Harrier vs Boston Terrier
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
Boston Terrier
Non-Sporting 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.
Boston Terrier Overview
Boston Terriers feature a distinctive tuxedo-like coat pattern with a compact, muscular build and endearing round eyes. Their square head, short muzzle, and erect ears create an alert, intelligent expression. Standing 15-17 inches tall, these charming companions combine gentle affection with playful energy, making them delightful family pets known for their adaptable nature and amusing personality.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Harriers are more energetic than Boston Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Harriers require less grooming attention compared to Boston Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Harriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Boston Terriers.
- Trainability: Harriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Harrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Boston Terriers 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 Boston Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Harrier | Boston Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Harrier | Boston Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm | 15-17 inches 38-43 cm |
| Weight | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg | 12-25 lbs 5-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Harrier | Boston Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented | Friendly, Bright, Amusing |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Harrier | Boston Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Boston Terrier Temperament
The Boston Terrier is characterized by being friendly, bright, amusing, 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 moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Harrier and Boston Terrier, 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
Boston Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Boston Terrier
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Boston Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
Boston Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Harrier
Rating: 3/5
Boston Terrier
Rating: 3/5
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.
Boston Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Boston Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Boston Terriers 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
Boston Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Patellar Luxation
- Cataracts
- Cherry Eye
- Deafness
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
Boston Terrier
Pros
- Great with families
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
- Adaptable
- Friendly personality
Cons
- Breathing difficulties
- Heat sensitive
- Potential snoring
- Some stubbornness
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Harrier and Boston Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.