Harrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison

Harrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed ComparisonHarrier is originated from United Kingdom but American Hairless Terrier is originated from United States. Both Harrier and American Hairless Terrier are having almost same height. Harrier may weigh 15 kg / 34 pounds more than American Hairless Terrier. Both Harrier and American Hairless Terrier has same life span. Both Harrier and American Hairless Terrier has almost same litter size. Harrier requires Moderate maintenance. But American Hairless Terrier requires Low maintenance

History

harrier - historyDeveloped in Great Britain, the Harrier is another hunting dog – a hound that primarily hunts hares and small prey. The breed itself is medium sized - smaller than an English Foxhound and larger than a Beagle. Although the definitive origins of the Harrier are not set, it is believed that he is a cross of the Basset Hound, Talbot Hound and Bloodhound. Others believe the breed is a cross of the Greyhound and the English Foxhound. The Harrier looks like a smaller version of the English Foxhound.

The Harrier is a pack dog and in 1260, Sir Elias de Midhope established the first pack in England. From there the breed spread to Wales and Western England, most used in Ireland where they hunt fox as well as hares. However, hunting hares is the specialty of the breed and even gave the breed its name. In 1885 they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in the Hound Group. Yet despite this and despite the number of Harriers working in England, they are not recognized by the UKC.

american hairless terrier - historyDerived from the Rat Terrier, the American Hairless Terrier was born in a litter of Rat Terriers in 1972.

The evolution of this breed is very different from other hairless breeds. The American Hairless Terrier was independently developed when a hairless pup was produced in a litter of normal Rat Terriers. The owners of this pup, Edwin and Willie Scott attempted to breed her to other Rat terriers but were not successful in having another hairless pup until years later. Then they had a litter with one male and one female hairless puppy.

From that point on they worked with a veterinarian and a geneticist to develop the breed until it was accepted as a separate breed from the Rat Terrier in 2004 and accepted into the AKC in 2016.

The breed is very rare and with hairless dogs breeding only produces about two thirds of the litter as hairless and one third as coated. If a hairless is bred to a coated terrier, the chances of getting hairless puppies are 50% hairless and 50% coated. It is very rare to get a hairless when breed two coated terriers. The difference between the American Hairless Terrier and other hairless breeds is that the hairless gene in most breed is a lethal dominant gene, but in the AHT it is a recessive gene.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
48 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
18 - 45 cm
7 - 18 inches
Height Female:
45 - 48 cm
17 - 19 inches
16 - 40 cm
6 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
3 - 12 kg
6 - 27 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
2 - 10 kg
4 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 4
3 - 5
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Harehound
AHT, American Hairless Rat Terrier
Colors Available:
black, but a few come in an unusual mottled blue pattern. , white and tan
variety of colors and patterns (blue, black, brown, pink, sable and tan) with white
Coat:
short, glossy coat
hairless, coated variety has a short dense coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Lively, Loving, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Lively, Loving, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

harrier puppy - descriptionThe Harrier is a typical hound dog much like the English Foxhound. The breed is a little smaller than the Foxhound but is muscular and large boned like his cousin. They have short hard hair that sheds and ears that hang. The Harrier is a large boned breed built for strength and stamina in the race with hares. They have broad skulls, strong muzzles, with hazel or brown eyes. They also have a black, wide nose and a high, medium length tail.

They say he has a ‘courtly grin’ on an expressive face. Being pack dogs, they must be sturdy, able to cover any type of terrain, for as long as the hare runs. It is critical that their scenting and running tools are exceptional. He is blue or yellow-pied. His feet are cat like and the chest is dropped low. He is an extremely well-proportioned dog

american hairless terrier puppy - descriptionThe American Hairless Terrier is similar to it’s breed of origin, the Rat Terrier, and the coated AHT looks very much like a Rat Terrier. They are small to medium in size, very muscular and have more refined features than the Rat Terrier. Their round eyes can be a variety of colors including amber, brown, grey, turquoise and blue. The tail is not docked but rather long and thin.

The AHT might have eyebrows and whiskers or they might only have whiskers. Their head is broad, and wedge shaped with upright ears. They are an energetic, social and intelligent dog.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

harrier dog - characteristicsYes, they are good with children but are very rambunctious and should be supervised with young children.

Special talents

Scenting ability and wonderful personality

Adaptability

This breed is very adaptable as long as it gets enough exercise. He can live in the country or she can live in the city with an outlet for exercise.

