Harrier

Written by Doris Donnerman (last updated April 3, 2009)

When the sport of chasing the hare was very popular the Harrier was usually the first dog that the hunter would choose and continued as a favorite even to the sport of foxhunting. Harriers are used primarily in packs with other dogs for hunting. Their friendly and outgoing temperament makes working with others ideal. Despite his favorable temperament, he has not reached or maintained much popularity

Many contend that the Harrier is but a small edition of the Foxhound, but some authorities have written that the breed came from a cross between the Beagle and St. Hubert Hounds. Stonehenge advanced the theory that the Harrier came from the Southern Hound, with an infusion of a little Greyhound blood. The West Country Harriers, which are colored white, white-and-lemon, badger-pie, and hare-pie, are said to have descended from the heavy, light-colored Staghounds of the Exmoor section. The rough-coated Beagle is also said to have had a part in the foundation of the breed. Foxhound blood has been introduced into many English packs.

The points of the modern Harrier are very similar to those of the English foxhound. The Harrier, however, is smaller than the English foxhound and the most popular size is nineteen to twenty-one inches. The males usually weigh from 65 to seventy pounds, while the females weigh between sixty to 65 pounds.

Additional information on the Harrier can be found at the website for the American Kennel Club.

Author Bio

Doris Donnerman

Doris is a jack of all trades, writing on a variety of topics. Her articles have helped enlighten and entertain thousands over the years. ...

MORE FROM DORIS

Bringing the Outdoors In When Decorating

No, I am not talking about that weird inside-out night club from "A Night at the Roxbury." What I am talking about is ...

Discover More

Don't Feed Cats and Dogs Onions

Onions may serve to spice up our food and give it more flavor and zest. However, it doesn't do the same things for ...

Discover More

Lemonade with a Zing

Lemonade is a great refreshing drink for the summer, but sometimes it needs to be changed up a bit. Here is what you need ...

Discover More
More Pet Tips

Whippet

Extremely fast, the Whippet is used for coursing rabbits and match racing. He is quiet, dignified and affectionate.

Discover More

Black and Tan Coonhound

Raccoon and possum hunting are the Black and Tan Coonhound's specialty. He is not only hardy and tough, but affectionate, ...

Discover More

Norwegian Elkhound

Bold, strong and energetic, the Norwegian Elkhound is ideal for hunting large game. He is highly intelligent and very ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is two more than 2?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)