed daily. This will benefit the dog and keep the o

Training and Education

A hunter with such cute eyes is clever enough to quickly learn basic commands by 3 to 4 months. “No” helps prevent poisoning outdoors when the puppy or adult dog decides to pick up something tasty from the ground or when a stranger offers them a treat. “Come!” will bring back the explorer who went off searching for their “prey” when let off the leash during a walk. “Heel!” disciplines them and is crucial for their obedience in the city, especially near roads.

Commands like “Sit,” “Lie down,” and “Paw” can pose some challenges, as the “racer” doesn’t see the point in them. In such cases, a treat or the harrier’s toy becomes the best motivator. Never shout at a stubborn pet. Only a method of encouragement using a gentle voice, petting, or treats will help in mastering these commands.

It’s best to start by getting the puppy accustomed to its name and a designated spot in the home. This should come first. Everything else should follow gradually, persistently, and from simple to complex.

If something is not allowed in the house today (for instance, sleeping with the owner in the same bed), it should always be prohibited. There should be no exceptions. Otherwise, the dog will begin to dictate terms to all household members.

Inexperienced dog owners are advised to take an obedience training course before gradually transitioning to canine sports; agility and coursing are among the favorite activities for harriers. In particularly difficult situations, if the dog shows deviant behavior, consulting a specialist animal psychologist is essential. They will recommend a set of measures to correct behavior, and the owner can even take the necessary courses.

Hunters must pay special attention to training due to the specifics of their dog’s future work. Training stations and certified dog trainers are often involved in the education process, regardless of the owner’s skill level.If there is a more persistent and psychologically resilient owner alongside the harrier, the dog will grow up to be a perfect copy of them. Find your puppy through trusted sources on Zoonik.

How to Choose a Puppy

Buying a purebred puppy with a good pedigree and excellent health is only possible from a reputable kennel. There is a significant risk of purchasing a “yard dog” that only vaguely resembles a purebred puppy at a bird market or through online ads.

To avoid this, carefully familiarize yourself with the breed’s detailed description and accepted standards. It is also wise to realistically assess your financial capabilities since caring for a harrier, in addition to food, includes costs for dog accessories.

Since the breed is quite rare even in England and the USA, purchasing a harrier in Russia will be quite challenging. There aren’t many kennels that breed them, so you should decide which one to buy from.

At the kennel, it’s best to carefully inspect all the puppies. There’s no need to rush; this isn’t an espresso. If you have any doubts, it’s better to pass this time and return later. Pay attention to whether the mother of the litter meets the breed standard and observe her behavior.

Your little harrier will undoubtedly be the sweetest, with bright eyes and a wet nose, its coat glossy, and its tail held high, not tucked between its hind legs. Find out how to get one at Zoopark and welcome a wonderful pet into your life.

Health and Diseases

Fortunately, it is widely known that the Harrier is quite healthy. However, it does have a tendency to gain weight quickly. To avoid this, strict adherence to dietary guidelines is recommended. Generally, adult Harriers are fed twice a day with restricted feeding times.

Genetically, the breed is quite healthy. However, hip joint dysplasia occurs and causes several issues. Forced limitation of mobility brings no benefits; it increases weight and leads to liver and heart problems. In the Harrier’s homeland, screening for dysplasia is done before breeding to avoid producing sick offspring.

Patellar dislocation is more common with improper handling of the puppy or during active play with adult dogs.

Heart murmurs either have no impact on the dog’s life or significantly complicate and shorten the dog’s lifespan.

Droopy ears can become infected due to poor hygiene, and eye issues may occasionally arise, but if detected in time, vision often returns to normal after treatment. However, if an ophthalmologist diagnoses retinal dystrophy, this condition usually leads to complete vision loss. Zooinform is the best place to reach a wide audience.