Care and maintenance
The Herder's coat can pose some maintenance challenges.
At the same time, the animals do not have any health problems; they do not have a genetic predisposition to diseases. Herder can live in an enclosure with a warm booth, although in severe frosts it is better to take him indoors. You cannot keep a dog of this breed constantly closed, because
she does not like loneliness; the owner and his family must pay attention to him. Dogs' nails are usually trimmed once a month. Brush teeth and check ears and eyes weekly
Nutrition
Herders are not prone to gastrointestinal problems, so any nutritious diet is suitable for them. This can be professional food or natural food with a lot of protein.
Natural food must necessarily contain:
- Meat, but only lean varieties (beef, lamb);
- By-products;
- Dairy products;
- Cereal products (porridge);
- Vegetables.
Since this is a fairly large breed, it is better to include vitamins with calcium for proper bone development.
A puppy of this breed needs to be fed 5-6 times a day, by six months you can reduce the number of meals to 3, and starting from 10 months and older, feed it twice a day. It is better to adhere to the feeding schedule and the food dosages indicated on the package, since according to the standard the dog should be light and muscular, and in the case of constant overfeeding it will be difficult to meet the requirements.
Health
This breed is very healthy. She has no genetic problems and is not prone to colds, allergies, or gastrointestinal diseases.
Vaccinations
Vaccination of Dutch Shepherds follows the standard schedule.
Vaccination can prevent your pet from contracting the following diseases:
- Coronavirus;
- Hepatitis;
- Plague;
- Rabies;
- Trichophytosis;
- Parainfluenza;
- Parovirus enteritis;
- Leptospirosis.
Vaccination is carried out using a complex drug. The grafting intervals are as follows:
- 7-8 weeks – vaccination with DHPPiL;
- 12 weeks – vaccination with DHPPiL + R;
After each vaccination, puppies must be quarantined for 14 days, during which the baby cannot go outside. At this time, you need to carefully monitor your pet’s condition; if the temperature rises or other ailments occur, it is better to visit a veterinarian.
Adult dogs are vaccinated once a year; quarantine is not required.
Diseases
The health of the breed is excellent, thanks to centuries of work in difficult conditions and the lack of selection for external parameters.
If the owner notices that the dog has stiff movements, refuses to climb stairs, or wobbles in the lumbar region, then you should contact the clinic. The problem can lead to complete immobilization of the animal. Veterinarians advise at 15 months. Take an x-ray of all dogs so as not to miss the presence of pathology.
Walk
Dutch Shepherds require long, multi-hour walks. At this time, you will have to run with the dog, throw a frisbee to it, rollerblade or bike with it, and go hiking. You can also try dog obstacles, swimming, tug of war, and searching for objects and people.
Grooming
The coat of the Herderhunder has a thick undercoat. It is necessary to brush it at least once a week, and even more often for long-haired representatives. During shedding, it is better to use a furminator to avoid the presence of abundant fallen hair on furniture and clothes.
In case of contamination, it is better to wipe the desired area with a damp cloth. Wire-haired dogs need to be trimmed twice a year, that is, remove dead hairs by plucking.
Characteristics of dogs of the Harrier breed with reviews and photos
Rating: No rating
a brief description of
- Other names: Harrier, Hasenhund, Poor Man's Hound, English Hare Hound, Hasenhund, Harrier.
- Height: up to 53 cm at the withers.
- Weight: no more than 27 kg.
- Color: tricolor - black, white, red and tan, but black should not predominate.
- Coat: short, dense, shiny, hard to the touch.
- Life expectancy: up to 14 years.
- Advantages of the breed: the average size of the dogs allows them to be kept in city conditions. Gambling and curious, the animals are endowed with unsurpassed hunting qualities. In addition, dogs have a pleasant voice and good mental abilities.
- Difficulties: excessive curiosity, as well as excessive independence and independence pushes dogs to run away from home. But dogs always return to their owner. If there is a lack of attention, they damage the interior items and clothes of the owners. Pets kept in an apartment require a very long walk.
- Price: $500.
