Harriers are medium-sized dogs weighing between 34 to 67 pounds and standing 19 to 21 inches tall.

Harriers stop growing between 12 and 18 months. They will continue to fill out and gain muscle mass after this time, but they reach their full height around their first birthday.

The Harrier is often tricolor but can also come in a wide variety of colors, including lemon and white and red and white.

Yes, Harriers shed, but not much. They are low-shedding dogs due to their short, dense coats.

Yes, Harriers make great pets. They have energetic and playful temperaments but are also loving and affectionate; this breed forms strong bonds with their families. If you’re looking for a lively and devoted pup, the Harrier could be the breed for you.

Yes, Harriers bark. Like most hound breeds, Harriers are fond of using their voice to communicate and are known to howl or bay as well. As with any dog, however, they can be discouraged from barking as frequently with proper training and exercise.

Yes, Harriers are good family dogs. They are incredibly social and outgoing dogs who have a great sense of humor and love children. They need plenty of physical activity and will need to always be kept on-leash because, as a hound, they will follow their noses to the ends of the earth.

Yes, Harriers are relatively easy to train. These intelligent dogs will respond well to positive reinforcement and motivation — namely, treats. Their independent nature may make them stubborn at times, so consistent and patient training is important. Keep sessions short and full of praise for what your Harrier is doing right. Also, keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, training any dog requires a long-term commitment.

Yes, Harrier dogs are affectionate. They form strong bonds with their families and enjoy spending time with their loved ones, whether that means playing outside (their favorite) or snuggling on the couch.

Yes, Harriers are good with kids — some say wonderful. Both gentle and playful, these tolerant pups can handle the unpredictable behavior of children. 

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your dog to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

No, Harriers aren’t especially good with cats. Harriers are bred to chase small, furry things, so they don’t make the best roommate to a cat they weren’t raised alongside.

No, Harriers do not have a lot of health problems. Like most of the more ancient breeds, Harriers are a very robust and healthy breed.

Harriers are prone to some diseases, including:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Harrier, have them checked out by a vet to see if they are prone to dysplasia.

• Epilepsy: This disorder causes seizures.

• Perianal fistula: This is a progressive inflammation of the rectal region, which can cause diarrhea, constipation, and discomfort.

• Others: Ear infections. 

To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend hip, ear, and imaging tests for the dog.

Yes, you should groom a Harrier, but grooming this breed is very low-maintenance. The occasional brushing to remove excess hair is all this breed requires.

Harriers live 12 to 15 years. Like all breeds, their longevity is influenced by genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health care. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle contribute to a Harrier’s long and healthy life.

Harriers are from England, where their history dates back to the Middle Ages. Harriers were primarily developed for hunting, specifically for tracking and chasing hares, hence the name “Harrier.” Their lineage includes various hound breeds, including the Bloodhound and the Foxhound.

Harriers are rare, especially outside of their native England. While they have a dedicated following among hunting enthusiasts, their popularity as companion pets is not as widespread as some other breeds.