Harrier
HA-ree-er
United Kingdom· England
The Harrier is a medium-sized English scenthound bred specifically for hunting hare in organised packs, sitting between the Beagle and Foxhound in size.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
2 hours+ per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Minimal
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Moderate
Lifespan
12-13 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Large, securely fenced
Where it comes from
Origins of the Harrier
English hare hunting on foot, known as harrying, required a scenthound faster and more agile than a Foxhound but with equal stamina for a day's chase across open countryside. The Harrier developed as a purpose-built pack hound, smaller than the Foxhound but built along similar lines for endurance hunting.
- Region
- England
- Climate it was bred for
- Temperate lowland and hill farmland
- Original job
- Pack hunting hare on foot with mounted or foot followers
The long read
About the breed
Centuries of pack work shaped a dog with great stamina, a strong pack instinct and a cheerful, sociable temperament, along with the deep voice and steady nose typical of British scenthounds.
As a companion it is friendly, energetic and generally good with other dogs, but it needs substantial daily exercise and can be vocal and independent, making it better suited to active, rural households than sedentary ones.
Once common with organised hare-hunting packs across England, the breed's numbers have declined significantly and it is now a rare breed, with small populations maintained by enthusiasts in the UK and a modest presence in the US.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Harrier greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Harrier is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Harrier's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1200s
Early English references
Packs of hounds used for hunting hare on foot are recorded in medieval England.
1700s
Established pack hound
The Harrier became a well-established, standardised pack hound across English hunting counties.
1891
Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles formed
A formal body was established in the UK to oversee registered packs and breeding.
1885
AKC recognition
The Harrier was recognised by the American Kennel Club.
1990s
Decline in numbers
Changes in hunting practices led to a significant decline in registered Harriers, making it a rare breed today.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Strong and compact, with a deep chest and level topline.
- coat
- Short, dense and glossy, hard to the touch.
- ears
- Medium-sized, set moderately high, folded and dropping close to the cheeks.
- eyes
- Brown or hazel, of medium size, with an alert, friendly expression.
- head
- Moderately broad skull with a strong, square muzzle.
- size
- Dogs and bitches 48-55cm at the withers
- colour
- Any recognised hound colour, most commonly tricolour or lemon and white.
- temperament
- Cheerful, sociable and even-tempered, with great stamina and enthusiasm for scent work.
- general appearance
- A well-balanced, medium-sized scenthound resembling a smaller Foxhound, built for stamina and speed.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Harriers added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Harrier
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Harrier illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Harrier Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Harrier illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Harrier Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Harrier illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Harrier Mug
Ceramic mug with the Harrier illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Slicker & Deshedding Brush
Self-cleaning slicker head for coats of every length.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Harrier video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
Watch now