West Country Harrier

Also called Somerset Harrier

Rare breedShort profile

From South-west England, mainly Devon and Somerset.1

At a glance the quick version

Sizemedium

excellent nose

attractive, musical voice

works well as part of a pack

Coat and looks how to spot one

short coat

A pack scent hound with a short, close coat. It is somewhat larger and paler than the stud-book Harrier.1

Colourswhite with cream markingswhite with yellow markings1

Personality what they are like

A pack hound valued for its keen nose and tuneful cry. It is a little less fast and driving than other Harriers but makes up for it with its scenting skill.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred to hunt hare in packs, traditionally followed on foot, so it is built for long days of steady work.1

The story where it all began

Harriers have been used in England since at least the 1200s. The West Country type is thought to come from older Harrier stock with little Foxhound blood, and possibly from the old Staghound. A handful of packs still keep it in the UK.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The whole population lives in the UK, in only about five packs.1
2
It is often praised for having a more tuneful voice than the stud-book Harrier.1
3
It is also called the Somerset Harrier after one of its home counties.1

Recognised by the official bits

Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles: Kept in its own separate stud book.1
The Royal Kennel Club: Not recognised as a separate breed.1

How many About 300 dogs in around 5 packs, all in the UK1

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a West Country 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

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Harrier

Beagle

English Foxhound

Welsh Hound

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Wikipedia: West Country Harrier en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields (only accessible source)

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.