Harrier characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | 33% of breeds |
| Energy level | Very High | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Very High | 22% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | High | 17% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Low | 17% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Harrier right for you?
The Harrier is a moderately built dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. In terms of temperament, it has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids and is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly. Day to day, the Harrier is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Harrier is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. With very high energy and very high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Harrier to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Harrier needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Harrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice and barks fairly often, especially to alert you. It copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Harrier
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Harrier genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Adaptability: Low — the Harrier is less adaptable than most breeds. Only 17% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Barking: High — the Harrier is more vocal than most breeds. Only 17% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Friendliness: Very high — the Harrier is among the most sociable breeds we score. Only 22% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Harrier actually costs you
| Exercise | Two or more hours of real exercise a day, most days, plus something that occupies its mind. This is the single commitment that decides whether the match works. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Occasional brushing is enough. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | More vocal than most; worth factoring into flat living. |
Where the Harrier fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Poor fit | high barking combined with very high energy is the combination flats punish most. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Poor fit | Very high prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Perfect for
- Pack hunting
- British hound enthusiasts
- Active rural families
- Experienced owners
Things to consider
- Extremely rare breed
- Needs pack environment
- High exercise needs
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Harrier good with children?
- Yes — the Harrier is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Harrier shed a lot?
- The Harrier has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Harrier need?
- With very high energy, the Harrier needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Harrier live?
- The Harrier typically lives around 12 years.
- Can the Harrier live in an apartment?
- The Harrier can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Is the Harrier easy to train?
- The Harrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Harrier be left alone during the day?
- The Harrier copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.