Harrier Characteristics: The gregarious and companionable Harrier is a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Hound Dog Group (AKC:1885), a Scenthound. The Harrier, is characterized by its handsome, clean cut appearance with a lively, direct expression. Other characteristics include dark, medium sized, oval shaped and obliquely set eyes; small, folded ears; a long, low set tail and a straight, tireless gait. The temperament of the Harrier can be described as Outgoing, Friendly, Active. The coat type of the Harrier is described as short, hard coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Harrier demonstrated the desired traits of a Hunting Dog and is known by its nick name the "Hare Hunter". The origin of the Harrier dog breed was in United Kingdom where it was developed in the Middle Ages. Fast Facts about the Harrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Harrier breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Hound Dog Group (AKC:1885), a Scenthound *** Nick name: "Hare Hunter" *** Origin: United Kingdom *** Male Height: 19 - 21 inches (48 - 50 cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 40 - 60 pounds (18 - 27 kg) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: short, hard coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 5-7 puppies *** Health Problems: None *** Lifespan: 10-12 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Harrier Breed Group and Dog Type - Hound Dog Group (AKC:1885), a Scenthound: The Harrier is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Hound Dog Group (AKC:1885), a Scenthound. Other names for the Harrier: The Harrier is known by the nickname of the "Hare Hunter". Other names for this breed of dog include the Harehound or Hare Hound. Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Harrier" derives from Late Middle English word 'hayrer' derived from the word hare and came to be associated with the verb to 'harry' meaning to persistently harass. Harrier - Scent hound: The Harrier is a Scent hound, one of the hunting dog breeds, built for endurance, with deep, open nostrils that enable the canine to pick up scent particles and track small game, especially hare, rabbit and fox. Harrier History and Origin: The country of origin of the Harrier breed was in United Kingdom during the Middle Ages and descended from the now extinct, 'Southern Hound'. The Harrier was used as a hunting dog specifically for hunting hares but also engaged in hunting other small game. The Harrier was probably developed as a smaller version of the English Foxhound and utilized in pack hunting. The Harrier was taken to the 'New World' in the early 1700's. One of the earliest descriptions of the Harrier was in the book "House Dogs and Sporting Dogs", published in 1861 by John Meyrick, who described the "great revolution in hare-hunting introduced by Mr. Yeatman; this gentleman used a breed of fast, dwarf Fox-hounds by which the hare was forced to trust entirely to her speed, abandoning her usual doubles and turns". John Merrick the explained that the Harrier, known for its scenting powers, rather than their speed, could not engage in this type of hare hunting. The role of the Harrier as a hare hunter therefore declined but the Harrier was then used for fox hunting. The Harrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885. Harrier Modern History: The modern history of the Harrier moved on and the breed is still used in Fox hunts, especially in Ireland and is enjoyed as an athletic family pet. Harrier Height: The Harrier breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 19 - 21 inches (48 - 50 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Harrier Weight: The weight of the male in this medium sized dog is 40 - 60 pounds (18 - 27 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male. Harrier Coat Type: The coat type is described as a short, hard coat. Harrier Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of White, Tri-color, Red & White, Lemon & White and Black & Tan. N.B. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. Harrier Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The grooming needs of the Harrier are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy, tangle-free coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited grooming needs of the Harrier are considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming where brushing and combing, is concerned. Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Harrier Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 5-7 puppies. Harrier puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Harrier puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Harrier Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Gregarious, Outgoing, Friendly, Active and Companionable . Harrier Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog are moderate. The Harrier requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a strident, straight, tireless gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game. Harrier Diet: A fully grown Harrier should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Harrier Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Harrier breed have shown no recurring problems. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Harrier dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Harrier Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Harrier breed is 10-12 years. Harrier Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Harrier breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Harrier names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Beau *** Sparky *** Lucky *** Sammy *** Gaius *** Jack *** Archie *** Apollo *** Buster *** Cody. Harrier Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Harrier names are Mara *** Persis *** Duchess *** Vicki *** Cassie *** Zoe *** Dixie *** Venus *** Coco *** Annie *** Daisy. Fast Facts about the Harrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Harrier breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Hound Dog Group (AKC:1885), a Scenthound *** Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: United Kingdom *** History / Date: Middle Ages *** Male Harrier Height: 19 - 21 inches (48 - 50 cm) *** Male Harrier Weight: 40 - 60 pounds (18 - 27 kg) *** Coat Type: short, hard coat *** Litter Size: 5-7 puppies *** Harrier Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Harrier Lifespan: 10-12 years *** | 