Harrier vs Collie
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
Collie
Herding 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.
Collie Overview
Graceful and elegant, Collies possess a distinctive wedge-shaped head crowned by a refined muzzle and alert, almond-shaped eyes. Their double coat features a harsh outer layer and soft undercoat, coming in four recognized colors. Standing proudly with an air of intelligence and dignity, Collies exhibit a well-balanced body structure with deep chest and level topline, moving with smooth, effortless strides.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Harriers are more energetic than Collies, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Harriers require less grooming attention compared to Collies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Harriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Collies.
- Trainability: Harriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Harrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Collies 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 Collie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Harrier | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Harrier | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg | 50-75 lbs 23-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Harrier | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented | Devoted, Graceful, Proud |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Harrier | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Collie Temperament
The Collie is characterized by being devoted, graceful, proud, 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 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 Collie, 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
Collie
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Collie
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Collie
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
Collie
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Harrier
Rating: 3/5
Collie
Rating: 4/5
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.
Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Collies 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 medium coat coat, Collies require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Harrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- CEA
- PRA
- MDR1
- Bloat
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
Collie
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Loyal and protective
- Elegant appearance
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Sensitive personality
- Needs consistent exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Harrier and Collie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.