Is the Harrier or the Treeing Walker Coonhound better for families with children?

Both the Harrier and the Treeing Walker Coonhound are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Harrier or the Treeing Walker Coonhound?

The Harrier and Treeing Walker Coonhound shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Harrier or the Treeing Walker Coonhound?

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

Is Harrier or Treeing Walker Coonhound bigger?

Treeing Walker Coonhound is the larger breed; Harrier is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Harrier or Treeing Walker Coonhound?

Treeing Walker Coonhound tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Harrier is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Harrier or Treeing Walker Coonhound?

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

Harrier vs Treeing Walker Coonhound: Which Is Quieter?

Harrier vs Treeing Walker Coonhound: full comparison

Trait	Harrier	Treeing Walker Coonhound
Size	Medium	Large
Energy level	Very 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	High	Very High
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Low	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

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

Size and living space

The Harrier is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a big, substantial dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Harrier is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Harrier asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Treeing Walker Coonhound 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 Harrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Treeing Walker Coonhound is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is highly vocal, which matters in an apartment or a terraced house and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Harrier is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas Treeing Walker Coonhound is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.

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, Harrier and Treeing Walker Coonhound are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Treeing Walker 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, Harrier and Treeing Walker Coonhound are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Harrier if you prefer a quieter dog or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

Choose the Treeing Walker Coonhound if you want a more adaptable dog, you want a bigger, more substantial dog, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Harrier vs Treeing Walker Coonhound