Harrier Dog Breed: Guide to the Cheerful Hare Hound

There is a pack of hounds in England whose bloodlines stretch back to 1260. The Penistone pack, founded by Sir Elias de Midhope in Yorkshire, hunted hares across English moorland for over five hundred consecutive years. The dogs running in that pack were Harriers—medium-sized scent hounds built not for speed but for something more valuable: the sheer, relentless stamina to follow a hare across rough country for hours without tiring.

Today the Harrier occupies a curious position in the dog world. It sits precisely between the Beagle and the English Foxhound in size, is older than both, and is dramatically rarer than either. The AKC ranks it 183rd of 202 recognised breeds. In the UK, fewer than 750 Harriers remain, and the Kennel Club withdrew breed recognition entirely from 1971 until recently. The breed has been described, with some affection, as “a Beagle on steroids”—though its temperament is gentler than that phrase suggests.

In Australia, the Harrier has a surprisingly long history. Three Harriers and a bitch with pups were exhibited at the very first dog show held in Melbourne in 1864. The Findon Hunt Club imported Harriers from England in the 1870s and maintained pack records for over a century. Today a small but passionate community of ANKC-registered breeders keeps the breed alive here, with imports from the USA, Canada, New Zealand and lines tracing directly back to English hunt packs.

This guide covers everything an Australian buyer needs to know: honest health information, realistic costs, the small number of breeders currently active, and what life with a Harrier actually looks like day to day.

What You’ll Learn

• Breed traits & temperament
• Health concerns to know
• True cost in Australia
• Training & exercise needs
• Is this breed right for you?

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Quick Facts

Trait	Detail
Official Name	Harrier
Nicknames	Hare Hound
Origin	England
Breed Group	Hound (AKC, ANKC Group 4)
Height	48–55 cm (19–21.5 in)
Weight	20–27 kg (45–60 lb)
Coat	Short, dense, hard-textured and glossy
Colours	Any colour accepted; most commonly tricolour (black, white, tan), lemon & white, or red & white
Lifespan	12–15 years
Temperament	Cheerful, sociable, determined, tolerant, pack-oriented
Exercise Needs	High—1–2 hours daily
Shedding	Low to moderate; seasonal increase in spring
Barking Level	Moderate to high—melodious hound voice, baying
Good With Children	Excellent—patient, energetic, gentle
Good With Other Dogs	Excellent—bred as a pack hound, thrives with canine company
Apartment Friendly	No—needs space and a secure yard
Prey Drive	High—will chase small animals if given the opportunity
Availability in Australia	Rare—small number of dedicated ANKC breeders

History and Origins

The Harrier’s roots run deeper than almost any other breed in the hound group. The word “Harrier” itself comes from Norman French, where it simply meant “hound” or “dog.” By the 13th century, the name had become specifically attached to packs of medium-sized scent hounds kept by English landowners for the pursuit of hares—hence the common interpretation of the name as “hare hound.”

The earliest documented pack, the Penistone, was established by Sir Elias de Midhope in 1260. It survived for at least five centuries, spreading through the west of England and into Wales. These early Harriers were slow, methodical hounds followed on foot by huntsmen—there was no need for speed when the quarry was a hare that doubled back and circled rather than running straight. The dogs needed noses, voices, and above all stamina.

The exact ancestry of the Harrier is debated. One theory holds that the breed descends from crosses between Bloodhounds, Talbot Hounds and possibly Basset Hounds—all breeds with Norman French origins. Another suggests the modern Harrier is simply a bred-down English Foxhound, selectively reduced in size. A third proposes crosses between Foxhounds, Fox Terriers and Greyhounds. In practice, the truth is likely all three and more: English hound breeding was pragmatic, and packs regularly crossed between types to produce the best working dogs for local conditions.

When foxhunting became fashionable in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Harrier was adapted with Foxhound crosses to produce a faster, lighter hound that could be followed on horseback. The Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles (AMHB) formed in 1891 and registered 107 Harrier packs—a remarkable number that illustrates how popular the breed once was.

The 20th century was devastating for the Harrier. Two world wars decimated hound populations across Britain, and only Foxhounds received government food support during wartime to manage fox numbers. Many privately owned Harrier packs were disbanded. The AMHB eventually banned the sale of registered Harriers outside hunting packs, effectively cutting the breed off from the pet and show world. The Kennel Club withdrew breed recognition in 1971. By 2022, only 13 Harrier packs survived in the UK, with fewer than 750 dogs remaining.

In contrast, the AKC recognised the Harrier in 1885—making it one of the earliest breeds in the American registry and just the 13th breed accepted. Two Harriers from Baltimore were entered at the very first Westminster Kennel Club show in 1877. The Harrier Club of America was founded in 1992, and the breed maintains a small but dedicated following in the United States.

