Harrier

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While the exact origins are not clear, the Harrier is believed to have been bred down in size from the English Foxhound.While smaller than the Foxhound, it is larger than the Beagle. The breed has existed in America since the Colonial times. The breed was developed primarily to hunt hare, hence the name, and can also do well with fox.

The dogs became popular in England due to their slower pace; hunters were able to keep up with them on foot. The dogs had superior stamina in the field, with excellent noses.

The Harrier is similar to the English Foxhound, but smaller. The head is in proportion to the rest of the dog, with a bold forehead and a moderate stop. The muzzle is about the same length as the skull. The black nose is wide with open nostrils.

The teeth meet in a level or scissors bite. The wide-set ears are medium in size, and brown or hazel in color. The low-set ears hang down beside the cheeks and are rounded at the tips.

The topline of the back is level. The legs are long with round cat-like feet. The long tail is set high. The coat is short, fine and glossy, and can come in any color, but is often tricolored, lemon and white, red and white, or white and tan.

Temperament: Intelligent, Obedient, Energetic, Loyal, Agile, Faithful

Health Problems: Generally healthy, some have been known to develop hip dysplasia and epilepsy.