12 Things to Know Before Getting a Beagle Harrier

Wondering what’s a Beagle Harrier? 

It is a unique combination between a Beagle and a Harrier dog that has been gaining popularity among dog lovers around the world. They are canines that were initially bred in France. 

Before considering taking this dog home, you should know several things about this breed. 

Here are 12 things to consider whether this pup is a fit for you!

They were initially bred for hunting.

As mentioned above, this breed combines two hunting breeds, naturally inheriting its hunting abilities. In fact, they are known to have excellent scent and tracking abilities.

Because of their strong hunting instinct, so it's essential to keep them on a leash or in a secure, fenced area when you are outside. This is so you can control them when their instinct kicks in, and they follow their nose and wander to an exciting scent.

They are medium-sized dogs.

Beagle Harriers are medium-sized dogs, standing between 18 and 20 inches tall and weighing 40 to 60 pounds. 

Beagle Harriers are excellent family pets.

Beagle Harriers are friendly, playful, and outgoing dogs that make excellent family pets. These canines love to be around their people and other dogs.

Beagle Harriers thrive best on the attention and affection of their owners, and they are the happiest when they are included in family activities. 

They require plenty of exercises.

Because of their hunting background, the Beagle Harriers are active and energetic dogs requiring plenty of exercises and mental stimulation. They enjoy outdoor activities and are best suited for active individuals or families.

To keep them healthy and happy, they need a minimum of one hour of daily exercise at the very least. If Beagle Harriers don't receive enough exercise, they may become bored and develop destructive behavior. 

These dogs can be stubborn during training.

Beagle Harriers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. They also respond well to positive reinforcement and can excel in obedience training. Sometimes, they can also be stubborn, so you need to be consistent and patient in training.

Because Beagle Harriers have a strong sense of smell, they might get easily distracted by scents, mainly when they are outside. As such, I recommend you start training them in a safe, enclosed area before allowing them off-leash in open spaces.

As with any breed, socialization is also essential to their training. Beagle Harriers should be exposed to different people, animals, and environments from a young age to prevent fear or aggression. 

You must also make training sessions short to avoid overwhelming your Beagle Harriers.  

They generally get along well with children and other pets.

These canines are generally good with children and other pets. However, it is still necessary that you supervise interactions between Beagle Harriers and young children since accidents can happen. 

You must teach your kids how to interact with your dogs properly. Tell them not to pull on the dog’s tails or ears and give it space when it's eating, sleeping, or resting.

Beagle Harriers also tend to get along with other pets if they are socialized with them from a young age. However, like any breed, it's important to introduce them slowly and carefully to new animals to prevent aggressive behavior from both animals. 

Beagle Harriers require minimal grooming.

Beagle Harriers have short, dense fur that requires minimal grooming. I recommend brushing them once a week to remove loose fur and prevent matting and tangling. They also require regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing.

They are generally healthy.

Beagle Harriers are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. But they are also prone to certain health conditions common to many breeds. This includes hip dysplasia, ear infections, and obesity.

Portion control and regular exercise are crucial in preventing obesity. Regular ear cleaning can help prevent infections and other ear-related health problems in your Beagle Harrier. 

These dogs require a balanced diet.

Beagle Harriers require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health and energy levels. These dogs thrive on high-quality food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Treats should be given in moderation to avoid overfeeding.

They are adaptable dogs.

Beagle Harriers are adaptable dogs that can live in various environments, including apartments and houses with yards. However, they require daily exercise and stimulation and do best in homes with active families or individuals.

They are prone to having separation anxiety.

Beagle Harriers may become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods, so they do best in households where someone is at home most of the day. 

Beagle Harriers are vocal dogs.

Beagle Harriers are vocal dogs known for their loud barks and howls. They use it to communicate while hunting to alert you of potential prey. You should be prepared to manage these dogs' barking and howling behavior, especially if you are in an apartment.

Beagle Harrier is a lovable and energetic breed that makes great companions for families and individuals. By understanding the above, you can make an informed decision and ensure your new pet fits your lifestyle and home!