Harrier vs American English Coonhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Harrier
Hound Group
American English Coonhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
American English Coonhound Overview
American English Coonhounds possess a lean, muscular build with long, pendant ears and a sleek coat that can show various patterns. Standing proudly at 24-26 inches, these athletic hounds display remarkable endurance and agility. Their expressive eyes and noble carriage reflect their heritage as skilled hunting companions, while their balanced proportions and graceful movement exemplify the breed's athletic capabilities.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Harriers are more energetic than American English Coonhounds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Harriers require more grooming attention compared to American English Coonhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Harriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than American English Coonhounds.
- Trainability: American English Coonhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their American English Coonhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American English Coonhounds 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 Harrier and American English Coonhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Harrier | American English Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 11-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Harrier | American English Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm | 23-26 inches 58-66 cm |
| Weight | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg | 45-65 lbs 20-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Harrier | American English Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented | Sweet, Mellow, Sociable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Harrier | American English Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Harrier Temperament
The Harrier is known for being friendly, outgoing, people-oriented, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
American English Coonhound Temperament
The American English Coonhound is characterized by being sweet, mellow, sociable, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Harrier and American English Coonhound, 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
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Harrier
Rating: 3/5
American English Coonhound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Harrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Harriers 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, Harriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
American English Coonhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American English Coonhounds 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, American English Coonhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Harrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
American English Coonhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Infections
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
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
American English Coonhound
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Friendly and sociable
- Good with other dogs
- Athletic and enduring
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- Can be vocal
- Needs large space
- Independent nature
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Harrier and American English Coonhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.