The Beagle Harrier Dog Breed

The beagle harrier dog breed was created in the 18th century by a Frenchman who crossed two English breeds, the beagle and the harrier. The aim was to have a hunting dog like the beagle but bigger.

From the beagle he inherited vivacity and passion, while from the harrier he inherited sharp intelligence, an infallible sense of smell and physical endurance.

It was the French Baron Gerard Grandin de l'Eprevier who set the characteristics of this breed. He is considered by many enthusiasts to be the creator of the breed. The creation of this breed was a long selection process in which illustrious French cynophiles, including Paul Daubigné, had participated.

The initial intention of bringing together in one breed the Beagle's olfactory characteristics and aptitude for hunting and a superior size gave rise to a breed that is well known in France, but almost unknown in the rest of the world.

Like many other European hounds, the Beagle-harrier population suffered a dramatic demographic collapse during the World Wars, although it was no more affected than others.

This animal is at its best when hunting hare and wild boar. In Italy, some can be found in the Po Valley, mainly used for hunting wild boar; it is a hardy and rustic dog that adapts well to all types of terrain and also to different climatic conditions. When hunting, it performs best in a moult.

Character of the beagle harrier dog breed

The beagle harrier is primarily a hunting dog, so it has an inexhaustible energy, which it must give off every day. It is therefore not suitable for sedentary, lazy or elderly people. It is very attached to its master to whom it is loyal and faithful, of incredible intelligence and perfectly able to understand commands. Very tonic dog and tireless walker.

It feels at ease in all types of terrain and wild places. Its ideal owner is therefore a hunter, but failing that, an athletic person who does a lot of exercise. He loves to receive cuddles, which he can also insistently demand especially from his adoring owner.

All the beagle harrier wants is to be in the company of his family, also because this dog suffers from separation anxiety, so it is good not to leave him alone for too long. If forced not to see anyone for several hours, he may also behave destructively towards the home furnishings.

He is a dog accustomed to working in a pack, so he appreciates the proximity of another dog, and perhaps even a cat, provided they have grown up together, otherwise he might see him as prey.

His intelligence, loyalty and willingness to obey orders make him easily trainable. He is therefore also suitable for those who are new to dogs. Lovable and alert, he never shows aggression or shyness.

With children he is patient, gentle, sociable and loves to play. With strangers it is neither aggressive nor distrustful, it tends to make friends immediately, which is why it is by no means a good watchdog, although it will bark a lot if it hears something out of the ordinary, so it may perhaps alert.

It is not strictly a flat dog, although it can adapt to this; a secure garden is ideal for this dog, which likes to be outdoors a lot, but watch out for escape routes, if it smells an interesting trail, its whole hunter aspect comes out and it tends to follow the trail it has heard.

Appearance of the beagle harrier breed

The beagle harrier is a medium-sized dog, the height at withers ranges from 45 to 50 centimetres for a weight of 20 to 25 kilograms, the female usually a little less. The beagle harrier is equal to both the beagle and the harrier apart from size. Harmonious, well balanced and distinguished. Its general appearance is solid, energetic, strong and vigorous. It is lighter than the classic beagle, but larger.

Morphologically it is a Braccoid type dog, with well-developed musculature throughout the body. The shoulders are elongated and oblique, the neck slightly arched and very mobile, the limbs are adapted to all types of terrain and give it a marked agility and a loose gait. The tail is strong, of medium length and attached high.

The head has a rather large and fairly broad skull. The muzzle has a not particularly accentuated stop and is the same length as the skull. Its shape can be described as sharp and ends in a well-developed black truffle. The ears are of medium length and width, and fall close to the cheeks. The eyes are dark brown or hazel, rather large, neither sunken nor protruding; well spaced out, with a mild and appealing expression.

The coat of the beagle harrier is flat, thick and not too short. It is very similar to that of the beagle, and follows tricolour patterns with black, white and orange-brown.

Health and care of the beagle harrier dog species

There is no known disease typical of the breed, provided the dog is well maintained and properly vaccinated. In general, it is a relatively healthy breed. It has a life expectancy of about 11 years. It withstands both heat and cold well, but not extremes.

As far as coat care is concerned, it is sufficient to brush it occasionally, check it often for ticks or fleas. For feeding there are no problems, a balanced diet and plenty of exercise are the two important things.