The Harrier in Australia

Australia’s Harrier history is older than most people realise. Three Harriers and a bitch with pups were exhibited at Melbourne’s first dog show in 1864. The Miller Brothers imported 14 couples of Harriers in 1877, founding the Findon Hunt Club. Further imports came in 1892 (Lord Hopetoun) and 1904. The Findon Hunt Club maintained pedigree records independently from the mainstream kennel councils for decades.

In 1972, ANKC-registered Harriers from English and New Zealand parents were exhibited at the Royal Melbourne Show, reintroducing the breed to the Australian show ring. Today, a small number of dedicated breeders maintain the breed with imports from the USA, Canada and New Zealand to ensure genetic diversity.

Harrier vs Beagle vs English Foxhound

The Harrier sits in size and temperament between its two closest relatives. This comparison helps clarify where each breed fits:

Feature	Harrier	Beagle	English Foxhound
Height	48–55 cm	33–41 cm	58–64 cm
Weight	20–27 kg	9–14 kg	27–34 kg
Coat	Short, hard, glossy	Short, dense, weatherproof	Short, hard, glossy
Lifespan	12–15 years	10–15 years	10–13 years
Energy level	High	Moderate to high	Very high
Prey drive	High	High	Very high
Noise level	Moderate—melodious bay	High—persistent howler	High—booming voice
Best suited for	Active families, hunters on foot	Families, smaller homes	Experienced hound owners, rural properties
Availability (AU)	Rare	Common	Rare

The key distinction: the Beagle is the family-friendly small hound, the Foxhound is the serious large pack hound for horseback hunting, and the Harrier is the middle ground—substantial enough for serious fieldwork but manageable enough for family life.

Temperament and Personality

Health and Genetic Conditions

The Harrier is one of the healthiest breeds in the hound group. The breed club states plainly that Harriers have “very few genetic issues” and notes that no DNA testing is currently required for breeding purposes. Their working heritage and the relatively unmodified structure of the breed have produced a robust, long-lived dog.

Condition	What It Is	Risk Level	Est. Vet Cost (AUD)
Hip dysplasia	Malformation of the hip joint causing pain and lameness. The most common genetic issue in the breed.	Moderate—the breed’s primary hereditary concern	$3,000–$8,000 (surgical); $500–$2,000/year (management)
Ear infections	Floppy drop ears trap moisture and reduce airflow, creating conditions for bacterial and yeast infections.	Moderate—ongoing management needed	$150–$500 per episode
Hypothyroidism	Underactive thyroid gland affecting metabolism. Some cases reported but insufficient breed data to confirm prevalence.	Low to moderate—under investigation	$300–$800/year (lifelong medication)
Obesity	Harriers are enthusiastic eaters with moderate food motivation. Without adequate exercise, weight gain is common.	Moderate—preventable with diet and exercise	$200–$1,000 (dietary management, vet consultations)
Eye conditions	General eye health screening recommended for breeding stock. No breed-specific conditions identified.	Low	$200–$400 (CERF/eye exam)
Dental disease	Moderate tartar accumulation reported. Regular dental care prevents progression.	Low to moderate	$500–$1,500 (professional dental cleaning)

Recommended Health Testing

The Harrier Club of America recommends hip evaluation (OFA or PennHIP) and eye examination (CERF) for all breeding stock. In Australia, breeders should be performing hip and elbow scoring through ANKC-approved schemes. Because the breed has very few identified genetic conditions, no breed-specific DNA tests are currently required—an unusual distinction that reflects the Harrier’s overall robustness.

Lifespan and Longevity

The Harrier has an excellent lifespan of 12–15 years, well above average for a medium-sized breed. This longevity reflects the breed’s relatively unmodified structure, low incidence of serious genetic disease, and centuries of selection for working stamina rather than cosmetic traits. Keep your Harrier at a healthy weight, provide adequate daily exercise, and maintain regular veterinary check-ups, and there is every reason to expect a long, active life together.

Grooming and Coat Care

The Harrier’s short, dense coat is one of the breed’s most practical features. It was bred to be hard-textured and weather-resistant, designed to push through brush and undergrowth without snagging or damage. Grooming is minimal.

Task	Frequency	Time	Notes
Brushing	Weekly (daily during spring shed)	5–10 min	Use a rubber curry brush, hound mitt or bristle brush
Bathing	Every 2–3 months or as needed	20–30 min	Hounds can develop a characteristic “doggy” odour
Nail trimming	Every 2–4 weeks	5–10 min	Active dogs on hard ground may wear nails naturally
Ear cleaning	Weekly	5 min	Critical for this breed—drop ears trap moisture. Use vet-approved cleaner
Teeth cleaning	2–3 times per week	5 min	Moderate tartar buildup reported; daily brushing ideal
Eye check	Weekly	2 min	Watch for redness, discharge or irritation

The Harrier is not hypoallergenic but sheds less than many comparable breeds. The short coat means loose hair is less visible on furniture and clothing than with longer-coated hounds.

