Harrier is originated from United Kingdom but Coonhound is originated from United States. Harrier may grow 19 cm / 7 inches shorter than Coonhound. Harrier may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than Coonhound. Harrier may live 4 years more than Coonhound. Harrier may have less litter size than Coonhound. Harrier requires Moderate maintenance. But Coonhound requires Low maintenance
Developed 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.
The Coonhound, hailing from the United States of America, is a scenthound or hunting dog of which there are 6 distinct breeds which are recognized by the United Kennel Club.
Because foxhounds were regarded as inadequate for hunting, people started looking at the developlent of other hounds who had a keen sense of smell and the ability to track and animal effectively and without necessarily a human commanding it.
Foundation dogs were selected because of their keen sense of smell and Bloodhounds were also added to the Coonhound line to provide the Coonhound with superb tracking skills. Its precise origins are unknown but it is believed that many of the European hunting hounds were involved in its development as well as the Kerry Beagle and the FrenchBleu Gascogne hounds.
It was in 1912 that the first Black and Tans were registered with the United Kennel Club. In 1945 the American Kennel followed.
The 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
Known also as the Black and Tan Coonhound, the Coonhound is a medium to large dog weighing 23–34kg and standing at 53-69cm. He makes an exceptional pet.
He has a short, dense coat of black and tan in color with tan markings around the muzzle. He has long, floppy ears and a long tail. With his long, strong, muscled legs he is able to pick up speed when on the hunt. He is known for his deep, booming bark.
The Coonhound isn’t as jaunty as some other dog breeds but he is social, playful and friendly. He is even tempered and sensitive, and you’ll know when you’ve hurt his feelings as he gets a look about him of utter misery.
He definitely isn’t suited to apartment living and being left on his own, and is therefore not suited to an owner who works all day and leaves him on his own. They just love human companionship, and enjoy taking part in all the activities of their owner's life.
Early training and socialization will be necessary to ensure he grows up calm, obedient, relaxed and confident. When he has been socialized he makes an excellent family pet, getting on well with children as well as with other pets in the home.
Yes, they are good with children but are very rambunctious and should be supervised with young children.
Scenting ability and wonderful personality
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.
Smart but stubborn at times. Therefore, his learning ability is moderate.
The Coonhound is often described as a carefree, happy-go-lucky type of dog breed who is social and who just loves to spend time with his human family.
They just love their human family, and are full of mischievous tricks, being amusing and entertaining for the family.
He is a playful, gentle dog and he seems to keep his puppy nature much longer than with other dog breeds, but this is part of his appealing nature. He isn't a dog breed for everyone as some dog owners might want a more serious breed, but when trained and socialized, he promises to turn out to be an adored family pet.
It seems the only real health issue other than hunting accidents or foot and toe incidents due to hunting.is:
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.
Floppy ears that hang down are always susceptible to ear infections. Check them often and clean them at least weekly.
Coonhounds usually enjoy very good health, but they can still suffer with any one of the more common dog illnesses there are. They’ve got long ears so they are more prone to ear infections. Also, hip dysplasia has been recorded too.
It is why so many breeders opt to have their dogs certified by the Orthopedic Foundation of America.
Ear infections in dogs with long ears are common and most dogs who suffer with an ear infection will scratch at the ears and shake their heads. There can also be redness in the ear.
Mites, bacteria and yeast are all common problems, and your veterinarian can treat it and show you how to clean the dog’s ears to keep them free from infection in the future.
Feed a high nutrition puppy food dry food made for an energetic breed. Feed 3 times a day ½-3/4 cup each time.
Again feed a high nutrition adult food for an active breed. Feed twice a day 1-11/2 cups each time.
Outstanding health unless in a hunting accident.
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.
Your Coonhound will want a lot of exercise. While you keep him on a leash when walking him or allowing him to run while you cycle, he’ll also want a place where he can run off the leash.
Even though the Coonhound is a short haired dog, he does shed. Making use of a rubber curry brush, brush him down twice a week to maintain his beautiful black, velvety coat.
Because he is an athletic outdoor dog, he may be more prone to picking up ticks and fleas and there are excellent shampoos available that keep these parasites at bay for a good many days.