Origin story
Throughout its long history of existence, Harrier dogs have never achieved a high level of popularity. Animals are not recognized even in their homeland - Foggy Albion, despite the fact that back in the 13th century, poor people hunted foxes and hares with harriers. This breed was called in those days - the parahound of the poor people, the poor man.
Only at the beginning of the 18th century did the aristocracy pay attention to the breeds. Having the opportunity to keep dogs in packs, hunting drives were organized with baiting of wild boar or other large wild animals, which were found in abundance in the mountainous areas of the British Empire.
Purpose of the breed
The breed is little known outside of England. Only in a few European countries are these wonderful hunters used for their intended purpose. As for the American continent, here they know about the breed only by hearsay. The thing is that American farmers have a very different idea of catching foxes and coyotes compared to European views of how dogs should behave when hunting, and they have many of their own breeds for this purpose.
Harriers today in the canine community are perceived as a slowly fading breed of once glorious working dogs.
Character
The dogs have a true hunting character. They are hardy enough to pursue prey for a long time and tirelessly in the mountains or over rough terrain. Animals have an excellent sense of smell, and they are able to work on a blood trail, but not on a cold trail.
When kept at home, these are calm and balanced individuals if they are given a significant amount of time and communication.
Dogs need a long walk with sufficient physical activity, otherwise dogs, especially young ones, can cause extensive damage to the interior. Pets have a friendly disposition, perceiving everyone they meet as a friend.
They are great friends with each other, as they were bred to hunt in packs. While remaining a devoted friend to humans, animals still prefer each other’s company.
Video review of the breed
The video, shot by British fans of the breed, briefly presents information about the main differences between Harrier dogs from beagles and beagle harriers. The operators tried to maximally reveal the character, disposition and temperament of the dogs in just a few minutes of airtime:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXuvuqeCgCo
Choosing a puppy
When purchasing a baby harrier, you should rely on the rules for choosing any hunting breed. The main thing is that the puppy is healthy and active. He must have clean eyes, ears and skin. The dog should not have an unpleasant odor. The puppy must be sufficiently well-fed and without signs of rickets - bloating.
But in some cases, a bloated stomach indicates the presence of worms in the digestive tract. Therefore, it is important to obtain information from the breeder whether the bitch was dewormed before mating, and the puppies before vaccinations.
The veterinary passport - a mandatory document when purchasing a puppy - must contain the dates of vaccinations. If you purchase a grown-up puppy, there must be a sign of vaccination against rabies.
It is also necessary to decide whether the puppy is trained to go to the toilet in a diaper, or whether he should be immediately accustomed to walking outside, which can sometimes be problematic, especially during the quarantine period.
To verify the breed's qualities and know what the puppy will look like when it grows up, you need to get to know the parents of the litter.
The kennel owner must provide health certificates for the mother and father and provide full recommendations on raising the puppy. Before moving, it is advisable to measure the puppy’s body temperature.
Nicknames and names
Pedigree puppies are given official nicknames at birth. Pet names that do not appear in club reports can be given by the owners themselves as soon as the puppy gets to its new home. The names given are simple and sophisticated, sometimes related to the breed's homeland. Names can be given historical or consonant with the names of English geographical places or cities:
- names for males - Nice, Rich, Fox, Volt, Barney, Oscar, Shine;
- Nicknames for females : Zhuzha, Mona, Busya, Daphne, Malta, Patricia, Peggy.
Care and maintenance
As noted, when keeping harriers in apartments, difficulties of a certain order may arise. It’s another matter if the puppy is purchased for private ownership. But this does not mean that the dog will not need a walk. Firstly, the dog needs to be socialized in a timely manner, and secondly, it needs good physical activity.
Short-haired dogs do not need any specific care or frequent bathing using detergents and cosmetics.
The animal's fur is combed out at ten-day intervals. But even during the molting period, dogs are combed no more than once a week, since the shedding of dead hair is low-intensity.
But the eyes and ears of a hunting dog require regular care. The eyes are washed once a week with a strong chamomile decoction or special ophthalmic liquids. Fold-eared dogs should have their ears cleaned almost every other day, and in hot summers - every day.
