Harrier
Description
The Harrier is a historic scent hound breed from England, dating back to the 13th century. Originally bred for hunting hare and foxes, this medium-sized dog weighs between 45 and 60 pounds and features a short double coat with distinctive tan markings. Its coat colors include Black White & Tan, Lemon & White, Red & White, and Blue Mottle. Harriers are social and outgoing, thriving in homes with children, other dogs, and even cats if introduced early. They have a strong prey drive and an exceptional nose, so secure fencing or leash control is essential during outdoor time. This breed enjoys being part of a pack and has a lively, vocal nature that can lead to frequent barking. Harriers need consistent mental and physical stimulation to stay balanced. Their compact, muscular build supports endurance rather than speed, making them excellent companions for long outdoor activities. Bottom line: Harriers require active supervision and secure spaces due to their hunting instincts and vocal tendencies.
Grooming
Harriers have a short double coat that sheds heavily during spring and fall, requiring more frequent grooming in those seasons. Brush your Harrier twice a week to keep the coat clean and remove loose hair; during shedding periods, daily brushing is necessary to manage the undercoat. Use an undercoat rake on dense areas to prevent matting and reduce shedding around the home. Bathing every 6 to 8 weeks is sufficient, but ensure the coat is thoroughly dried afterward to maintain skin health. Avoid shaving the double coat, as it can damage the natural insulation and protection. Color-specific care is minimal, but regular checks for dirt and debris in the Black White & Tan and Blue Mottle coats help maintain brightness. Tan markings require no special attention beyond routine grooming. Pro tip: Schedule a professional de-shedding treatment every 6 to 8 weeks during heavy shedding seasons to keep your Harrier comfortable and your home cleaner. Grooming checklist: - Brush 2× weekly, daily in shedding seasons - Use undercoat rake on thick areas - Bathe every 6–8 weeks, dry thoroughly - Never shave the double coat - Monitor coat for dirt, especially in darker colors
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
Harriers need about 100 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to manage their stamina and scent-driven curiosity. Morning walks can be brisk and focused on leash training, while evening sessions should allow more sniffing and exploration to satisfy their hunting instincts. This breed benefits from varied routes to keep their nose and mind engaged, so changing locations regularly helps prevent boredom. A typical day might start with a 50-minute walk around a neighborhood or park, emphasizing controlled walking and recall commands. The second 50-minute session could be a more relaxed trail walk or a scent game in a securely fenced area, allowing your Harrier to follow natural trails safely. Avoid off-leash walks in unsecured spaces due to their strong prey drive. Bottom line: Two daily walks totaling 100 minutes, mixing structure and scent exploration, keep a Harrier physically fit and mentally sharp.
Boarding
When boarding a Harrier, provide a crate sized between 42 and 48 inches to accommodate their medium build comfortably. This breed enjoys active play sessions, so schedule at least two vigorous play blocks daily to expend energy and reduce stress. Incorporate scent and brain games during downtime to engage their natural hunting instincts and prevent boredom. Avoid small-animal toys, as Harriers may see them as prey, and ensure fencing is secure to prevent escapes. Staff should be aware of the breed’s vocal nature and provide consistent interaction to minimize barking and anxiety. Group play with other dogs can be beneficial if introductions are managed carefully, given their pack-oriented background. Bottom line: A spacious crate, active play, scent enrichment, and attentive staff are key to a Harrier’s successful boarding experience.