Harrier

General Information - Harrier

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History

The Harrier is a very old hound, originating in Great Britain in the 1200's. It is descended from the larger Foxhound, the Greyhound, and the Fox Terrier. It was used to hunt hares as its name implies, and worked best in packs, while the hunter followed on foot. This tireless hunter has an acute sense of smell, and once on the scent of its prey, can generally outlast the prey.

Temperament

The Harrier is somewhat more playful and outgoing than the Foxhound, but not as much as the Beagle. Cheerful, sweet-tempered, and tolerant, it is excellent with children. This pack dog is good with other dogs, but should be supervised with non-canine pets – unless it is raised with them from puppyhood. It prefers life in a pack with people, dogs, or both. This active dog likes to go exploring, sniffing and trailing, so be sure to keep it on a leash or in a safe enclosed area. Some Harriers like to bay.

Upkeep

The Harrier needs daily exercise, but its needs can be met with a long walk or jog and a vigorous game in the yard. It can live outdoors in temperate climates as long as it is given warm shelter and bedding. The coat is easily cared for, needing only occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

Harrier

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions and exaggerations, as well as being mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

Breed Standard - Harrier

Characteristics: An active, well balanced, well muscled and well boned hound, full of strength and quality. Fearless, though of a kindly nature in or out of the pack.

Head: Broad skull with plenty of brain room. Stop slightly pronounced with a straight and powerful muzzle. Nose wide with open nostrils. An expression of great alertness, a little wicked at times. Head must be well set up on a neck of ample length, clean cut and strong.

Legs: Forelegs straight with plenty of bone running right down to the toes but not overburdened but inclined to knuckle over slightly without exaggeration. Toes turned slightly inwards.

Feet: Cat:like with close:knit toes and strong pads. A hound must stand right up on his toes.

Body: The back should be level and muscular, slightly dipping behind the withers and not arching over the loins. Deep, well-sprung ribs, running well back with plenty of heart room and a deep chest.

Coat: Short, dense, hard and glossy. Hair on the chest and under:side of the flag longer than body length.

Colour: Any hound colour.
Copyright Dogs New Zealand
01 Jan 2002

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.