Health and heredity
The Harrier breed is recognized by veterinarians as practically healthy . But dogs have a certain kind of predisposition to diseases of the organs of vision:
- cataract;
- glaucoma;
- prolapse of the eyeball.
Ear infections can occur when you don't clean your ears regularly. The dental system is strong and requires only preventive examinations.
From the musculoskeletal system, veterinarians most often note dysplastic phenomena in the hip and elbow joints, and in extremely rare cases, dislocation of the patella can be observed in dogs. It is inherited and, according to veterinarians, after one or two generations.
English hare hounds are prone to rapid weight gain due to poor nutrition. In addition, some representatives of the breed may exhibit symptoms of hypothyroidism, as well as allergies to certain foods. Symptoms of food allergies include:
- in the form of skin rashes;
- loss of hair in affected areas;
- like weeping eczema;
- the occurrence of demodicosis.
For dogs that spend a lot of time walking in natural conditions, seasonal treatments against parasites are very important. Blood-sucking insects - mosquitoes, ticks and fleas - can not only cause an allergic reaction of a dog's skin to a bite, but also cause a serious infectious disease, since they are carriers of life-threatening diseases for the animal.
Catering
At the time of purchasing a puppy, breeders strongly recommend that the dog’s feeding be based on ready-made food, citing the correct balance of the pet’s dry diet. This is premium or super-premium food, developed by the manufacturer specifically for medium-sized hunting breed dogs leading an active lifestyle. Also, don’t forget about water, it should be available to the dog at all times!
If you feed your Harrier with wet ready-made food, it is advisable to combine it with rye bread crackers, since dogs of this breed need more food than similar representatives of other hunting breeds.
Rapidly growing puppies require a special diet, which can also be provided by companies that produce ready-made dog food. Each bag of food has a table on it that clearly shows the amount of food in relation to the weight of the animal.
If you adhere to feeding standards and correctly combine ready-made food, fruits and vegetables, your pet is not at risk of obesity at all.
Education and training
Despite their well-developed mental abilities and natural ingenuity, Harriers require constant socialization from a very early age. They begin to walk the dogs, gradually teaching them to ask to go to the toilet outside. From puppyhood, animals should be taken to crowded places, and playgrounds should be set up with neighbors' dogs, since English hare hounds are unusually sociable and are always ready to play with the neighbors' dogs.
Until six months of age, the basics of training are taught by the owner independently, including the basic commands - come to me, sit, next to me, stand. When harriers reach six months of age, they must undergo general training courses conducted by professional dog handlers.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Harrier breed is potentially friendly towards all inhabitants of the house, if it is a person. Dogs get along well with other breeds, but most of all they hate cats. With children, if the child is not an infant or toddler, they quickly find a common language in joint games.
Dogs have friendly feelings towards strangers, so Harriers are not used as guards or caretakers of personal property. To do this, they need to be trained for a long time, but training does not always bring the desired results.
Animals have a highly developed hunting instinct, and they can leave the house, following imaginary prey. However, escapes always end in return thanks to the dog’s excellent memory and extraordinary sense of smell.
Despite the love and sincere feelings of affection experienced, the Harrier would rather prefer the company of its own kind than remain at the feet of its owner.
Reviews
Nikolay:
I am the happy owner of a small copy of an English Foxhound. And although we don’t go hunting, my harrier can chase squirrels and pigeons if I let him. This is the best friend who is looking forward to when I come, and would never exchange our communication for a tasty handout.
Olga:
This is the most restless creature on the entire planet, and for the sixth year now it has been my guiding star. Until he was a year old, he gnawed on everything he could find. I tried to escape until one and a half. By the age of two he had barely settled down. He forced me to do something I don’t like – take a long walk. And I am grateful to him for this. Taught me how to communicate with strangers. Before him, I was closed. But last year he forced me to get married. My husband has a two year old Harrier girl...
