Harrier
哈利犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Harrier is the middle-sized English pack hound — "a Beagle with a gym membership" — bred since the 1200s to hunt hare at a pace huntsmen could follow on foot, and one of the AKC's rarest breeds. Outgoing, friendly and people-oriented, it must get along with other dogs, is happiest living indoors with its family and makes a great walking or hiking companion, but it has the hound's independent streak and stubbornness, needs ample daily exercise or it turns bored and destructive, and should only run loose behind a secure fence because its nose will lead it away.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 48–53cm |
| Weight | 20–27kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15years |
| Breed group | AKC: hound FCI: 6 |
| Role | Hound |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 60–150min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 3 hours |
| Companionship need | 5/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 5/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 3/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 3/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Ear infections
The AKC advises checking a Harrier's ears weekly for signs of infection. Ask your vet how to check and clean the ears.
Behaviour
Outgoing pack hound — must get along with other dogs
The CKC describes the Harrier as outgoing and friendly, and says that as a working pack hound it must be able to get along well with other dogs; it can work tirelessly for long periods over any terrain, needs daily exercise, and because of its desire to run and follow its nose must be kept on leash or enclosed in a safe area.
Loving but independent — patience required
The AKC says Harriers are loving and amiable but, like many hounds, independent and sometimes stubborn: training takes consistency, patience and an understanding of scent-hound temperament, with calm, loving but firm leadership. Bred to spend hours in the field, a Harrier without enough exercise may become bored and destructive, but given the activity it needs it adapts to a range of homes and is happiest indoors with its family.
Temperament
The AKC summarises the breed's temperament as "friendly / outgoing / people-oriented".
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 4/5 (high) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "more than 2 hours per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 5/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Harrier
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Harrier (Hounds)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Harrier
Breed characteristics (size large, exercise more than 2 hours per day, lifespan over 12 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Harrier (standard no. 295, group 6)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Harrier — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Harrier — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Harrier — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Harrier — FCI standard no. 295 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.