Appearance

Similar to the English Foxhound but smaller, the Harrier is one of the few truly medium-sized breeds of dogs. They are muscular hunting hound with a short, hard coat. They have large bones for stamina and strength. Their body is slightly longer than they are tall, with a level topline. The tail is medium in length, carried high, but is not curled over the back. They have a strong square muzzle, rounded, pendant ears, and brown- or hazel-colored eyes. The wide nose is black, and they mellow when they are relaxe and alert when they are excited.

History

The exact origins of the Harrier dog vary with no definite answers. One authority suggests that ancestors of the modern-day Harrier types were crossed with Bloodhounds, the Talbot Hound, and the Basset Hound, while others were state that they were crossbred between the English Foxhound with Fox Terrier and Greyhound. Another group is proposed that they were simply a bred-down version of the English Foxhound. The first documented Harrier packs were in 1260 where they were used as a hunting dog throughout the west of England and into Wales. Today, the size of the modern-day Harrier is between a Beagle and an English Foxhound. This modern wonder was developed primarily to hunt hares and, on occasions, foxes. The name of the breed itself shows its particular trait. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1885 and classified them in the Hound Group.