Character & Temperament

The Harrier is a dog with a very friendly and outgoing nature. His character is characterized by high energy, endurance and a love of movement. He was bred to hunt, and his natural instincts are still strong. He has an excellent nose and shows a keen interest in tracking scents. This makes him an excellent hunting dog, but it also means that he can tend to follow his nose in the wild, making him a less suitable companion for relaxed off-leash walks. The Harrier is very people-oriented and enjoys the company of his family. He is loving and affectionate and loves to be involved in daily activities. He is also very playful and gets along well with children, making him an excellent family dog. Although he is an active dog, the Harrier can learn to stay alone if he is well exercised and receives sufficient mental and physical stimulation. It's important to note that his high energy means he needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and balanced. The Harrier is an alert dog and will alert his family when strangers approach, but he is generally not aggressive and will often respond friendly to visitors. Its hunting instincts are strong and it exhibits strong prey-catching behavior. This means he may not get along well with smaller pets and will need to be supervised during outdoor walks to ensure he doesn't run off to follow a scent. In summary, the Harrier is an energetic, friendly and loving dog that requires an active family willing to challenge him both mentally and physically. His hunting instincts require special attention, especially in game-rich areas, but with the right exercise and management he can be a wonderful companion and a loyal friend.

What Awaits You

The Harrier is a fast, prey-oriented, medium-sized hunting dog originally bred for hare hunting in medieval England. The outgoing and friendly Harrier is much larger than the Beagle, but smaller than another close relative, the English Foxhound.

Housing & Care

Harriers are active dogs and need plenty of space to run around. They are therefore more suitable for living in the country or in a house with a large garden than for a city apartment. They tend to get along well with children and can be very patient, but it is always advisable to monitor interactions between dogs and small children. Harriers can also get along with other dogs, but their hunting instincts can pose a problem when living with smaller pets such as cats.

Training & Education

Harriers are intelligent dogs, but their independence can sometimes make training challenging. It's important to start training early and stay consistent. Positive reinforcement works best with this breed. Harriers have a lot of energy and can be well suited to dog sports such as agility or search games. Since they are originally hunting dogs, it is important to offer them alternatives such as sniffing games to keep their hunting instincts in check. It's also important to pay attention to impulse control and frustration tolerance in Harriers, as they can be a bit stubborn at times. There is also a risk of Harriers becoming “ball junkies,” so ball play should be done in moderation and supplemented with other activities.

Nutrition & Care

When it comes to nutrition, the Harrier needs a balanced diet with quality ingredients. Since they are active dogs, they should be fed a diet rich in proteins and fats to support their energy. You should also make sure to keep an eye on your Harrier's weight to make sure he doesn't become overweight, which can put strain on his joints. When it comes to grooming, the Harrier has short, dense fur with no undercoat. Its coat is easy to care for and only requires regular brushing to remove dead hair and keep the coat clean and shiny. Harriers shed moderately, but regular brushing can reduce shedding. The climate in Germany should not be a problem for Harriers as their fur protects them from the elements.