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“Do Harriers make Good Pets?” – this is the first question that everyone asks when they first meet a Harrier .

But nobody will question if a Beagle, a Basset Hound or a Rhodesian Ridgeback will make a” Good Pet “---All of the above are part of the same group of dogs -The Hound Group and they all have similar traits.

Now we as Breeders have to asses what a “good pet “is for the person asking—some people prefer a dog that sits all day on the sofa, others prefer a dog that is very easy to train and doesn’t pose any challenge.

Well, the Harrier is the perfect dog for active people who like long walks, running or cycling. Harriers are well balanced dogs, extremely intelligent and willing to learn if given the opportunity. People have trained Harriers in obedience, agility, tracking – and in our opinion there are no boundaries of what Harriers can be taught providing you give them adequate training. 

The general public sees the Harriers as Hunting Dogs that live only in a pack –we successfully keep Harriers as pets –and we successfully placed Harriers as an only dog . Harriers love playing with other dogs but not necessary want that dog to be brought back home ---lol .

People only look at the recent Harrier History, they do not know that more than 400 years ago the Harriers were living with peasant’s families and they were assembled in a Hunting pack by the sounding of a horn in order to go hunting with the nobleman .

You can not take a Harrier out of their Historical context – they lived and worked alongside people for millennia –and because of that they are very attached to their owners and they extraordinary good with both other dogs and children (Dogs and Children should never be left unsupervised). 

Harriers are full of energy but not hyperactive. Harriers love being with their owners but will not be constantly demanding attention—as long as they know you are around they will entertain themselves ( If it is too quiet they have got into mischief) Harriers do not like being left alone for hours -- 

Harriers need leadership and discipline – you -as the owner need to be the leader of the pack and set the rules not the other way around. 

In the house Harriers usually behave impeccably – they love to sleep on the sofa or by the fireplace –and if it is a rainy day they will sleep all day. They will usually find a toy to de stuff and a blanket to dive under.

Contrary to the myth that Harriers can’t live with cats ---if introduced correctly from an early age they can be great friends.

All packs have a cat living in the kennels – and the hounds accept it – this measure is taken so the hounds understand that the cats are not prey and so when hunting they will not attack random pussies.

Harriers are a great temperament – they are friendly, outgoing and fun loving.

With consistent training harriers can be taught a recall – a high pitch whistle is great as it carries a long way. Off lead training must start early and continually trained

Training a Harrier is reasonably easy as they are very food orientated - -always reward good behaviour and ignore bad – then they work better for you

Remember for those living in packs up to 60 Hounds will walk happily off lead behind the hunt staff without running off - - it would be unlikely to ever see one person walk 60 Labradors or terriers off lead without causing chaos and carnage!!.

Amazingly - -if they ever do get lost - -they will mostly likely find their way back home or to the last place they saw you.