Learning ability

Smart but stubborn at times. Therefore, his learning ability is moderate.

american hairless terrier dog - characteristicsThis is a curious, intelligent, little dog. They are terrific family dogs with a note to say they are better with older children than with younger. If they are raised with small children, then they are terrific with them. They are territorial, and the children become part of their territory. They will guard and protect them.

They need to play, and this is the biggest requirement for owners. Be sure you have time for them. This is not a couch potato dog. They have a lot of energy and can be destructive and “barky” if that energy is not dissipated. They are terriers through and through and love to “go to ground” whether going in holes they find or digging the holes themselves. They will go after small rodents like chipmunks. They need to be protected in these activities since their skin is vulnerable to scratches and cuts from brush. Their prey drive is strong, so it is important to protect them from themselves in this respect.

They are curious and feisty and every inch the terrier. Affectionate, friendly, and social it is also important to remember they can be scared easily, hurt if play is too rough, and this will trigger barking. They make very good watch dogs.

Health Problems

Health Problems

harrier puppies - health problemsIt seems the only real health issue other than hunting accidents or foot and toe incidents due to hunting.is:

Hip Dysplasia

This abnormality in the hip socket can cause arthritis and lameness that is very painful. This is the most severe form. The Harrier can have a milder form that does not progress to this level. Hip dysplasia has a genetic component, but the environment plays a role as well and active hunting dogs are especially prone to this.

Ear Infections

Floppy ears that hang down are always susceptible to ear infections. Check them often and clean them at least weekly.

american hairless terrier puppies - health problemsThere are not many health problems bothering this sturdy little dog.

The American Hairless Terrier has limited breeding stock and it is still a rare breed. Its health problems are mostly related to its hairless state. The breed is highly susceptible to sunburn, rashes, pimples, and allergies. They often need clothing in all seasons to protect them from the heat of the sun or from the cold. The skin must be cleaned regularly often daily with soap and water. This is especially true if sunscreen is used as they are open to skin infections.

Hip dysplasia is also a common issue for this small breed.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

harrier dogs - caringFeed a high nutrition puppy food dry food made for an energetic breed. Feed 3 times a day ½-3/4 cup each time.

Feeding the adult

Again feed a high nutrition adult food for an active breed. Feed twice a day 1-11/2 cups each time.

Points for Good Health

Outstanding health unless in a hunting accident.

Games and Exercises

The Harrier is an energetic, hunting breed that needs a lot of exercise on a daily basis. Long walks and jogging or running is good for the Harrier. If they are not working, hunting dogs they need more exercise. A fenced yard for playing is good. If this intense breed does not get enough exercise and mental stimulation, he needs there could be issues with destructive behavior and obesity. Flyball, tracking, agility, coursing, rally and hunting are great activities for this breed of dog. In addition, they are pack animals and do better in a family that has more than one dog.

american hairless terrier dogs - caringThe American Hairless Terrier has some food needs that might be different from other breeds. They should not be given food that contains soy, wheat or corn. They need to be fed at least 3-4 times a day in small amounts as puppies and twice a day as adult. Be sure to avoid overeating and obesity. Puppies need about 400 calories a day whether you feed four times or two times. The adult American Hairless Terrier needs about 500-600 calories per day. This might be half a cup to a cup per day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the American Hairless Terrier has skin health issues and is also prone to hip dysplasia.

Exercise and games

This is a great breed for games if you make them small to match his size. He is energetic, athletic and playful. He loves agility, lure chasing and barn hunt activities. They need a good half hour of vigorous exercise per day.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Boston Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Jack Russell Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Miniature Schnauzer vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Cairn Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Border Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Rat Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Scottish Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Patterdale Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. American Hairless Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. American Hairless Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Bull Terrier Miniature vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Norwich Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Norfolk Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. English White Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Parson Russell Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Russell Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Feist vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Manchester Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Fox Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Cesky Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Schnorkie vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Sealyham Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Chilean Fox Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Pharaoh Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Hungarian Vizsla vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Redbone Coonhound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Elkhound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Santal Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Podenco Canario vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Podenco Andaluz vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Podenco Galego vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Kanni vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Lithuanian Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Hungarian Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Hygenhund vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Norrbottenspets vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Polish Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Russian Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Sabueso Espanol vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Schillerstovare vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Schweizer Laufhund vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Serbian Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Silken Windhound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Smalandsstovare vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Harrier vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds