Down Home Harriers--Facts

Harrier Facts . . .

The harrier is an ancient breed; the first pack was recorded as the property of Midas De Midhope in 1260 and kept as the Pennistone Pack for over 500 years. Developed to hunt hare, this scenthound has been used to chase down game both by huntsmen on foot or on horseback. Harriers have been known to exist as hunt companions in the United States since colonial times and were one of the earliest breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club … entered into it’s Stud Book in 1885.

Today, the Harrier is considered a rare breed around the world. Pack hunting is now illegal in the United Kingdom, making the purpose for their functional existence obsolete in it's country of origin. The fewer than 10 Hunts with the breed there are currently maintaining their hounds in hope of appealing of the law. In addition to the U.K., harrier hunt packs also currently exist in Australia, France, Ireland, New Zealand, and one in the United States of America – in total, these additional packs number only in the single digits.

Harriers in America are almost exclusively available from AKC show breeders or through the Harrier Club of America’s Rescue program. On average, fewer than 10 litters (~7) are registered with the American Kennel Club each year. Individual dog registrations are typically less than 30 hounds per year. (Statistics from the American Kennel Club annual registration reports.) Puppies from show kennels CAN be utilized for hunting, tracking, obedience and agility work with proper training; the breed is very adaptable. Finding show champions with additional titles in obedience, tracking, or hunting is not uncommon.

If you are considering a harrier as a companion or event dog, one might expect to be placed on a waiting list to acquire a hound. In order to get a specific sex or desired color preference, it is not outrageous to assume the wait period could be lengthy … months or up to 2 years is not unheard of. As a possible alternative, consider contacting the secretary at the Harrier Club of America regarding any adult dogs which may be available for placement; sometimes, after completing a show title, some kennels will place retired show champions in companion homes. The advantages to adopting an adult hound are: (1) it may already be housebroken and (2) most likely has completed the some times destructive teething stage.

Harriers are one of the true medium-sized dog breeds. The breed averages about 50 lbs in weight and about 20 inches tall at the shoulder. Bone mass is considerable for his size; this is not a “fragile” dog. He makes an excellent addition for families and as a working dog; however, regular exercise and companionship are essential to his well-being. The purpose for which this breed was developed necessitates that harriers be capable of great endurance for a day’s work and that he work as part of a team.

The average lifespan for a harrier is 12 to 15 years. Like most pack hounds, harriers are easy to care for as they require very little grooming; an occasional bath, nail clipping and ear cleaning are normal with brushing added during shedding seasons. Health issues in the breed are: hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism. In rare instances: eye problems, perianal fistulas, epilepsy, and cancers have also been recorded.

For more detailed information, we suggest consulting the books and websites listed on our Materials page. We also have a recommended reading list, compiled from breed seminars, should you be interested.

Photo Credit:

Rob Gray 01-01-05.

Photo Credit:

Donna Smiley-Auborn

12-04 Hounds are from the Easton Hunt pack.

Our Comet relaxes on our office fouton.

Coda showing at the

2006 Harrier Specialty

show.

Photo credit:

Elizabeth Benner

Dog on the left, Ch. Downhome Illusion of Tallyho ... one of our current hounds.

Dog on the right, an Antique French bookplate labeled the "ideal" harrier.

While certainly not identical, note the consistency in the TYPE through time! It is the harrier's FUNCTION that breeders focus on first, which helps us to preserve this consistent type through the centuries.