Beagle Harrier

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Beagle Harrier

The Beagle-Harrier is a breed of hunting scent hound. It originated in France over a century ago and is rarely seen outside of the Republic. The Beagle-Harrier has the appearance of both a large Beagle and small Harrier, and is thought to be directly descended from both. This is a dog of medium proportions with an intelligent expression and distinguished movement.  

Key facts about the Beagle Harrier

Life expectancy :

5

17

10

12

Temperament :

Affectionate Playful Intelligent Hunter

Size :

Origins and history

The Beagle and the Harrier are ancient breeds. As individual breeds, both lineages date back to the Middle Ages. It is believed the Beagle-Harrier came about in the late 1800s when some of the French nobility demanded a hunting dog with the physique of the Harrier and the hunting ability of the Beagle. 

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds

Section

Section 1 : Scent hounds

Physical characteristics of the Beagle Harrier

    Adult size

    Female : Between 18 and 20 in

    Male : Between 18 and 20 in

    Weight

    Female : Between 40 and 44 lb

    Male : Between 40 and 44 lb

    Coat colour

    Black
    White
    Brown
    Sand

    Type of coat

    Short

    Eye colour

    Brown

    Description

    A well-proportioned and muscular dog is the Beagle-Harrier, which are physical attributes more common to the Harrier than the Beagle. Its head is long and slim, and its muzzle tends to be tapered towards the nose. Ears are short and fairly broad hanging flat against the cheek.

    Good to know

    Early socialisation of the Beagle-Harrier will dampen the dog’s natural instinct to chase and kill smaller animals. However, even socialisation and training cannot eradicate the instinct of what is essentially a pack hunter. To have other non-canines sharing the house with a Beagle-Harrier will not do. 

    Temperament

    • 100%

      Affectionate

      A loving, loyal and affectionate dog is the Beagle-Harrier, despite its hunting heritage. The well-adjusted dog does not tend to be aggressive. 

    • 100%

      Playful

      A dog that is playful but very easily distracted; the Beagle-Harrier will bore easily. 

    • 66%

      Calm

      Beagle-Harriers are not the calmest of dogs. However, they can be made less anxious and lonely if brought up with another dog of the same breed. 

    • 100%

      Intelligent

      This dog is intelligent but it easily loses focus; sounds, scents and noises are all of extreme interest to the Beagle-Harrier. 

    • 100%

      Hunter

      The Beagle-Harrier was originally bred to hunt. It has an exceptionally high prey drive. 

    • 33%

      Fearful / wary of strangers

      The Beagle-Harrier enjoys meeting new people. Household visitors need have no concerns about meeting this dog for the first time. 

    • 33%

      Independent

      The Beagle-Harrier is independent. Although it easily learns commands, the dog tends to decide from day to day whether or not its owner should be obeyed.

      Behaviour of the Beagle Harrier

      • 33%

        Tolerates solitude

        This dog tolerates some short periods of solitude. 

      • 66%

        Easy to train / obedience

        Beagle-Harriers are notoriously difficult to train due to their having a short attention span. They are tempted back to class with treats but they will only endure so much tuition before slinking off again to chase scents. 

      • 66%

        Barking

        This dog barks to excess; it may also howl. It is not seen to tire of barking. 

      • 100%

        Tendency to run away

        A well-trained Beagle-Harrier can be recalled but on the whole it will not come back if its focus is elsewhere.

      • 66%