Exercise Needs

This is where the Harrier separates itself from casual pet breeds. Built for hours of sustained work across rough terrain, the Harrier has stamina that will outlast most owners. A minimum of one hour of vigorous daily exercise is essential, and two hours is ideal.

What works well: Long walks and hikes (the Harrier’s natural element), jogging and cycling alongside, scent games and tracking work, lure coursing, agility, and free play in a securely fenced area with other dogs. The more you can simulate the Harrier’s natural purpose—following a trail with companions—the happier the dog will be.

What to avoid: Off-lead exercise in unfenced areas (the Harrier will follow a scent and not come back), leaving the dog alone in the yard as a substitute for structured exercise (boredom leads to digging, baying and escape attempts), and inadequate exercise overall—an under-exercised Harrier becomes destructive and vocal.

Australian conditions: The Harrier’s short coat handles heat better than many European breeds, but exercise should still be restricted to cooler parts of the day during Australian summer. Ensure constant access to fresh water and shade.

Training Guide

Harriers are intelligent and capable of impressive problem-solving, but they are hounds first. That means training requires patience, consistency and a realistic understanding of scent-hound behaviour. A Harrier will never have the biddable obedience of a Border Collie or Labrador. What it will have is a willing, good-natured attitude that responds well to positive reinforcement and badly to harsh corrections.

Age / Stage	Training Focus	Notes
8–16 weeks	Socialisation, basic cues, handling, recall foundation	Expose to dogs, people, sounds, environments. Pack instinct makes socialisation relatively easy.
4–6 months	Lead manners, recall reinforcement, impulse control	Start long-line recall training. Be realistic—perfect recall may never be achievable off-lead.
6–12 months	Adolescent reinforcement, boundary training, scent games	Adolescence brings increased independence. Use food motivation to your advantage.
1–2 years	Advanced obedience, sport introduction (tracking, agility)	Mental maturity arrives around 18 months. Training gets easier from here.
Ongoing	Maintenance, enrichment, scent work	A Harrier with a job is a happy Harrier. Tracking and nose work are natural outlets.

Training difficulty: 3/5. The Harrier is not wilfully disobedient—it simply has priorities that differ from yours. When nose meets ground, training takes a back seat. Accept this and work with it rather than against it. Scent-based training games are your best tool.

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Cost of Ownership in Australia

Buying a Harrier

The Harrier is a rare breed in Australia with a small number of dedicated breeders. Pricing reflects the limited availability and the investment breeders have made in maintaining quality bloodlines through imports.

Expense	Estimated Cost (AUD)
Pet-quality puppy (ANKC registered)	$2,500–$4,000
Show/breeding-quality puppy	$4,000–$6,000
Interstate transport	$400–$800
Initial setup (crate, bed, bowls, lead, collar)	$400–$800
First-year vet costs (vaccinations, desexing, microchip)	$800–$1,500

Ongoing Annual Costs

Category	Estimated Annual Cost (AUD)
Quality food (medium breed)	$1,000–$1,800
Routine veterinary care	$400–$800
Pet insurance (medium breed)	$600–$1,500
Flea, tick and worming prevention	$250–$500
Grooming supplies	$50–$100
Training / socialisation classes	$200–$500
Miscellaneous (toys, beds, boarding)	$300–$600
Total estimated annual cost	$2,800–$5,800

The Harrier’s robust health and low grooming needs keep ongoing costs moderate compared to many breeds of similar size. The main financial commitment is providing enough exercise and stimulation—which costs time rather than money.

Finding a Harrier in Australia

The Harrier is a rare breed in Australia, but it is better established here than many people realise, with dedicated breeders maintaining quality bloodlines and actively importing dogs to ensure genetic diversity.

Is the Harrier Right for You?

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The Harrier is one of the great underappreciated breeds in the hound world. For over 760 years, these dogs have done exactly what they were bred to do: follow a scent trail with tireless determination, a musical voice, and the kind of good-natured resilience that makes them a joy to live with. They are healthy, long-lived, easy to groom, wonderful with children, and happy in the company of other dogs.

The catch is that they need owners who understand scent hounds. A Harrier is not a dog you walk off-lead in the park and expect to come when called. It is not a dog you leave alone in the house for eight hours. It is not a quiet breed. What it is, in the right home, is a remarkably complete companion: athletic enough for any outdoor adventure, gentle enough for a house full of children, robust enough to stay healthy into its teens, and sociable enough to make friends with every dog and person it meets.

In Australia, the breed is rare but well served by a small group of passionate breeders who are serious about maintaining quality through careful imports and health screening. If you have the lifestyle to match a Harrier’s needs, you will be rewarded with one of the most cheerful, loyal and fundamentally sound dogs you can own. Just make sure your fences are in order.

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Frequently Asked Questions