Maintenance
Harriers are generally sturdy, healthy, happy, low-maintenance hounds. But of course, as it is with all dogs, proper veterinary care is required.

Because they are a short-coated hound, Harriers require a minimum of grooming -- a good brushing and nail-trimming once a week should be sufficient. Their long hound ears also require an occasional cleaning. Like all short-haired dogs, Harriers shed, but the majority of this tends to be seasonal.

While Harriers are independent (with an occasional stubborn streak), housebreaking should not be a problem as long as consistency and positive reinforcement are used. Unfortunately, quite a few all-breed reference books put forth the mistaken idea that Harriers are difficult to housebreak - NOT TRUE! In fact, quite a few people who have had other breeds prior to Harriers have commented on the ease with which their Harriers were housebroken as opposed to their other breeds.

Harriers can also be vocal -- some love to howl, as they were bred for centuries to do when trailing after game. Some also love to dig (under fences, into flowerbeds, etc.) Training and proper care are needed to keep both of these traits in line, especially if you have close neighbors.

A securely fenced yard is essential. If given the opportunity (such as an open gate or broken fence), most Harriers will not think twice before taking off in pursuit of any interesting scents that they chance upon. While they will usually return home if they are able, a secure yard will prevent them from getting lost, injured or killed. 
 
General Health
The scarcity of Harriers has helped to make the breed as healthy genetically as it is. Because there has never been a high demand for Harriers, breeders have always had to give careful consideration to their breeding decisions, and normally only breed the very best to the very best.

Hip dysplasia is very rare in Harriers, but has been found on two occasions. Those two were diagnosed through routine OFA exams, not because the hounds were lame. Most Harrier breeders are careful to OFA prior to breeding. CERF testing is also highly encouraged among breeders, and so far no eye problems have ever been found. Prospective buyers should ask for OFA & CERF certification.

In the past, several Harriers were known to have epilepsy. Currently, however, as a result of careful breeding, epilepsy has not been seen in many years.

Genetic shyness ("squirrelly-ness," for lack of a better term) is occasionally seen in Harriers. Hounds with this problem will usually be normal at home in familiar surroundings. But they can "freak out" over silly things - a stranger with an umbrella, the garden hose, a white for-sale sign, etc. This is not caused by lack of socialization, because this has occurred even in hounds that were extensively socialized from a very young age. Prospective buyers should check the pups to see how they react to strange stimuli - they should be outgoing, curious and confident.

Should I buy a Harrier?
Harriers are loving family members, gentle and playful. We love them- but they're not for everyone.

  ■ short-haired (low maintenance)

  ■ playful, gregarious & happy by nature

  ■ athletic & handsome

Reality Check
  ■ not off-leash dogs unless you put in lots of consistent obedience training

  ■ require DAILY exercise (and not just a stroll to the mailbox)

  ■ not recommended for first-time dog owners, people with expensive china collections, apartment-dwellers

  ■ not recommended for those who want an instantly-obedient dog (consider a Golden or Sheltie instead)