Appearance

The Harrier, at first glance, resembles a small English Foxhound. They are sturdy, muscular hunting dogs with a short, sleek coat. They are large-boned, which promotes good stamina and strength for field work, and they are slightly longer than they are tall, with a level topline. Harriers carry their tails high, but not curled over the back. The ears are round and pendant, the nose is wide and black, and the eyes are either brown or hazel. Teeth should meet in a scissors bite. They have cat-like feet that may turn inward in the front.

Size and Weight

Male Harriers should ideally stand from 19 to 21 inches and females are allowed variation of one inch in either direction. They typically weigh between 40 and 55 pounds, though there is no set weight standard for the breed. They stand slightly off square and are longer than they are tall.

Coat and Color

Harriers have short, but thick, shiny coats that are easy to maintain. They come in a variety of colors but the most common are tri-color (black, tan and white), lemon and white, and red and white.

Grooming Needs

Harriers shed moderately throughout the year, but brushing once or twice a week with a hound mitt is usually enough to keep stray hair under control. Bathe the dog as needed, when he gets particularly dirty or begins to smell. Some owners can get away with baths once every few months, while others bathe every month.

Check the dog's ears on a regular basis for signs of wax buildup, irritation or infection. Clean the ear with a cotton ball and a veterinarian-approved solution. Never use a cotton swab on a dog's ear canal. Brush teeth weekly to remove tartar buildup, keep gums healthy and prevent bad breath. Trim nails monthly if the dog does not naturally wear down the nail outdoors. If they click on hard surfaces, they are too long.