Beagle Harrier – A Classic “Designer Dog”

As the name suggests, Beagle-Harriers are the result of crosses between Beagles and Harriers. They can almost only be found in their home country of France and are also considered rare there. The hounds and hounds are larger than Beagles but slightly more resilient than Harriers. They are suitable for hunting small game on horseback and are used almost exclusively as working dogs in hunting packs.

External Distinguishing Features of the Beagle Harrier

Like its direct ancestors, the Beagle Harrier corresponds to the typical European hunting dog type, which also includes the Basset Hound and the Foxhounds. The three-colored dogs with slightly drooping faces reach a height at the withers of between 45 and 50 cm. Ideal weight of 20 to 25 kg is given for both sexes.

Differences between similar dog breeds

• With a height at the withers of 33 to 40 cm, the Beagle is significantly smaller than the Beagle-Harrier.
• Harriers tend to be slightly taller and narrower than Beagle harriers. The head is also less massive.
• English Foxhounds and American Foxhounds are noticeably taller, narrower, and longer-legged.
• Basset Hounds also come with the typical tricolor coloring but are significantly smaller and shorter-legged than Beagles and Beagle-Harriers.

Beagle-Harrier Head to Tail: More Beagle or More Harrier?

• The head is broad and massive like the Beagle. The nose stop is not very pronounced and the muzzle is about as long as the skull. On the sides, the lips hang slightly over the corners of the mouth.
• The broad nose is noticeably large and the nostrils are wide open. All dogs have a black nose.
• The eyes also resemble the beagle rather than the harrier. They are rounded and framed in black. A dark brown iris is preferred in breeding, lighter brown also occurs.
• The ears are set just above the line of the eyes and reach over the cheeks. They are rounded at the tips.
• The body is compact with a relatively short back and strong loins. The ribs are well sprung and the lower profile line is not tucked up but rather straight.
• The Fore and hind legs are very strong, with long shoulders and thighs. The paws are short and rounded.
• The tail is sickle-shaped and covered with slightly longer hair than the rest of the body.

Fur and coloring of the Beagle-Harrier: Typical hunting dog

Like foxhounds and basset hounds, beagle harriers sport tri-colored coats. The basic color is fawn, with many dogs the white markings on the legs, on the belly, on the chest, on the muzzle, and on the tip of the tail predominate. On the back, the animals wear a more or less pronounced black or gray coat.

The Story of the Beagle Harrier: The Versatile Hound from France

Beagle-Harrier packs hunted alongside the rich and noble as early as the 14th century. In France, hunting on horseback was very popular in the upper class, so a beagle was needed that could also be led on horseback. The crossing of Beagle and Harrier led to the desired result: The Beagle-Harrier is suitable for hunting rabbits and other small wild animals and still works today as a scent hound for hounds.

A Long List of Relatives: The Origins of the Beagle Harrier

• Experts disagree as to whether the beagle is descended from the foxhound or the foxhound from the beagle.
• Bloodhounds are among the more distant ancestors of the Beagle-Harrier.
• Greyhounds may also have been crossed.
• In addition, a relationship to the extinct Talbot Hound has been demonstrated.

Nature and Character of the Beagle-Harrier: a Hound Remains a Hound

Unlike the beagle, the beagle harrier is still bred primarily for hunting. The dogs live and hunt in packs and are very independent. If they smell something interesting, they can hardly be dissuaded from their goal. Accustomed to living in large packs, they need plenty of exercises and social contact – when their needs are met, they are calm and even-tempered dogs who can go full throttle on command.

A real pack dog

• Beagle-Harriers need a group with clear structures around them. Active families or shared flats are a good environment for keeping a companion dog. Quiet loners are rather unsuitable as owners.
• He feels most comfortable when there is always something going on around him. They are excellently suited as second or third dogs and fit well into given hierarchies.
• The dogs tend to snuggle and will often defend their toys or other “seized” items.
• When playing, the dogs sometimes have to be put in their place. It is therefore not suitable as a playmate for small children.

The beagle harrier’s keen senses

Both the sense of smell and hearing of the Beagle-Harrier are very well developed. The dogs can literally hear through walls and sense a visitor long before the doorbell rings. Flats in busy inner cities are therefore not the right environment for the dogs. Life in the city is only possible if, as a pup, he gets to know all the ordinary charms of city life.

Are Beagle Harriers Really Hard to Train?

Unlike other hunting dogs and retrievers, pack dogs do not strictly follow their owner’s commands. The pack is released together and goes about its work independently. If the Beagle Terrier is kept as a companion dog, training is therefore quite difficult. Beginners should therefore look for another breed. However, as a dog owner with experience, you should have no problems educating your dog to be a calm and loving companion dog.