HARRIERS
History
Harriers have a long history in England with detailed records of individual packs existing from 1260 to the present. In March of 1891, the Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles was formed and published a Stud Book. Harriers were at that time much more popular than Beagle
s. The 1891 - 1900 volumes list 107 registered packs of Harriers. They also began to run the Peterborough Harrier and Beagle Show in 1892. Records of Peterborough Shows and photos of the winners are published annually in the Stud Book. The foundation stock for the 1891 edition were admitted based on individual pack records or by committee. Hounds continued to be added by committee for several years. Harriers can also be registered in the appendix of their stud book if only one parent is registered. Offspring of appendix hounds appear in the regular stud book. Many of these "foundation" Harriers were in fact small Foxhounds with parents from recognized Foxhound kennels. Some of these foundation Harriers appear in top winning Beagle pedigrees, so "Harrier" often defines type of hunting and size of hound rather than pedigree in AMHB packs. The practice of breeding to Foxhounds still occurs in England.
Physical Characteristics
Harriers are a type of scent hound bred for hunting hares and foxes in large packs. They are one of the few truly medium-sized breeds of dogs. Harriers stand between 19 and 21 inches at the shoulder, and weigh 45-60 lbs. They have short hair, hanging ears, and come in a variety of color patterns. A humorous, yet fairly accurate short-hand description of a Harrier is "a Beagle on steroids."
Personality and Temperament
Harriers are very unique canine characters.
While Harriers are extremely attractive hounds, you cannot consider adding a Harrier to your family based on looks alone. Behind those soft brown eyes and sweet face is a very intelligent, independent, and self-willed scent-hound. Harriers are very social and people-oriented. Harriers are wonderful family dogs. They are loving and affectionate to everyone in the family and they are great with kids.(Although no dog, no matter the breed, should be left unsupervised with small children.) They love to spend time with you, they will happily cuddle next to you on the couch while you watch tv, or lay near you while you use the computer, or help you out in the yard while you garden.
One of the best things about Harriers is that they can always make you laugh - they have no dignity, have a wonderful sense of humor and aren't embarrassed to play the clown. Harriers love to play, not only as puppies, but all through their lives.
Living With Your Harrier
They are not happy in the yard by themselves 24 hours a day. Harriers, like all dogs, need obedience training/house manners started early. Harriers are very intelligent and can be trained quite easily. While not many Harriers compete in obedience, they are certainly capable if you wish to devote the time and energy into training. They have wonderful problem solving abilities.
Harriers do not need a lot of grooming, regular brushing can help keep the amount of shedding down. Most Harriers enjoy being brushed. They need baths occasionally and regular nail trims.
Harriers are adaptable to different lifestyles and do not get stuck in routines.
They want to be part of your family and will give you lots of love. When you come home after being away for 5 minutes or a few hours, they greet you with such wonderful enthusiasm that it will take away all your worries for the day.
Harriers make good watch dogs, they will generally alert you of anyone coming up the walk. They do not, however, make good guard dogs because they are friendly to everyone they meet. They'll happily help the thief find all the good stuff in your house.
Because Harriers are a pack hound, they generally get along well with other dogs and pets, including cats.
Harrier Standard
General Appearance - The points of the modern Harrier are very similar to those of the English Foxhound. The Harrier, however, is smaller. They should be active, well balanced and full of strength and quality.
Size - The most popular size is 19-21 inches (48-53 cm)
Head - The head should be of a medium size with a good bold forehead, and plenty of expression.
Neck - Head must be set well up on a neck of ample length, and not heavy.
Forequarters - Shoulders sloping into the muscles of the back, clean and not loaded on the withers or point. The elbow's point set well away from the ribs, running parallel with the body and not turning outwards. Good straight legs with plenty of bone running well down to the toes, but not overburdened, inclined to knuckle over very slightly but not exagerated in the slightest degree.
Body - The back level and muscular, and not dipping behind the withers or arching over the loins. Deep, well-sprung ribs, running well back, with plenty of heart room, and a deep chest.
Hindquarters - Hind legs and hocks stand square, with a good sweep and muscular thigh to take weight off the body. Round cat-like feet, and close toes turning inward.
Tail - Stern should be set well up, long, and well controlled.