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Information -
Dog Breed Profiles Information Center
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Written by PDR
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This breed was developed in England to hunt hare, as the name implies. They are still common in England, but a bit more rare in the United States. They have also been used to hunt fox, as they can run seemily forever without getting tired. I made the mistake of letting my Harrier off his leash once, in Washington Park. He ran immediately at top speed, out the park entrance, and down the middle of Chatham Road for about three quarters of a mile before stopping in the middle of the road, and looking back at me, with a defiant grin.
I decided after that to keep him on a leash. The AKC site says they are "active, well balanced, full of strength and quality, in all ways appearing able to work tirelessly, no matter the terrain, for long periods. Running gear and scenting ability are particularly important features. The Harrier should, in fact, be a smaller version of the English Foxhound" (source: AKC). However, other sources list other breeds as possible relatives of the Harrier, including Bassett hounds, Beagles, and Greyhounds.
Average weight for Harriers is between 45 and 60 pounds. Their shoulders reach between 19 and 21 inches. They come in all colors, and their coats are "short, dense, hard and glossy. Coat texture on the ears is finer than on the body" (http://www.akc.org/breeds/harrier/index.cfm). Outgoing and friendly, and able to eat an entire pizza in less than ten seconds. Harriers are rare in the states, with people paying up to $2000 in some cases for the breed. Of course, if you are able to find a rescue group with a Harrier, it can be a lot cheaper (free--except for adoption fees and medical).
Harriers are playful, energetic, and tolerant of children. Our toddlers pull Riley's ears and he licks them gently before moving to a new spot. They are like "Beagles on steroids", according to some "internet experts" (I think I read this on Wikipedia, I don't remember...) They need some room to run around, so a small apartment is not an ideal home for a Harrier. If you walk your Harrier everyday, he will be happy, and healthy (like with most breeds).
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