Beagle-Harrier
- Height at the withers
- 45 to 50 cm
- Weight
- 18 to 22 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 6 · Scent hounds
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A medium-sized scent hound, well built and balanced, with a tricolor or gray tricolor coat, the Beagle-Harrier takes after both the Beagle and the Harrier it descends from. A tireless hunter with a resonant voice, it hunts hare in a pack or a small group, but also roe deer, fox or wild boar; it is above all a hunting dog, and rarely kept as a companion.
History and origins
Despite its two British ancestors, the Beagle-Harrier is a French breed: it was created in the late 19th century by crossing the Beagle and the Harrier, a creation often credited to Baron Gérard, who wanted a dog halfway between the two. Long little known, it is recognized by the FCI (standard no. 290, revised in 2023). With 440 LOF registrations in 2025, it is one of the medium-sized scent hounds well established among French hunters, but it remains little known to the general public.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Ear infections
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Hunting injuries and tick-borne diseases
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care. Coat colors: tricolor (fawn with a black mantle, and white), gray tricolor, white and gray.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very high, 5 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Very vocal, 5 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Beagle-Harrier FAQ
How big does the Beagle-Harrier get?
The Beagle-Harrier stands 45 to 50 cm at the withers and weighs 18 to 22 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Beagle-Harrier shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Beagle-Harrier live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Beagle-Harrier need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Beagle-Harrier good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Beagle-Harrier live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are ear infections and hip dysplasia.
