Harrier Breed Guide: Adopt a Harrier, History, Size and Temperament
Harrier history and background
The Harrier was developed in England to hunt hare in packs, and the first pack was established in 1260. It is generally believed today to be a smaller version of the English Foxhound, produced through selective breeding. Harriers have been used for hunting in America since Colonial times. The AKC recognized the breed in 1885, while the United Kennel Club recognized it in 1949. The Harrier has never been a popular pet, ranking 154th out of 155 AKC breeds in popularity.
How big is a Harrier? Size and weight
The AKC lists the Harrier as a medium-sized breed standing 19-21 inches tall. The AKC gives a weight of 45-60 pounds.
Are Harriers good family dogs? Temperament and traits
The AKC describes Harrier temperament as friendly, outgoing and people-oriented. The AKC rates the breed 5 of 5 for family affection, child compatibility and dog compatibility. VCA describes the Harrier as mild-mannered and tolerant, and says it tends to be amiable with other dogs and fine with cats. Because Harriers are gregarious, they tend to make poor guard dogs, though they may sound the alarm if something seems amiss. The AKC also rates vocalization 5 of 5, so expect a dog that may be quite vocal.
Exercise needs
Harriers were bred to go fairly long distances, so a quick lap around the block is not enough. A good long daily walk usually meets their needs, with the occasional chance to run. Keep the leash clipped, since a Harrier that catches a scent trail may be long gone before it can be called back.
Harrier shedding and grooming
The coat is short, dense and hard, and VCA suggests brushing it weekly. The AKC rates shedding 3 of 5 and grooming frequency 1 of 5.
Harrier training
A Harrier following a scent tends to tune out its person, and it is independent rather than challenging. Food can help get its attention. It does not do well with boring repetition, so training should be fun, challenging and short.
Harrier lifespan and health issues
The AKC gives a general life expectancy of 12-15 years for the Harrier. VCA says the Harrier's only common health concern is hip dysplasia. VCA advises that breeding stock have hips screened before breeding, so a breeder should be able to share the results of that test. Ask a veterinarian what screening and monitoring make sense for an individual dog.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Harrier as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Hound Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1885
- Height (AKC published)
- 19-21 inches
- Weight (AKC published)
- 45-60 pounds
- General life expectancy
- 12-15 years
- AKC size category
- Medium
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 4 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 4 of 5
- Trainability: 4 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 1 of 5
- Shedding: 3 of 5
- Vocalization: 5 of 5
- Drooling: 2 of 5
- Adaptability: 4 of 5
- Playfulness: 4 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 3 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 4 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 5 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 5 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 8, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Harrier | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 8, 2026
- Harrier | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 8, 2026
- Harrier - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
