Harrier
Also known as: Harrier Hound
The Harrier is a sturdy, medium-sized English pack hound that resembles a smaller Foxhound, known for stamina and a cheerful nature. Originating from England, this medium-sized hound breed has earned a loyal following among Australian pet owners thanks to its distinctive appearance and reliable temperament. With a typical lifespan of 12—15 years, the Harrier stands 48—53 cm at the shoulder and weighs between 20—27 kg. Whether you live in a bustling city apartment or a sprawling rural property, understanding this breed’s unique needs will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your household.
About the Harrier
The Harrier is a sturdy, medium-sized English pack hound that resembles a smaller Foxhound, known for stamina and a cheerful nature. Originating from England, this medium-sized hound breed has earned a loyal following among Australian pet owners thanks to its distinctive appearance and reliable temperament. With a typical lifespan of 12—15 years, the Harrier stands 48—53 cm at the shoulder and weighs between 20—27 kg. Whether you live in a bustling city apartment or a sprawling rural property, understanding this breed’s unique needs will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your household.
History
One of the oldest hound breeds in England, developed for hunting hares in packs. The name likely derives from the Norman-French word ‘harrier’ meaning hare hunter. Records of Harrier packs date back to the 13th century. Relatively rare as a companion dog.
Temperament & Personality
The Harrier is widely regarded as friendly, outgoing, energetic, sociable, cheerful and determined. These personality traits make them well-suited to Australian families who value a friendly companion. Around the home, Harriers tend to form strong bonds with their primary carers while remaining outgoing with visitors and strangers. This breed is typically excellent with children of all ages. Patient and gentle, they make wonderful family companions. As with all breeds, supervision during interactions with very young children is recommended. Their energetic disposition also means they respond best to owners who understand and respect their temperament rather than trying to force them into a mould that doesn’t suit them.
Training & Socialisation
Training a Harrier requires understanding that this breed is eager to please and generally straightforward to train. Positive reinforcement methods work best—reward good behaviour with treats, praise and play sessions. Start socialisation early by introducing your Harrier puppy to different environments, people and other animals. Australian puppy schools are an excellent starting point and are available in most suburbs and regional towns. Local councils across Australia often have specific requirements for dog behaviour in public, making basic obedience training not just beneficial but often necessary. Patience and consistency will yield the best results with this breed.
Care & Health
A pack breed that prefers canine company. Very high exercise needs. Regular ear cleaning important. Not commonly available from breeders.
Living Conditions
The Harrier is adaptable to various living situations, from apartments to houses with yards, provided their exercise needs are met. In Australia’s varied climate, be mindful of heat—provide shade, fresh water and avoid exercising during the hottest parts of the day, particularly in summer.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- England
- Life Span
- 12—15 years
- Size
- medium
- Hair Shed
- moderate
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Good with Kids
- high
- Exercise Needs
- high
- Feeding Cost
- $15–$25 p/w
- Colours
- Any colour, typically tricolour (black, white and tan), lemon and white.
Exercise
Exercise needs: high
High exercise needs of 60—90 minutes daily. Built for endurance—loves long walks, runs and hikes. Benefits from canine playmates.
Health Considerations
Recommended Insurance for Harrier
The Harrier is generally a healthy breed, but owners should be aware of conditions common to the breed.
- ■Hip Dysplasia — typical treatment cost: $3,000–$8,000
- ■Ear Infections — typical treatment cost: $1,000–$5,000+
- ■Eye Problems — typical treatment cost: $1,000–$5,000+
- ■Epilepsy And Hypothyroidism — typical treatment cost: $1,000–$5,000+
A comprehensive pet insurance policy can help cover the cost of diagnostics, surgery and ongoing treatment for these conditions. Many Australian providers offer plans starting from around $30–$60 per month for larger breeds, with annual benefit limits of $10,000–$25,000.
🛡️ Don’t wait until it’s too late
Pre-existing conditions are never covered. Insuring your Harrier while they’re young and healthy gives you the broadest coverage at the lowest premium.
See which pet insurance plans suit Harriers →Grooming
Easy-care coat needs weekly brushing. Clean long ears regularly to prevent infections. Low grooming maintenance.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Excellent with children and families
- Highly affectionate and loyal companion
- Gets along well with other pets
- Energetic and fun for active owners
- Playful and entertaining personality
Considerations
- Requires significant daily exercise commitment
- May develop destructive behaviours if under-stimulated
- May be prone to breed-specific health issues
- Not always readily available from Australian breeders
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Harrier cost in Australia?
Is the Harrier good with children?
How much exercise does a Harrier need?
What health problems are common in Harriers?
Does the Harrier shed a lot?
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