Is the Black and Tan Coonhound or the Harrier better for families with children?

Both the Black and Tan Coonhound and the Harrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Black and Tan Coonhound or the Harrier?

The Black and Tan Coonhound and Harrier shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Black and Tan Coonhound or the Harrier?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Black and Tan Coonhound or Harrier bigger?

Black and Tan Coonhound is the larger breed; Harrier is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Black and Tan Coonhound or Harrier?

Black and Tan Coonhound tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Harrier is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Black and Tan Coonhound or Harrier?

For apartment or apartment living, Harrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Black and Tan Coonhound vs Harrier: Which Is Calmer?

Black and Tan Coonhound vs Harrier: full comparison

Trait	Black and Tan Coonhound	Harrier
Size	Large	Medium
Energy level	High	Very High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Very High	High
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Low
Typical lifespan	12 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a larger dog than the Harrier, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Harrier is a medium-sized dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Black and Tan Coonhound needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Harrier is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Black and Tan Coonhound asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Harrier asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Black and Tan Coonhound is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is very vocal and barks readily — something to weigh if you have close neighbors and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Harrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Black and Tan Coonhound is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Harrier is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Harrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Black and Tan Coonhound and Harrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Black and Tan Coonhound has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Harrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Black and Tan Coonhound and Harrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Black and Tan Coonhound if you want a more adaptable dog, you want a calmer, lower-energy companion, or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

Choose the Harrier if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, you prefer a quieter dog, or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Black and Tan Coonhound or the Harrier better for families with children?: Both the Black and Tan Coonhound and the Harrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Black and Tan Coonhound or the Harrier?: The Black and Tan Coonhound and Harrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Black and Tan Coonhound or the Harrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Black and Tan Coonhound or Harrier bigger?: Black and Tan Coonhound is the larger breed; Harrier is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Black and Tan Coonhound or Harrier?: Black and Tan Coonhound tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Harrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Black and Tan Coonhound or Harrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Harrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Black and Tan Coonhound vs Harrier