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Harrier
The Harrier is not as well
known today as its relatives, the J\English Foxhound and
Beagle; however, it did have a moment of fame during the 1890s
when it was more popular than the Beagle as a hunting dog.
History:
The Harrier breed came into
existence in the 1800s and was developed by crossing the
Beagle with the now extinct St. Hubert Hound. The Harrier was
bred to hunt small game such as hares and is considered to be
a scent hound. They are smaller than English Foxhounds and are
suitable for following on foot or horseback. The first pack
was recorded as being established in Britain in 1260. In this
first phase, the breed was also known as the West County
Harrier.
They
never became universally popular, and by the early twentieth
century, numbers had dwindled until there was only one pack of
Harriers left in West County, England. To revive the breed,
the remaining pure Harriers were crossed with the Foxhound.
The introduction of Foxhound blood changed the Harrier into a
considerably faster dog.
In
the UK, Harriers are still interbred with small English
Foxhounds, and the name is also used to refer to a type of
small hound rather than a specific breed. Records show that
the first Harriers were shipped to the US in the eighteenth
century, but it is not known exactly where the Harriers
landed.
Physical
characteristics:
This breed is a well-balanced,
medium-sized hound, and looks similar to a larger, heavier
Beagle. Height: 19 - 21 in (48 - 53 cm). Weight: 40 - 55 lb
(18 - 25 kg). The most common color for the Harrier is
tricolor, black, white and tan - although they can be all the
usual Hound colors. The broad chest, strong back, and sturdy
legs of the Harrier allow it to run for miles without becoming
fatigued.
Behavior:
Although in most areas the
Harrier is not as popular as the Beagle, it is a good
all-round dog. Its size makes it ideal for people who prefer
not to have a big dog but still want the robust
characteristics of a larger breed. The Harrier is a very
sociable dog that really enjoys the company of other dogs. It
makes an excellent watch-dog and delights in alerting its
owners to the presence of possible intruders.
The
Harrier was originally a working tracking dog, and it is
happiest when asked to find an object, animal, or person by
scent. The Harrier is generally a good dog with people, and
really benefits from early socialization.
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