With an endless supply of energy, a Harrier Hound is a great pet for active households. They are incredible scent hounds and gentle, sweet playmates for children.

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You’d be forgiven for thinking your Harrier Hound runs on batteries that never go flat. They’re non-stop, on-the-go dogs. Playfully referred to as ‘Beagles on steroids’ they are energetic and gifted scent hounds. They are relentless when tracking an animal and will never give up. With their endless stamina you might struggle to keep up with your Harrier Hound but make sure you do as they need daily exercise. A long jog as well as time off the leash in a fenced park is ideal. Due to their high energy levels, a large dwelling with a yard is ideal; without adequate exercise, your Harrier Hound will be destructive.

 

Playful and lively, a Harrier Hound makes a wonderful family pet. They are sociable and friendly, love their family and are sweet-tempered and tolerant with children. They also get along great with other canines but due to their hunting instincts shouldn’t be left alone with other small pets. Harrier Hounds are ideal for active households.

Fun fact: Harrier Hounds originate from a mix of different scent hounds

and were bred as early as 1260 – more than 750 years ago!

Highly intelligent, a Harrier Hound is quick to learn and eager to please. Obedience training is highly recommended and helps to avoid boredom. Keep a close eye on your dog off leash when out and about otherwise they might take off after a scent. They also tend to be very vocal, which makes them great watchdogs who will alert you to any approaching guests, but they are far too friendly to do much more than that. While they don’t demand attention, they thrive when involved in all family activities.

Harrier Hounds shed moderately. Brush their coat weekly and bathe when necessary. Scheduled six-monthly health checks and visits to the vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. It’s important that together with your vet a preventative healthcare program is determined and maintained based on the individual needs of your canine companion. Harrier Hounds are a generally healthy breed but can suffer from hip dysplasia and bloat.

Size

A large-sized breed with an average weight of 18-27kg and an average height of 44-53cms.

Space

Harrier Hounds need a large dwellings and fenced yard.

Energy Levels

They have high energy levels. A daily run and lots of games will keep this dog happy.

Difficulty Of Training

Intelligent dogs that learn quickly.

Family suitability

Great family pets and loyal companions.

Suitability to other pets

If socialised from a young age, your dog will befriend other canines, however supervise them around cats and other small pets.

Need for company

They have a high need for company and enjoy being by their human’s side at all times.

Hypoallergenic dog breed?

No

Coat and grooming needs

This breed is low maintenance. Brush their coat weekly and bathe monthly. They have a short coat which comes in a variety of colours such as lemon and white, red and white or tan and white.

Shedding

They shed moderately.

Tendency to bark

They have a moderate to high tendency to bark.

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