West Country Harrier Breed Guide

The West Country Harrier is a unique and fascinating breed of dog.

This breed originated in the West Country region of England, specifically in the counties of Devon and Cornwall.

They were bred for their exceptional hunting skills, particularly for flushing out game birds.

Their athletic build and agility make them well-suited for this task.

The West Country Harrier is known for its friendly and outgoing personality.

They are highly social dogs that thrive on interaction with their human family.

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The Harrier breed has a rich history that dates back to the middle ages when the Normans invaded England in 1066. The breed is thought to have originated from dogs brought over with the Normans that resembled the Harrier and were used to hunt hares.

The first documented pack of Harriers in England was found in 1260, named the Penistone pack, and their bloodlines continued for at least half a millennium. The Harrier is one of the oldest breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, officially recognized in 1885.

The breed's history is aligned with Great Britain's hunting traditions, and its roots were established in the British Isles. The Harrier was prized for its endurance and ability to work in packs, and for its exceptional nose.

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The Harrier dog breed has a long history in England, with detailed records of individual packs existing from 1260 to the present. The breed's roots were established in the British Isles where the breed's history is aligned with Great Britain's hunting traditions.

The Harrier is thought to date back to the middle ages when the Normans invaded England in 1066, bringing dogs that resembled the Harrier and were used to hunt hares. The first documented pack of Harriers in England was found in 1260.

The Harrier was one of the oldest breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, officially recognized by AKC in 1885. The breed's journey to North America is believed to have occurred during the Colonial period, with British settlers bringing their beloved hunting companions across the Atlantic.

The Harrier is a rare breed and is ranked number 165 in popularity among AKC registered breeds. For this reason, he must have all the attributes of a scent hound and be built sturdily so they can track across rough terrain without tiring easily.

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The breed's name "Harrier" possibly derives from the Norman word "harier", a term used to describe a hunting dog. Harriers gained popularity as hunting dogs, particularly in the pursuit of hares, throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance.

The Harrier is smaller than a Foxhound but larger than a Beagle and is still used in the UK and US to hunt hare. He has also been used on fox hunts, making him a versatile and valuable breed in hunting circles.

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Harriers have been around for centuries, but they're not as common as other breeds. They're considered one of the less common breeds.

In the United States and Great Britain, their numbers are not high. Harriers are relatively rare, especially when compared to other hound breeds.

The Harrier is a breed that's recognized by top kennel organizations worldwide. The American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, Australian National Kennel Council, The Royal Kennel Club, and Fédération Cynologique Internationale all have their own breed standards for the Harrier.

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These organizations categorize the Harrier into a specific Group based on its unique characteristics. The Harrier is recognized worldwide under the following Group designations.

The Harrier's breed standards are detailed in the registries' official documents, which provide a clear understanding of the breed's characteristics and requirements.

The West Country Harrier is a smaller version of the English Foxhound, standing between 19 to 21 inches at the shoulders.

It's a solidly built dog, with as much bone and substance as possible without being coarse or heavy.

The breed has a natural ear and tail, with a finer coat texture on its ears.

The Harrier's coat should be harsh to the touch, looking glossy and never dull.

In terms of proportion, the Harrier exhibits an off-square build, being slightly longer from the point of shoulder to the rump than from the withers to the ground.

The breed's body is slightly longer than tall, with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs that run well back.

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The West Country Harrier is a robust breed with a sturdy constitution, thanks to its breeding for stamina and endurance during the hunt. They tend to have fewer health issues compared to some other breeds.

Their average lifespan is around 12 to 15 years, which is impressive for a breed of this size and energy level.

Hip dysplasia is a common concern in many breeds, including the West Country Harrier. This condition occurs when the hip joint doesn't develop correctly, and regular screenings can help with early detection and treatment.

Ear infections are also a potential issue due to the breed's low-set, hanging ears. Regular cleaning can help to prevent dirty ears from becoming problematic.

Annual check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative care can significantly enhance the quality and length of a West Country Harrier's life.

Here are some potential health risks to be aware of:

Nutrition plays a vital role in the growth and development of a West Country Harrier puppy. A balanced diet specifically designed for puppies will ensure the pup receives the right nutrients in the correct proportions.

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial during the puppy stage to monitor growth, ensure vaccinations are up-to-date, and address any potential health concerns early on.

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The West Country Harrier's short, dense coat makes it relatively easy to groom.

A weekly brush with a rubber curry brush or hound mitt is all you need to keep their coat in prime condition. This helps remove loose hairs and distribute the skin's natural oils, giving their coat a healthy sheen.

During their seasonal shedding periods, more frequent brushing might be necessary to manage the loose hair and guarantee the coat remains clean and the skin stays healthy.

The Harrier's ears are prone to moisture and dirt accumulation, so regular cleaning is a must to prevent infections. A gentle wipe with a cotton ball moistened with a cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian will do the trick.

To keep their nails healthy, trim them every two to three weeks. Nail clippers or a nail grinder can be used to keep their nails short.

A weekly check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection is also essential. Look for redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes.

Here's a summary of the Harrier's grooming needs:

By following these simple grooming tips, you'll be able to keep your West Country Harrier looking and feeling its best.

The West Country Harrier is a breed that's all about being social and people-oriented. They love being around their family and are very affectionate.

Their independent nature means they can be stubborn at times, so consistent training with positive reinforcement is key. Harriers need to be trained using firmness and consistency, otherwise they'll do things their own way.

One thing to keep in mind is that Harriers are pack hounds, so they don't do well in single-dog homes. They thrive on human interaction and need to be part of a family pack.

In terms of exercise, Harriers are active dogs that need daily physical activity to burn off energy. They require a fenced yard or access to a nearby park or open space to satisfy their natural instincts.

Here are some dog sports that are a great fit for Harriers:

In terms of weather sensitivity, Harriers are relatively versatile, but they do need to be mindful of extreme conditions. They can handle colder temperatures reasonably well, but prolonged exposure to intense cold without shelter can be harmful. In hot weather, they need access to shade and plenty of fresh water.