Beagle Harrier

History

The Beagle Harrier is a recent creation developed in France in the late nineteenth century by Baron Gérard. The breed is a cross between the Beagle and the Harrier and probably received blood from medium-sized breeds indigenous to southwestern France. Larger and faster than the Beagle, the Beagle Harrier is excellent in small game hunting (hare, fox, deer, and wild boar). Attempts by breeders to upset the balance in favor of the Beagle or the Harrier were unsuccessful. Today’s breeders have stabilized the breed, which is neither a large Beagle nor a small Harrier. The standard was officially registered with the FCI (Fédération cynologique internationale [International Cynological Federation]) in 1974 and is gaining popularity in France.The Beagle Harrier is hardy, vigorous, fast, agile, and courageous but less powerful than the Harrier. With his determination and keen sense of smell, he works well in packs and is not afraid to enter even the thickest brambles. This easygoing, straightforward dog is a pleasant companion.He needs space and exercise, as well as regular brushing. Function Hunting dog. Companion dog.

Standard

Description *** The Beagle Harrier is hardy, vigorous, fast, agile, and courageous but less powerful than the Harrier. With his determination and keen sense of smell, he works well in packs and is not afraid to enter even the thickest brambles. This easygoing, straightforward dog is a pleasant companion.

Advice *** He needs space and exercise, as well as regular brushing.

Head *** Moderately heavy. Fairly broad skull. Stop not pronounced. Bridge of nose straight. Tapering muzzle. Well-developed nose.

Ears *** Fairly short and medium-sized. Slightly folded in the mid-section. Hanging flat against the skull and turning slightly at the bottom edge.

Eyes *** Wide, dark in color.

Body *** Well-built. Neck open. Chest well let-down but not too flat. Abdomen fairly full, tuck-up never excessive. Short, level, muscular back. Heavy, muscular loin, may be slightly clean-flanked.

Tail *** Moderately long, fairly heavy.

Hair *** Not too short, fairly thick, flat.

Coat *** Tricolor (fawn to black and white): mantle not too pronounced. Pale to deep tan or smoky markings. There are grey Harriers and grey Tricolor Beagle Harriers.

Size *** 45 to 50 cm (15.7-19.7 in).

Weight *** Approx. 20 kg (44 lb).

Group *** Scendthounds and related breeds

Faults *** Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note*** Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.