Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Harrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Terrier Group
Harrier
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Overview
Staffordshire Bull Terriers showcase a muscular, compact build with distinctive broad heads and rose-shaped ears. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors, complementing their strong, athletic physique. Known for combining remarkable strength with agility, these terriers display a confident stance and move with determined grace. Their expressive eyes and characteristic 'Staffie smile' reflect their warm, affectionate nature.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Staffordshire Bull Terriers are less energetic than Harriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Staffordshire Bull Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Harriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Staffordshire Bull Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Harriers.
- Trainability: Harriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Harrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Harrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 14-16 inches 36-41 cm | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm |
| Weight | 24-38 lbs 11-17 kg | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Clever, Brave, Tenacious | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Temperament
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known for being clever, brave, tenacious, 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.
Harrier Temperament
The Harrier is characterized by being friendly, outgoing, people-oriented, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Harrier, 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
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Harrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Staffordshire Bull Terriers 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, Staffordshire Bull Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Harrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Harriers 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, Harriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- L-2-HGA
- Cataracts
- Skin allergies
- Heart problems
Harrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
Pros & Cons
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and affectionate
- Good with children
- Low maintenance grooming
- Compact size
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- High exercise needs
- May be dog-aggressive
- Strong prey drive
- Not suitable for novice owners
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Harrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.