Harrier
Energetic, playful, and always eager for adventure, the Harrier thrives in active households. Loyal and social, this hound forms strong bonds with people and other dogs.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
48–53 cm (male)
45–50 cm (female)
WEIGHT
18–27 kg (male)
16–25 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–15 years
Harrier: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Harrier isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Harrier's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Harrier is friendly, outgoing, and good-natured, often getting along well with people and other dogs. This breed tends to be social and enjoys companionship.
Key Personality Traits
Sociable and enjoys being around people and dogs
Quick learner, responds well to training
Very active, needs regular exercise and activity
Enjoys games, playful with family and pets
Adjusts moderately to new environments and routines
Strengths
- Endurance for long outdoor activities
- Strong scent-tracking ability
- Friendly with children and other dogs
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Generally healthy with few breed-specific issues
Challenges
- Prone to stubborn or independent behavior
- High exercise needs require daily activity
- Can become vocal or noisy when bored
- May chase small animals due to prey drive
- Needs consistent training and mental stimulation
Protect your Harrier
Harrier are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and ear infections. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Harriers are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Harriers are intelligent and quick to learn but can show independent thinking. Consistent, positive training methods work best, as they may be stubborn or easily distracted by scents.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Harriers are energetic and require substantial daily exercise, including long walks and vigorous play. They also benefit from mental challenges like scent games or obedience tasks to stay engaged.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Harriers are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Harrier would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Needs consistent training and supervision from the start
Apartment Living
High energy and vocal nature do not suit confined spaces
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with active owners who enjoy outdoor activities and exercise
Kids
Tolerant and playful, generally good with well-behaved young children
Multiple Pets
Usually sociable with other pets when properly socialized
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may become destructive
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Harriers compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Harrier
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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