Harrier vs Miniature Bull 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
Miniature Bull Terrier
Terrier 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.
Miniature Bull Terrier Overview
Miniature Bull Terriers possess a distinctive egg-shaped head and muscular build, packed into a compact frame. Their gleaming white coat and mischievous expression reflect their playful nature. Standing 10-14 inches tall, these sturdy terriers combine strength with agility, featuring erect ears, small triangular eyes, and a well-proportioned body that exemplifies power and grace.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Harriers are more energetic than Miniature Bull Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Harriers require more grooming attention compared to Miniature Bull Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Harriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Miniature Bull Terriers.
- Trainability: Miniature Bull Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Miniature Bull Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Miniature Bull 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 Miniature Bull Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Harrier | Miniature Bull Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Harrier | Miniature Bull Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm | 10-14 inches 25-36 cm |
| Weight | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg | 18-28 lbs 8-13 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Harrier | Miniature Bull Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented | Upbeat, Mischievous, Comical |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Harrier | Miniature Bull 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.
Miniature Bull Terrier Temperament
The Miniature Bull Terrier is characterized by being upbeat, mischievous, comical, 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 Miniature Bull 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
Miniature Bull Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Miniature Bull Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Miniature Bull Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
Miniature Bull Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Harrier
Rating: 3/5
Miniature Bull Terrier
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.
Miniature Bull Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Miniature Bull Terriers 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, Miniature Bull 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
Miniature Bull Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart Issues
- Lens Luxation
- Deafness
- Kidney Disease
- Joint Problems
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
Miniature Bull Terrier
Pros
- Compact size
- Playful personality
- Low grooming needs
- Good with families
Cons
- Stubborn streak
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Health issues
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Harrier and Miniature Bull Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.