Beagle Harrier

Are you looking for the perfect fur buddy that is friendly and playful but fits perfectly into your city-based lifestyle? Then get a Beagle Harrier!

These dogs are gentle, loyal, and even extraordinary around young family members. They will love you dearly but will not give up their space requirements. Let us learn about the Beagle Harriers quickly to see if they fit into your lovely abode.

Overview

Origin of the Beagle Harrier

This historically complicated dog breed has a plethora of opinions on its origin. Some historians say it has existed since the Late Middle Ages or Early Renaissance, while others claim painter Baron Gerard developed it in the 19th century.

The Beagle Harrier is most likely a descendant of two dog breeds… guess which ones.

Yup, you guessed it! It is Beagles and Harriers (you’re brilliant!). But the problem is that both Beagles and Harriers have largely undocumented histories as they are relatively ancient. But these dogs are still quite rare and have not spread outside France.

Appearance of the Beagle Harrier

The Beagle Harrier is often confused for a larger or a smaller Harrier as it has the perfect height between a Beagle and a Harrier breed. But they are a medium-sized dog breed.

1. Body structure

They have a well-proportioned, athletic body with a deep chest and a straight back (quite a sporty look if you ask us). This robust build provides them with the perfect agility needed for hunting. They have a medium-long tail set high, have a slight curve, and are typically carried upright when excited. 

2. Head and facial features

Beagle Harriers have long, floppy ears that stick close to their cheeks, and they help funnel scents toward their nose, which is a useful trait for a hunting dog. Their eyes are large, shiny, and are usually hazel or brown colored. They use their eyes very well to communicate with their handlers.

3. Glossy coat

The coat of the Beagle Harrier sparkles! And by that, we mean it is glossy and medium to short length. This protects them from harsh weather conditions, making them the perfect warrior doggos. Their coat is typically tri-colored with black, white, and tan markings. Plus, one of their distinctive features is the black saddle or blanket.

Personality and Temperament

The Beagle Harrier is a dog breed with a distinctive, cheerful aura. Their traits are:

1. Friendly and playful

Did you wish to go to the dog park and have a great time with other dogs and dog parents? Fret not! Because your Beagle Harrier loves that, too! They love making friends and being the center of attention. Outdoor activities are their favorite.

2. Curious and inquisitive

Beagle Harriers would make you go crazy with their questions if they were human toddlers. But not being human does not affect their curiosity one bit! They will explore and follow their strong sense of smell to investigate interesting new scents.

3. Affectionate and great with kids

These dogs love being affectionate with their hooman families and are fairly gentle and patient with kids. This makes them amazing family pets. 

4. Moderate energy levels

While these fur babies are playful and love a fun play session, they are still quite less energetic than most dogs and will rather cuddle up to you. 

Beagle Harriers are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them one of the best companions to have any day!

Beige Flags of the Beagle Harrier

Some traits of the Beagle Harrier cannot be labelled as wholly positive or negative, so we call them the beige flags.

1. Independent Thinkers

A hunting dog breed will likely work according to their own will. Therefore, they make decisions independently and can be slightly stubborn to train.

2. Noisy and vocal

These dogs can scream! They will let you know clearly whenever they feel inconvenienced or that you are not treating them like the princes they are. But this is mainly how they communicate.

3.  High prey drive

The Beagle Harrier was bred for hunting, so they have a strong sense of smell and strong hunting instincts. They can be harsh towards other smaller creatures. Obedience training is the only way to treat this issue.

Exercise and Training Needs

The Beagle Harrier is playful and loves games but is not necessarily a hyperactive dog breed. But that does not mean you can let them lie around. They need some outdoor activities in their daily schedule for physical and mental stimulation. 

1. Regular walks

An hour or so of regular walks to the dog park, hiking, or jogging with them is beneficial to keep them healthy and helps the handler stay healthy.

2. Use feeders

You can play simple games with them, such as treat hunt, or use slow feeders instead of regular bowls for mental stimulation. Slow feeders don’t just help in mental stimulation but also slow down your pupper’s consumption if they are a fast eater, which is a major cause of digestive problems.

3. Obedience training

As for training requirements, you need to start socializing them early, along with obedience training. This is especially necessary if you live in crowded areas like an apartment. While the Beagle Harrier is friendly, they can still feel uncomfortable around strangers and new faces. 

Also, you should supervise them near young kids because it is better to be safe than sorry.

Health Issues of the Beagle Harrier

Your Beagle Harrier buddy may come with some amount of genetic disorders. These do not make him any less paw-fect, but you need to know them to take appropriate measures.

1. Hip dysplasia

This is a hip joint disorder where the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Irresponsible breeding is a major cause of hip dysplasia (article).

2. Skin problems 

Beagle Harriers are prone to skin allergies, infections, etc. Having a word with a veterinarian about these issues is necessary beforehand. 

3. Epilepsy

Epileptic seizures are common in beagle harriers and can only be managed with medical intervention. 

4. Hyperthyroidism

Some Beagle harriers may develop hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones. This can lead to obesity, lethargy, etc. (article).

Grooming Needs of the Beagle Harrier

The Beagle Harrier is relatively easy to groom, so it is low maintenance. As a busy pet paw-rent, what can be better than this?

1. Brushing

They have a medium-length coat that you must brush at least two times a week to avoid the accumulation of any loose hairs, tangling, or matting. A soft bristle brush or grooming glove does wonders. 

2. Bathing

Like most dogs, bathing a Beagle Harrier frequently will wear off their natural oils. So, you should bathe them only when necessary (they are smelly or visibly dirty). 

3. Basic Hygiene care

Your pup’s adorable droopy and floppy ears are notorious for trapping dirt and moisture in them, which is a major cause of ear infections. Keep them clean with wet wipes or damp cotton balls. Since they love outdoor activities, their nails will likely wear out, but you should still look out for abnormal growth because a nail can be severely painful and might cripple them for days.

Are Beagle Harriers Hypoallergenic?

Bad news for you- Beagle Harriers are not hypoallergenic if you consider getting one. They shed moderately throughout the year, producing enough fur and dander that can trigger allergies in people. 

If you or your family are allergic to such breeds, opting for hypoallergenic dog breeds is far better. But if you still want to get one of these, you should spend a few days around similar breeds to check how bad your allergies are.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know what to know about the Beagle Harrier, are they the right ones for you?

If yes, then make sure to get them from reputable and licensed breeders, or the best option is to adopt them from local shelters or foster homes. Millions of sweet fur babies are waiting for their forever home, and you can provide it to one. Always look out for one in your nearest dog shelter. 

Frequently Asked Questions