Beagle-Harrier: temperament, price, health, and breeders

As its name indicates, the Beagle-Harrier comes from the cross between the Beagle and the Harrier. The first attempts date back to the 18th century, but the breed was mainly established in the 19th century thanks to the work of Baron Gérard Grandin de l'Eprevier. Developed in France to obtain a hunting dog larger and faster than the Beagle, capable of keeping up with the pace of a hunt on horseback, it was definitively recognized by the FCI in 1972.

The Beagle-Harrier is a medium-sized scenthound, of medium build, robust and vigorous. It resembles the Beagle, but in larger proportions and with greater speed. Its coat is short, fairly dense and lying flat, most often tricolour fawn, black and white with tan markings more or less vivid. Its silhouette is solid, with a short and muscular back, a well let-down chest and straight limbs that support balanced and noble gaits.

The Beagle-Harrier is an alert, enthusiastic, affectionate and loyal dog. He is very attached to his owner, enjoys family life and retains a strong hunting instinct. Playful and curious, he generally gets along very well with children and cohabits easily with other dogs, notably because he worked in a pack for a long time.

On a daily basis, the Beagle-Harrier needs activity and sustained outings to remain balanced. He enjoys the home and family life, but he is not satisfied with walks that are too short. His nose, his energy and his taste for pursuit can push him to follow a trail with determination, which requires a consistent framework and regular exercise.

His training is generally accessible thanks to his attachment to humans and his good responsiveness to rewards. He can however show himself to be a bit stubborn if the sessions are repetitive or lack motivation. Serious socialization, recall worked on early, and positive and consistent training are important to channel his enthusiasm and his hunting instinct.

The purchase price of the Beagle-Harrier varies mainly depending on the origin of the bloodline, the quality of the breeding, the dog's intended purpose and the still rather limited availability of the breed. It is important to favor a reputable breeder who works on health, temperament and socialization.

The Beagle-Harrier is an overall robust and resilient dog. It tolerates climatic variations quite well and generally shows good overall sturdiness, provided it benefits from an active lifestyle, regular veterinary follow-up and well-controlled weight.

The Beagle-Harrier needs a complete and well-balanced diet, adapted to its age, its size and above all its activity level. A hunting or sporting dog will not have the same needs as an individual living mainly as a companion.

The Beagle-Harrier remains a relatively rare breed outside France. Created to bring together the qualities of the Beagle and the Harrier, it was designed as a scenthound capable of combining endurance, speed and pack life.