Scenthound Medium size 19-27 kg

Harrier

A sturdy, sociable pack hound like a bigger Beagle - cheerful and good with company, but energetic with a nose that pulls it away.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
19-27 kg, 48-55 cm
High
Activity
High stamina; needs a long daily run or hike
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Pack-minded; dislikes long hours alone
Moderate
Trainability
Trainable but independent-minded
Low
Coat care
Short coat; weekly brush and shed control
Good
Fit with kids
Good with kids given supervision
Good
Other pets
Pack-social; usually fine with other dogs
Moderate
Health burden
Dental Disease, Hip Dysplasia, Bloat

The Harrier typically weighs 19-27 kg, stands 48-55 cm, and lives 12-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a cheerful, sturdy family hound for an active home,
you can give long daily runs and secure fencing,
you like a sociable dog that enjoys other dogs,
you can handle a strong nose and some baying.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a reliable off-leash dog near wildlife,
the dog would be alone for long workdays,
you live in a small, noise-sensitive apartment,
you keep small pets it may chase on scent.

A typical day with a Harrier

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Long run or brisk walk to start the day
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest and a chew after exercise
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Sniffing walk to work the nose
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Play or scent games with the family
  5. 19:00 · Evening
    Relaxed, sociable family time
  6. 22:00 · Night
    Sleeps well once properly exercised

Temperament and training

Stamina High
Prey drive High
Sociability High
Trainability Moderate
Vocality High
Independence Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Trusting off-leash recall once it hits a scent · Leaving a pack-social dog alone too long · Under-exercising a high-energy hunting hound

Family and environment

Kids Good
Cheerful and sturdy; good with children.
Dogs Good
Very pack-social; thrives with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
May chase; better if raised with cats.
Apartment Conditional
Only with a lot of daily outdoor exercise.
House with a yard Suitable
A securely fenced yard suits it well.
City Manages
With enough activity; can be vocal.
Countryside Ideal
Space and scenting work.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Dental Disease Routine home care and cleanings reduce risk
Hip Dysplasia Screen breeding stock; manage weight and joint load
Bloat (GDV) Deep-chested build; learn the emergency signs
Chronic Ear Infections Drop or hairy ears need regular cleaning

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Smaller, more common pack scenthound
Beagle
A merry, kid-proof scent hound that follows its nose over your commands - and tells the whole street when left alone.
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Larger pack hound with similar drive
English Foxhound
A sociable pack hound built for stamina and following a scent, best for a rural home with room to run, not an apartment.
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Closely related French pack hound
Beagle Harrier
A friendly French pack hound between a Beagle and a Harrier, great with families but a determined nose that ignores the recall.
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Frequently asked questions

Is a Harrier just a big Beagle?
They are related and look similar, but the Harrier is its own breed - larger, more athletic and bred to hunt hare in packs. It needs more exercise than a Beagle and shares the same strong nose and independent streak. Think of it as a scaled-up, higher-stamina cousin.
Is the Harrier rare?
Yes, as a pet. The Harrier is one of the less common hound breeds outside working packs, so finding a litter can mean a waitlist or travel. It is well established as a breed but not widely kept as a household dog.
How much does a Harrier cost?
Where available, puppies from reputable breeders commonly run about $500-$1,300. Over a 12-14 year life, food, routine vet care and preventives typically add $10,000-$16,000 or more, and a deep-chested build makes bloat an emergency cost worth planning for.
Are Harriers good off leash?
Only in secure areas. Like other scenthounds, a Harrier that catches a trail will follow it and tune you out. Most owners rely on fenced spaces and long lines, and treat reliable off-leash recall as the exception rather than the rule.