Weight
55-95 lb
Height
18.9-21.7 in
Lifespan
9-13 yrs
Coat
Double Medium
The Harrier is a large hound breed from Great Britain, shaped by following scent or sight with persistence and independence and a friendly, determined temperament.
Official, native, and commonly used variants
No widely used alternate names are recorded for this breed.
Weight
55-95 lb
Height
18.9-21.7 in
Lifespan
9-13 yrs
Coat
Double Medium
At A Glance
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
High
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
2/5
First-time owner
No
The Harrier comes from Great Britain and belongs to the Hound group, where its background is tied to following scent or sight with persistence and independence. For the Harrier, that history is not just decoration; it helps explain the habits owners see around work, rest, people, and daily handling. Expect the Harrier to be a large dog with friendly, determined, sociable, curious traits, high energy, and moderate barking.
In everyday life, the Harrier is usually best judged by routine fit. It does best where Harrier space and exercise are easy to provide, and its medium double coat brings moderate shedding with grooming needs rated 2/5. For exercise, the Harrier should get about 60 to 90 minutes a day for many healthy adults, built from longer walks, active play, and regular training or scent games. The Harrier usually settles best when exercise is planned before the dog is expected to relax. Training the Harrier should stay practical and reward-based, with early socialization around people, dogs, handling, and normal household noise.
The Harrier is most likely to suit owners who appreciate friendly temperament and can meet the care pattern consistently. The Dogs Index profile rates the Harrier as having strong family potential when handled respectfully, 4/5 dog sociability, and 3/5 stranger comfort. People considering the Harrier should compare related breeds before deciding if the routine feels realistic. Health notes for the Harrier should be discussed with a veterinarian and, when buying a puppy, with responsible breeders who screen their lines.
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a friendly, determined, sociable companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, moderate barking, and moderate drooling.
Coat type
Double
Coat length
Medium
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Varies by standard
Harrier is usually harder to manage in an apartment, especially when exercise, space, or noise control are limited. Owners of the Harrier should plan quiet walking routes, enough decompression time, and training for elevators, hallways, visitors, and nearby dogs.
Harrier has a moderate barking profile, so owners should expect some alerting and excitement barking. Teaching the Harrier a calm response to door sounds, passing dogs, and visitors is easier than trying to stop barking after it becomes a habit.
Harrier learns best from patient, consistent training that rewards the behavior you want. Because the Harrier is often friendly, determined, sociable, owners should keep rules predictable and practice in real household situations, not only formal sessions.
The Harrier's medium double coat is relatively simple to maintain, with moderate shedding. Routine brushing, nail trimming, ear checks, and skin checks still matter for the Harrier, especially after muddy walks or seasonal shedding changes.
Harrier needs about 60 to 90 minutes a day for many healthy adults, built from longer walks, active play, and regular training or scent games. For the Harrier, build activity into most days instead of relying on one big weekend outing, and mix in sniffing, training, or puzzle work so the dog has a mental outlet as well as physical movement.
The Harrier's medium double coat is relatively simple to maintain, with moderate shedding. Routine brushing, nail trimming, ear checks, and skin checks still matter for the Harrier, especially after muddy walks or seasonal shedding changes.
Harrier learns best from patient, consistent training that rewards the behavior you want. Because the Harrier is often friendly, determined, sociable, owners should keep rules predictable and practice in real household situations, not only formal sessions.
Feed Harrier a measured diet appropriate for a large dog, its age, and its activity level. For the Harrier, keep body condition lean, adjust portions when exercise changes, and ask your veterinarian about diet details if weight, digestion, allergies, or joint stress are concerns.
Energy level
High
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
Moderate
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
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