Harrier

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.

Grooming:
The short-haired coat of the Harrier is easy to groom. Occasionally brush and comb out the dead hair. This breed is an average shedder.

Exercise:
The Harrier is a pleasant companion when it is sufficiently exercised; however if they do not get enough outdoor space to exercise, it may become a nuisance. Country environments are best. Harriers will make an excellent jogging companion and if not taken on a daily jog, they need to be taken on a long, daily, brisk walk.

Living Condition:
Harriers are not recommended for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and do best with acreage.

Origin:
Harriers are a swift hunting hounds with an excellent nose and superior stamina in the field. Sources have widely conflicting stories about the origins of this breed. According to one, the earliest Harrier types were crossed with bloodhounds, the Talbot Hound, and even the Basset Hound. According to another, the breed was probably developed from crosses of the English Foxhound with Fox Terrier and Greyhound. In a third source, the Harrier is said to be simply a bred-down version of the English Foxhound. In any case, today's Harrier is between the Beagle and English Foxhound in size and was developed primarily to hunt hare, though the breed has also been used in fox hunting. The name, Harrier, reveals the breed's specialty. Neither hare nor Fox can escape its exceptional sense of smell, its cunning, and its unequaled boldness. Prey chased by the inexhaustible Harrier have been known to collapse from sheer exhaustion. The Harrier is still fairly rare in the United States, but has a long history of popularity as a working pack dog in England.