Beagle vs Harrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Beagle
Hound Group
Harrier
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Beagle Overview
Beagles captivate with their compact, muscular frames and expressive brown or hazel eyes. Their distinctive tri-colored coats combine white, black, and warm brown tones, complemented by long, velvety ears. These merry hounds possess remarkable scenting abilities, coupled with a gentle, determined nature that makes them exceptional family companions.
Harrier Overview
Harriers are medium-sized hounds with a muscular build and classic hunting dog appearance. Their short, dense coat comes in a variety of colors including tricolor and red and white. Distinguished by their long, dropped ears, broad muzzle, and powerful legs, Harriers possess remarkable stamina and agility. Their friendly expression and well-proportioned frame reflect their dual heritage as both pack hunters and family companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Beagles are less energetic than Harriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Beagles require more grooming attention compared to Harriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Beagles tend to be more reserved with strangers than Harriers.
- Trainability: Harriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Harrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Beagles adapt better to apartment living, while Harriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Beagle and Harrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Beagle | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Beagle | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm |
| Weight | 13-30 lbs 6-14 kg | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Beagle | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Curious, Merry | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Beagle | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Beagle Temperament
The Beagle is known for being friendly, curious, merry, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Harrier Temperament
The Harrier is characterized by being friendly, outgoing, people-oriented, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Beagle and Harrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Beagle
Rating: 5/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Beagle
Rating: 5/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Beagle
Rating: 4/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Beagle
Rating: 2/5
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Beagle
Rating: 4/5
Harrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Beagle Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Beagles require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Beagles require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Harrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Harriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Harriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Beagle Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Disk Disease
Harrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
Pros & Cons
Beagle
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Low grooming needs
- Friendly disposition
- Adaptable to various homes
Cons
- Strong hunting instincts
- Frequent barking
- Can be stubborn
- Escape artists
- Food motivated/prone to obesity
Harrier
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Athletic and energetic
- Social and friendly
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong hunting instincts
- Can be vocal
- Needs secure fencing
- Not apartment suitable
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Beagle and Harrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.