Harrier History
Thanks to our close friend Donna  Smiley-Auborn of Kingsbury Kennels (with whom we exchange, show and raise hounds) for these informative, entertaining essays (and many of the pictures!) about the hounds who've shared her life for the last nine years. See more about her Harriers at www.harriers.net.

Harriers in Britain and the USA

Harriers are one of the oldest purebred scent hounds, originating in England around the 1200’s.  What older breeds went into their makeup is unknown.  However, they predate the Foxhounds by many centuries, to be sure.  They are hounds developed to hunt the large European hare (and later the red fox, when foxhunting became the vogue), in large packs numbering usually 20-50 hounds. 

The earliest records of a pack of Harriers dates from the 1200's. Originally, they were used to hunt hare with the hunters on foot, so used to be a much slower, more methodical hound more reminiscent of the bloodhound type. Eventually, when foxhunting became the fashion, Harriers were adapted to hunt in front of mounted riders. Harriers are still used today in the British Isles, Australia and New Zealand, with most packs hunting both fox and hare.

Harriers first came to the US in colonial days. There were even several Harrier packs in the US through the early part of this century. General George S. Patton (then a Colonel) was Master of the Cobbler Harriers from 1936 to 1938. The last US Harrier pack disappeared in the late 1960's when the hunt changed over to foxhounds.

Harriers were one of the first breeds admitted to the AKC Stud Book in 1885. Two Harriers were exhibited at the very first Westminster Kennel Club show in 1877. Never a popular breed in terms of numbers, Harriers consistently rank at or near the bottom of yearly AKC registration statistics.

Harriers Today
In the US today, the vast majority of Harriers are first and foremost house pets. Some also have careers in the show ring or obedience ring. A few are also used by rabbit hunters, as they are outstanding on snowshoe hare and other game too fast for most Beagles.
Harriers are still hunted on horseback in this manner in the UK (England & Ireland), New Zealand and with one California pack (the Kingsbury at  www.harriers.net) in the US.  

Harriers are also hunted alone or in pairs by individual hunters with guns after snowshoe hares in some parts of the US, much like Beagles sometimes are.  Their longer legs make them better able to handle the deep snow than their shorter-legged cousins.  However most Harriers in the US are seen as house pets and/or show dogs.  They can also do well in obedience and agility competition.

Harriers are hard to find.  There are fewer than 50 new Harriers registered every year by the AKC (American Kennel Club).  This is double-edged sword.  On the one hand it means that Harriers are generally not being over bred or haven’t become a fad by any means, yet it threatens them with obscurity too.  You should be prepared to wait if you seriously want a Harrier, since most reputable breeders have lengthy waiting lists for their pups.   We recommend you purchase a pup only from a member of the Harrier Club of America that has signed their extensive Code of Ethics.  

Compared to their smaller cousins, the Beagles, Harriers are generally a bit calmer and a little easier to train.  However like the Beagles they enjoy mischief, and are smart enough to “be creative” if they want to be (or are allowed to get into trouble).  They have a gentle nature and a great love for the outdoors. 

Unlike protective dog breeds, Harriers usually count everyone a friend, and they are terrific with children.   Barking, digging and/or chewing may be a problem if you allow a Harrier to be bored, lonely or under-exercised.  Daily vigorous exercise is a must; these are not apartment dogs by any means. 

They are a pack hound, and are happiest with constant activity, companions & lots of play. As true scent hounds, independence is part & parcel of their makeup.   Harriers are happy family members, and at 19-21” are a great medium-sized companion.