The Harrier: A Hound Dog Breed With A Nose For Adventure

As a lifelong dog lover and veterinarian, I‘ve had the pleasure of meeting countless breeds throughout my career. But there‘s one rare hound that never fails to capture my heart with their endearing expression, genial nature, and zest for life – the happy-go-lucky Harrier. Often described as a Beagle on steroids, the Harrier shares many traits with their more familiar cousin but in a larger, more athletic package.

History of the Harrier

The Harrier is a venerable hound breed with a rich history tracing back several centuries to England. The earliest mention of "hare hounds" dates to 1260 in the household accounts of King Edward I. However, the modern Harrier breed type was developed in the 1700s and 1800s to pursue hare on foot.

According to historians, Harriers likely descended from crosses of English Foxhounds with Beagles and other hounds such as the Talbot, Basset Hound, and extinct Southern Hound. Breeding records from the early 1800s detail interbreeding of Harriers, Beagles and Foxhounds to improve scenting, stamina and conformation. Some cynologists also believe Greyhound blood was introduced for speed.

The first pack of Harriers imported to America arrived in 1650 to Newmarket, New Hampshire. George Washington maintained a pack of Harriers at Mount Vernon in the 1780s. However, the breed never gained widespread popularity in the US compared to the UK, where dozens of Harrier packs still actively hunt today.

The Harrier was recognized by the AKC in 1885 but has remained rare in the US, consistently ranking in the bottom 10 for registration numbers. In 2022, just 15 new Harriers were registered with the AKC, compared to over 39,000 Labs and 18,000 Beagles. The breed‘s global population is estimated at only around 1000-2000 dogs.

Breed Characteristics

Harriers have a strikingly similar appearance to Beagles but on a larger scale. They stand 19-21 inches tall and weigh 40-60 pounds, about double the size of a Beagle. Harriers have the classic hound look with a slightly domed head, square muzzle, dropped ears, and a tapered tail carried high. Their short, glossy coat is usually tricolor but can also be lemon, red or white.

One of the Harrier‘s most endearing traits is their genial, outgoing personality. Linda Clark, President of the Harrier Club of America, describes them as "the ‘Hale fellow, well met‘ of the hound world. They are very people-oriented and good with children, although they can be a bit boisterous due to their hunting instincts."

That prey drive combined with a powerful nose shapes many Harrier behaviors. They can be easily distracted by scents and have a strong urge to follow their nose. Harriers are vocal dogs, with a deep baying howl to alert hunters to their find. They also tend to dig and may try to escape fenced yards in pursuit of small prey.

"Harriers can be a challenge to train because of their independence and scent drive," notes Dr. Joan Merriam, a veterinarian and Harrier owner. "They aren‘t openly defiant but can be selectively hard of hearing if something else has captured their interest. Positive reinforcement with food rewards works best, as Harriers are very food motivated."

Health Considerations

Harriers are generally a robust breed with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Responsible breeders screen for inherited disorders such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye disorders and hypothyroidism. However, the breed‘s small gene pool poses some risk for hereditary conditions.

According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, 17.5% of Harriers tested have hip dysplasia and 15.4% have elbow dysplasia. The average inbreeding coefficient for the breed is 21.3%, far higher than the 6.25% considered concerning. This limited genetic diversity underscores the importance of finding a reputable breeder committed to healthy lines.

Harriers can also be prone to ear infections due to their pendulous ears and obesity from overfeeding. Regular ear care and weight management are important for Harriers. Dr. Merriam advises, "Harriers will eat until they pop, so it‘s vital to control their portions. Excess weight puts strain on their joints and shortens their lifespan."

Hunting Style

In the field, Harriers work as a pack to trail rabbits and hares. They systematically search for a scent then communicate the find to the pack with their booming howl. Once the pack is on the scent, the Harriers follow the hare or rabbit on a twisting, turning chase punctuated by periodic checks when the pack regroups.

"It‘s thrilling to watch a well-coordinated Harrier pack in full cry," enthuses Clark, who has hunted with Harriers for over 30 years. "Each hound has a role as they work the scent – some specialize in finding while others excel at pushing the line. They share information through their voices and body language."

Compared to Beagles, Harriers are faster in the chase due to their larger size. They also tend to run "bigger" with less dwelling on the line and more forward drive. Harriers have stamina to spare and can hunt tirelessly for hours. Their determination to find and follow is legendary – there‘s truth to the old hound dog saying, "Anything worth doing is worth overdoing!"

While Harriers are rarely used for hunting in the US today, their working abilities can still be showcased in field trials, scent work and tracking events. Harrier packs also still actively hunt in the UK and Ireland, with meets held several times per week during the fall and winter seasons.

Pack Life

Harriers are true pack dogs and thrive in the company of other hounds. Their cooperative hunting style relies on constant interaction and communication between packmates. They use a variety of vocalizations, from the baying howl to locate the pack to whimpers, growls and yodels to share the status of the scent. Even pet Harriers often greet their humans with a whine-yodel to say "hello-I‘m happy to see you!"

"Harriers don‘t do well as only dogs, as they need canine companionship," cautions Clark. "In a home setting, they can bond with other dogs and don‘t need to live with other hounds. But they aren‘t meant to be solitary pets – that goes against their nature as a pack animal."

Companionship is key to a Harrier‘s well-being. Deprivation of company can lead to separation anxiety, destructive behavior and excessive barking. In a UK study on factors affecting hunting performance of hounds, researchers found that Harriers scored higher than other pack breeds for human and dog aggression when housed individually versus with a canine companion.

Famous Harriers

Harriers have made their mark on history and popular culture, even if the breed often goes unrecognized. One notable Harrier was Chispa, who belonged to Sir Walter Scott, author of "Ivanhoe". Chispa was the lone survivor of a grueling 600 mile journey delivering a message during the Peninsular War in 1808. Her stamina and determination were immortalized in the poem "Helvellyn" by Scott.

In the 1972 film "The Biscuit Eater", the title character was played by a Harrier named Moreover. The remake of the 1940 movie told the story of two boys who adopt a runt Harrier pup and train him for a championship field trial. Moreover‘s expressive face and classic "hang dog" look perfectly captured the role of the underdog.

Woodrow Wilson‘s Harrier, John Quincy, was a fixture on the 1912 campaign trail, often joining the future president on stage during whistle stop speeches. The dog was retired to Wilson‘s New Jersey home after developing a penchant for chasing neighbor‘s chickens, a prey drive that was incompatible with White House life.

More recently, Uno the Harrier competed at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2018 and 2019. He was an audience favorite for his outgoing personality and eagerness to pose for pictures. While he did not win Best in Show, Uno was awarded Best of Opposite Sex and Select Dog, significant honors for a rare breed entry.

Conclusion

For hound lovers seeking an active, amiable companion with a zest for life, the Harrier is a rare gem of a breed. Pam Davol, a longtime Harrier breeder, sums up their appeal: "Harriers are my heart breed because they are so cheerful and up for anything. They make me laugh every day with their antics and assumptions that everyone adores them. It‘s hard not to smile when you have a Harrier greeting every moment like a joyous adventure."

While Harriers may never be as popular as their Beagle cousins, that relative obscurity is part of their charm. Davol notes, "Those of us passionate about Harriers feel like we are members of a secret club. We know we have something truly special in these gregarious, nose-driven hounds with an infectious zest for life. They aren‘t the breed for everyone, but for the right homes, Harriers are pure magic."