Your guide to finding and caring for a Harrier in Bowling Green
Adopt a Harrier today
While we don't have enough dogs near Bowling Green, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.
The Harrier is an English pack hound developed to hunt hares by trailing their scent, with packs recorded as early as the 1200s. In size it sits between the Beagle and the English Foxhound, which it closely resembles. Harriers reached America in colonial times, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885, though it remains one of the rarest AKC breeds.
A Harrier is a muscular, athletic hound with a short, hard coat, low-set ears and a sweet expression, often in tricolor or lemon and white. Many are cheerful, sociable and gentle with children and other dogs, reflecting generations of pack life. They also have stamina, an independent streak and a nose that can lead them astray, so daily exercise, secure fencing and patient training matter.
Having a Harrier in Bowling Green
Harriers combine a pack hound's sociable warmth with the stamina and nose of a dog bred to trail hares all day. Their exercise needs, vocal tendencies and independent streak matter most when deciding whether one suits your household.
Harriers tend to be outgoing, sweet-tempered and tolerant, and many enjoy children and other dogs. Pack hounds like company, so long hours alone can lead to howling or mischief. They can be stubborn, especially once a scent catches their interest, and training takes patience and rewards. Small pets other than dogs need supervision unless the hound grew up with them.
A Harrier was bred to run for hours, so most need long, vigorous daily walks, runs or hikes. Because a scent can override recall, exercise belongs on leash or in securely fenced areas. Tracking, scent games and other dog sports give the nose real work. Under-exercised Harriers often become restless, vocal or destructive.
Harriers are generally healthy hounds, but hip dysplasia occurs and some eye conditions have been reported. Their hanging ears can trap moisture, so weekly ear checks help prevent infections. Many gain weight readily if fed generously. Keep the dog lean and schedule regular veterinary checkups.
A Harrier is happiest in a house with a securely fenced yard and active people, though a committed owner can manage apartment life with enough exercise. Its baying voice can be an issue with close neighbors. Harriers prefer living indoors with their family and enjoy having another dog for company.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption fee | $150, one time | $150 in year one |
| Food | $35 to $70 per month | $420 to $840 |
| Pet insurance | $45 to $85 per month | $540 to $1,020 |
| Routine vet care | $225 to $450 per year | $225 to $450 |
| Other* | $440 to $1,190 per year | $440 to $1,190 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,625 to $3,500 | |
| First-year total (with adoption fee) | $1,775 to $3,650 | |
Adoption fee is the fee on Harrier listings in Bowling Green on GetBuddy today. Other costs are national averages for Harriers; we don't have costs specific to Bowling Green yet.
* Flea, tick and heartworm prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, a dog license, toys and bedding, and basic brushing and ear care for a short coat; license fees vary by city.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below currently have Harriers available.
Here are the rescues & shelters in the Bowling Green area where you can find Harriers and other dogs available for adoption.
A Harrier is a medium-sized English scent hound bred to hunt hares in packs, standing about 19 to 21 inches tall and weighing 45 to 60 pounds. It looks like a larger, more muscular Beagle or a smaller English Foxhound. Harriers tend to be friendly, cheerful and good with other dogs, but they need plenty of exercise and can be stubborn.
We have 1 rescue with Harriers available: Wood County Humane Society. You can see every rescue with Harriers available in the list above these questions, or scroll to the top to see the Harriers near Bowling Green.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other dogs available for adoption in Bowling Green.
