At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 45-65 lb (about 20-30 kg); the FCI standard does not set a weight.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, flat coat
A sturdy, athletic hound built between a Beagle and an English Foxhound in size, with a flat, smooth coat of moderate length and hanging ears.143
Personality what they are like
An outgoing, good-natured pack hound that tends to be sweet and tolerant with people, including children. Having been bred to live and work in a pack, it usually enjoys the company of other dogs.324
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Very high: The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day. It is a keen scenter, so off-lead running is best done in secure areas.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat is easy to keep, with about one brushing session a week.2
Home where they are happiest
Suits an active home with a securely fenced garden and owners who enjoy long walks or runs.2
Company who they like around
Thrives with company, human or canine; best supervised around small non-dog pets unless raised with them.3
The story where it all began
Harriers have been used to hunt hare in England since at least the 13th century, originally followed on foot. In the 19th century some lines were crossed with Foxhounds to make faster dogs for mounted hunting. The number of working packs has fallen sharply over the last century and the breed remains uncommon as a family pet.23
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The breed's name comes from its original quarry, the hare.2
- 2
An early written description of the Harrier appears in William Somervile's poem 'The Chace' from 1735.3
- 3
It sits neatly between two relatives in size, bigger than a Beagle and smaller than an English Foxhound.4
- 4
The AKC recognised the Harrier back in 1885.3
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 295, Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds), Section 1.2 Medium-sized hounds; country of origin Great Britain.1
- AKC
- Hound Group; recognised 1885 (per Wikipedia).3
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Hound group; re-recognised in January 2020 after an earlier withdrawal in the 1970s (per Wikipedia). Not listed as a vulnerable native breed.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Harrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Harrier, and at what times?
Feed your Harrier at least two meals a day, as adult dogs do best with a consistent schedule. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5
What should a Harrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for your Harrier's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, never give these to your dog.6
How often should I bathe a Harrier?
Bathe your Harrier at least once every three months, or more often if they get very dirty. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Harrier need brushing?
Brush your Harrier about once a week to keep their short coat healthy and reduce shedding. Furry Diary's plan also recommends weekly brushing.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Harrier's nails, and how often?
Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every four weeks. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Harrier need?
Your Harrier needs more than two hours of exercise daily, as they are a very active breed. They love to scent, so off-lead runs are best in secure areas. Furry Diary suggests daily walks and play.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Harrier's teeth and ears?
Brush your Harrier's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Their floppy ears trap moisture, so dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Harrier live?
A Harrier typically lives between 12 and 15 years, bringing you many happy years of companionship.32
Is a Harrier good with children and other pets?
Yes, Harriers are sweet and tolerant with children and usually enjoy the company of other dogs. They are best supervised around small non-dog pets unless raised with them.324
Can a Harrier be left alone?
Harriers thrive with company and can struggle when left alone for long periods. They do best in an active home where someone is around most of the time.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard N° 295 Harrier fci.beused for origin, recognition, height, coat, colours
- Harrier - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, history
- Harrier (dog) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, lifespan, AKC/KC recognition, temperament, history, fun facts
- Harrier - AKC akc.orgused for description, temperament, size comparison
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.