Breed standards

Harrier

Breed standards are the official guidelines that describe the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential.

Last Updated: 01 Jan 2001

Australian National Kennel Council 2001

Country of Origin:  United Kingdom

Group:
Group 4 (Hounds)
History:
General:

The points of the modern Harrier are very similar to those of the Foxhound. The Harrier however is smaller than the Foxhound: the most popular size is 19 to 21 inches (48.26 to 53.34 cm) Proportion - is off square. The Harrier is slightly longer from point of shoulder to rear projection of the upper thigh than from withers to ground. He is active, well balanced, full of strength and quality.

Characteristics:

A natural ability to hunt. Normally hunted on horse, but slower in pace than the Foxhound enabling him to be followed on foot.

Temperament:

Friendly and not aggressive. Essentially a Pack Hound.

Head And Skull:

Medium size. Slight Stop; eyebrows very prominent, giving the appearance of a bold forehead with plenty of expression. Skull well balanced, slightly rounded with a slight occiput and of medium width. Muzzle in balance with skull, neither snipy nor truncated, the flews of the upper lip just cover the under jaw. The nostrils large.

Eyes:

Medium size, set well apart, brown or hazel colour in darker dogs, lighter hazel in lighter coloured dogs, though darker eye colours are always desired.

Ear:

Leathers pendent, with the leading edge lying close to the cheeks. Set on just above the level of the eye. The ears may be raised when alert.

Mouth:

Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite: ie. Upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck:

Of ample length, well arched, well developed without being coarse. Clean and tapering.

Forequarters:

Shoulders well laid back, sloping into muscles of back. Clean and not loaded. Forelegs long, straight and well boned down to feet, but not overburdened. Pasterns strong with slight indication of spring. Point of elbows set away from the ribs, running parallel with the body and neither turning inwards nor outwards.

Body:

Chest deep, ribs well sprung and running well back with plenty of heart room. Back broad and level, not dipping behind the withers, slight arching over the loin.

Hindquarters:

Powerful, with muscular first and second thighs. Stifles well angled. Hocks well let down and viewed from behind, stand square. Well boned down to feet.

Feet:

Neither too tight nor too round. Well padded with well arched toes. Nails strong. Dewclaws optional.

Tail:

In balance with the rest of the dog, set high and carried up from 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock, depending on attitude. The tail is strong at the butt; tapers to a point. Tail is well covered with hair, especially on underside where the hair is slightly longer. The tail should not be curled over the back.

Gait/Movement:

Free, long striding tireless movement. Good reach in front without high action. Good drive behind with no inclination to roll.

Coat:

Short, dense, hard and glossy. Weatherproof.

Colour:

Any recognised hound colour and markings. Usually with a white tip on the stern.

Sizes:

Height 48.26 to 53.34 cm. (19 to 21 inches)

Faults:

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Notes:

Males animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

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