Harrier vs Toy Fox 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
Toy Fox Terrier
Toy 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.
Toy Fox Terrier Overview
Toy Fox Terriers embody elegance and agility in a compact frame, featuring a distinctive V-shaped head, erect ears, and a sleek, muscular body. Their short, smooth coat comes primarily in tricolor or white with black and tan markings. Alert and spirited, these diminutive terriers combine the refined grace of a toy breed with the bold, fearless nature of their terrier heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Harriers are more energetic than Toy Fox Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Harriers require less grooming attention compared to Toy Fox Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Harriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Toy Fox Terriers.
- Trainability: Harriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Harrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Toy Fox 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 Toy Fox Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Harrier | Toy Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Harrier | Toy Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm | 9-12 inches 22-29 cm |
| Weight | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg | 3-7 lbs 2-3 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Harrier | Toy Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented | Friendly, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Harrier | Toy Fox 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.
Toy Fox Terrier Temperament
The Toy Fox Terrier is characterized by being friendly, alert, intelligent, 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 Toy Fox 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
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Harrier
Rating: 3/5
Toy Fox 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.
Toy Fox Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Toy Fox 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 medium coat coat, Toy Fox 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
Toy Fox Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Von Willebrand's
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Heart Murmurs
- Lens Luxation
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
Toy Fox Terrier
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Low maintenance grooming
- Good for apartment living
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- May be yappy
- Prone to dental issues
- Not ideal with very young children
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Harrier and Toy Fox Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.