Harrier
Hound Medium
Originally bred in England, the Harrier has become one of the world's most recognizable medium breeds, sitting at #143 in AKC popularity. A rare and robust pack hound who brings tireless energy, cheerful disposition, and an unwavering desire to run with the pack, whatever that pack may be.
Quick Stats
Characteristics
| Family Friendly | |
| Energy Level | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Good with Kids | |
| Good with Dogs | |
| Apartment Friendly | |
| Grooming Needs | |
| Barking Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Intelligence |
About the Harrier
One of the oldest pack hound breeds in England, Harriers have been documented since the 1200s, predating both the English Foxhound and the Beagle.. As of 2026, they hold the #143 position in the American Kennel Club's popularity rankings.
Standing 19 to 21 inches tall and weighing 45 to 60 pounds, the Harrier is a medium-sized dog. Often described as a Beagle on steroids, they are larger and more athletic than Beagles but smaller and more compact than English Foxhounds. They are well-suited to owners who can provide the exercise, training, and companionship this breed thrives on.
Primarily used in organized hare hunting packs in England; extremely rare as a companion dog in the United States..
Lifespan Overview
The Harrier typically lives 12–15 years. Learn more about Harrier lifespan →
Price Overview
Expect to pay $800–$1500 from a reputable breeder. See full price breakdown →
Weight & Growth
Adult Harriers weigh 45–60 lbs. View growth chart →
Temperament
Rated 3/5 for trainability and 4/5 for energy. Outgoing, friendly, and active with excellent pack instincts; they get along with virtually every dog and person they meet. Full temperament guide →
History
One of the oldest pack hound breeds in England, Harriers have been documented since the 1200s, predating both the English Foxhound and the Beagle.. One of the rarest AKC breeds in America, with very few registered each year; they are more commonly found as pack hounds in England..
Primarily used in organized hare hunting packs in England; extremely rare as a companion dog in the United States..
Common Health Issues
| Condition | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | Occasional | Moderate |
| Ear Infections | Occasional | Mild |
| Hypothyroidism | Rare | Mild |
Similar Breeds
Is the Harrier Right for You?
Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Harrier is a medium-sized breed belonging to the Hound group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.
Energy and exercise: The Harrier has high energy levels and requires substantial daily activity - at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise including walks, runs, or active play sessions. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or work very long hours, this breed may become destructive without adequate physical outlets.
Living space: With an apartment friendliness rating of 2/5, the Harrier is not well-suited for small living spaces. This breed does best in a home with a securely fenced yard and ample room to move. Apartment living may lead to behavioral problems unless the owner is extremely committed to daily outdoor exercise.
Children and family: Scoring 5/5 with children, the Harrier is an excellent family companion. They tend to be patient, gentle, and tolerant of the unpredictable behavior of young children. Supervision is always recommended, but this breed naturally gravitates toward being protective and affectionate with kids.
Grooming commitment: The Harrier is relatively low-maintenance in grooming with a rating of 1/5. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are typically sufficient. This makes the breed a good choice for owners who prefer minimal grooming routines, with costs around $70–91/month.
Ownership Cost Summary
Before bringing a Harrier home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 12–15 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $800–$1500 is only the beginning.
The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $4,507. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.
Ongoing monthly costs average $179, broken down as follows: food ($60–92/mo), grooming ($70–91/mo), insurance ($39–71/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($342–848/yr) and supplies ($245–467/yr). As a medium breed, the Harrier falls in the middle range for food costs, medication, and equipment sizes.
Over a full 12–15 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $39–71/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.
Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Harrier owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Harrier fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.
Breed Traits Explained
The Harrier belongs to the Hound group, which historically means these dogs were bred to hunt using keen eyesight or an exceptional sense of smell. Hound breeds can be independent-minded and may follow a scent or sight rather than listening to commands. They require patience in training and secure containment to prevent them from wandering.
With a family friendliness score of 5/5, intelligence at 3/5, and shedding rated 3/5, the Harrier presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (5/5) and barking tendency (3/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.
Intelligence and engagement: With moderate intelligence (3/5), the Harrier learns at a reasonable pace and responds well to consistent training without requiring constant mental stimulation. They benefit from regular training sessions but are less likely to get into trouble from boredom compared to highly intelligent breeds.
Shedding and home cleanliness: Moderate shedding (3/5) means some hair around the home but nothing unmanageable. Weekly brushing keeps the coat healthy and minimizes excess shedding. Seasonal increases in shedding are normal and can be managed with more frequent grooming during transition periods.
Harrier Quick Decision Guide
Making an informed decision about the Harrier requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.
You will love the Harrier if: You enjoy an active lifestyle with daily outdoor activities, have children or plan to start a family, have adequate space with outdoor access, and prefer lower-maintenance coat care. The Harrier's hound heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.
Consider a different breed if: You cannot commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, , or if your living situation cannot accommodate a medium breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.
Next steps: If the Harrier seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Harrier owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Harriers before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.