Pet Wiki

Harrier

Also called Harehound

Recognised breedFCI group 6Short profile

From England, Great Britain, where it was bred as a pack hound for hunting hare.123

At a glance the quick version

Weight20 to 30 kg3
Height48 to 55 cm13
Lifespan12 to 15 years32
Sizemedium

Wikipedia gives 45-65 lb (about 20-30 kg); the FCI standard does not set a weight.

cheerful and friendly
sociable with other dogs
full of stamina
324

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, flat coat

A sturdy, athletic hound built between a Beagle and an English Foxhound in size, with a flat, smooth coat of moderate length and hanging ears.143

Colourswhite with black markingswhite with tan or orange markingstricolour (white, black and tan)lemon and white13

Personality what they are like

An outgoing, good-natured pack hound that tends to be sweet and tolerant with people, including children. Having been bred to live and work in a pack, it usually enjoys the company of other dogs.324

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high: The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day. It is a keen scenter, so off-lead running is best done in secure areas.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat is easy to keep, with about one brushing session a week.2

Home where they are happiest

Suits an active home with a securely fenced garden and owners who enjoy long walks or runs.2

Company who they like around

Thrives with company, human or canine; best supervised around small non-dog pets unless raised with them.3

The story where it all began

Harriers have been used to hunt hare in England since at least the 13th century, originally followed on foot. In the 19th century some lines were crossed with Foxhounds to make faster dogs for mounted hunting. The number of working packs has fallen sharply over the last century and the breed remains uncommon as a family pet.23

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The breed's name comes from its original quarry, the hare.2

  2. 2

    An early written description of the Harrier appears in William Somervile's poem 'The Chace' from 1735.3

  3. 3

    It sits neatly between two relatives in size, bigger than a Beagle and smaller than an English Foxhound.4

  4. 4

    The AKC recognised the Harrier back in 1885.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Harrier' comes from its original purpose: hunting hares. The Harrier is a medium-sized hound bred in England to chase hare, and its name directly reflects this function.4

Name ideas for your new friend

BramblePippinDaisyJasperMollyRustyBiscuitTillyFinnHazelWinstonCoco

A day in the life told by a Harrier

I woke up ready for adventure. After a quick breakfast I followed my person to the park, where I met my best friend, a scruffy terrier, and we chased each other around the big oak tree. Then we all went for a long walk through the woods. I put my nose to the ground and followed a thrilling hare scent, my tail waving like a flag. Later I played tug with my person and got a tummy rub. Now I'm sprawled on the sofa, dreaming of tomorrow's run. Life is best with a pack and a good sniff.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 295, Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds), Section 1.2 Medium-sized hounds; country of origin Great Britain.1
AKC
Hound Group; recognised 1885 (per Wikipedia).3
The Royal Kennel Club
Hound group; re-recognised in January 2020 after an earlier withdrawal in the 1970s (per Wikipedia). Not listed as a vulnerable native breed.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Harrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Harrier, and at what times?

Feed your Harrier at least two meals a day, as adult dogs do best with a consistent schedule. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5

What should a Harrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for your Harrier's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, never give these to your dog.6

How often should I bathe a Harrier?

Bathe your Harrier at least once every three months, or more often if they get very dirty. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Harrier need brushing?

Brush your Harrier about once a week to keep their short coat healthy and reduce shedding. Furry Diary's plan also recommends weekly brushing.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Harrier's nails, and how often?

Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every four weeks. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Harrier need?

Your Harrier needs more than two hours of exercise daily, as they are a very active breed. They love to scent, so off-lead runs are best in secure areas. Furry Diary suggests daily walks and play.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Harrier's teeth and ears?

Brush your Harrier's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Their floppy ears trap moisture, so dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Harrier live?

A Harrier typically lives between 12 and 15 years, bringing you many happy years of companionship.32

Is a Harrier good with children and other pets?

Yes, Harriers are sweet and tolerant with children and usually enjoy the company of other dogs. They are best supervised around small non-dog pets unless raised with them.324

Can a Harrier be left alone?

Harriers thrive with company and can struggle when left alone for long periods. They do best in an active home where someone is around most of the time.32

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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BeagleEnglish FoxhoundBeagle-Harrier

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard N° 295 Harrier fci.beused for origin, recognition, height, coat, colours
  2. Harrier - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, history
  3. Harrier (dog) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, lifespan, AKC/KC recognition, temperament, history, fun facts
  4. Harrier - AKC akc.orgused for description, temperament, size comparison
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.