Working Kelpie vs Harrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Working Kelpie
Foundation Stock Service
Harrier
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Working Kelpie Overview
Working Kelpies are agile, medium-sized herding dogs with a distinctive athletic build and alert expression. Their muscular frame supports tireless work ethic, while their weather-resistant double coat comes in various colors. Sharp intelligence and intense focus characterize their demeanor, complemented by pricked ears and keen eyes that showcase their constant readiness for action.
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: Working Kelpies are less energetic than Harriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Working Kelpies require less grooming attention compared to Harriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Working Kelpies tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Harriers.
- Trainability: Harriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Harrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Harriers adapt better to apartment living, while Working Kelpies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Working Kelpie and Harrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-25 inches 48-64 cm | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm |
| Weight | 28-60 lbs 13-27 kg | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Eager, Intelligent | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Working Kelpie Temperament
The Working Kelpie is known for being alert, eager, intelligent, 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 Working Kelpie 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
Working Kelpie
Rating: 5/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Working Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Working Kelpie
Rating: 4/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Working Kelpie
Rating: 1/5
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Working Kelpie
Rating: 2/5
Harrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Working Kelpie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Working Kelpies 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, Working Kelpies 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
Working Kelpie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Cryptorchidism
Harrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
Pros & Cons
Working Kelpie
Pros
- Exceptional working ability
- High intelligence
- Strong endurance
- Loyal companion
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Extremely high exercise needs
- Can be too intense for casual owners
- Strong herding instincts
- May be too energetic for small spaces
- Requires constant mental stimulation
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 Working Kelpie and Harrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.