We invite fans of hunting dog breeds to a dialogue. Unfortunately, there are only a few harriers in our country, and we need to try very hard to ensure that those who dream of making an easy-going and intelligent friend know about the breed. Leave your comments at the bottom of the article, we will greatly appreciate it.
Share
Leave a review
Add a comment Cancel reply
Nobody has written anything yet. Be the first!
Care and maintenance
The Beagle Harrier is a medium-sized breed and is not very demanding to care for, compared to other breeds. However, it is not recommended to keep a dog of this breed in an apartment, because... she needs a lot of physical activity and outdoor play. Many breeders say that Beagle Harriers are difficult to potty train at home. This myth can be easily dispelled; representatives of this breed are easy to raise and train; it will not be difficult to train such a dog to use the toilet at home.
The Beagle Harrier has a short, smooth coat that needs to be brushed with a stiff brush about 1-2 times a week (or more often, as it gets dirty), mostly to remove dust. You need to bathe your dog infrequently, as it gets dirty
Particular attention should be paid to the paws of the Beagle Harrier, because representatives of this breed love to dig. Nails need to be trimmed about once a month.
As for feeding, in addition to specialized food, meat, vegetables, and milk should be added to the Beagle Harrier’s diet.
Description of the nature of the breed
These dogs are real hunters, very hardy and have excellent sense of smell. Harriers are relatives of beagles and can easily find prey in hot pursuit and hunt for it for a long time without getting tired. If you decide to have a Harrier just for the soul, then they will delight you with their calmness and balance.
However, do not forget that this dog is very active and requires a lot of frisky walks in the fresh air. These pets most often have a positive attitude towards strangers, perceiving everyone as their friend.
These cheerful dogs get along well with each other, so if you are an energetic person, you can have several Harriers at once without hesitation.
Keeping and caring for a dog
The ideal conditions for keeping a bobtail are a country house with a spacious enclosure. In such conditions, the dog has plenty of space for physical activity. But a booth, even insulated and well-equipped, is not the best place for a bobtail to permanently reside and sleep. And the point is not that the dog will freeze outside
It is important for this breed to constantly keep the owner in sight and communicate with him
The bobtail can be kept both in an enclosure and in an apartment.
The Bobtail can be kept in a city apartment, despite its impressive size. Your pet needs to build a cozy, not too soft bed. Place toys nearby. When kept in the city, the dog needs active walks at least 2 times a day.
Bobtails enjoy playing with a ball and running after a bicycle. In hot weather, it is better to take the dog out for walks in the early morning or late evening hours so that the shaggy bear cub does not overheat.
Essential bobtail coat care
The bobtail's luxurious coat requires careful care. It is necessary to comb your dog 2-3 times a month, otherwise it will begin to mat and form tangles. If your dog participates in exhibitions, you can entrust the grooming to professionals. It is recommended that bobtails visit a grooming salon once a month.
It is worth combing puppies more carefully and thoroughly, since their undercoat is soft and the procedure is necessary for its rapid renewal. Brushing puppies allows them to become accustomed to the procedure, so that the later grown dog does not resist during grooming procedures.
To comb a bobtail, you need a massage brush or comb made of high-quality metal.
To comb a bobtail, you need a massage brush or comb made of high-quality metal. The teeth on the comb should be long and not frequent, so that they do not get stuck in thick hair. The combed undercoat is of very high quality and can be used for spinning and knitting warm products. The fur in the belly area is slightly shortened.
Combing must be done correctly. The dog is laid on its side and combing begins from the spine, throwing the hair up and making movements against the growth of the hair. The brush should not move through the air, but over the dog’s body, so that dead undercoat is removed and at the same time a body massage is carried out. The paws are combed with the same movements - from bottom to top. The chest and stomach can be scratched arbitrarily. Before combing, you can treat the wool with a special conditioner.
In the summer, you can cut your dog's hair to make it easier for him to withstand the heat. By winter, the fur grows back and the bobtail takes on its usual appearance. But if the dog participates in exhibitions, the haircut is not applied.
Ear and eye cleaning, nail trimming, bathing
While brushing, the dog's ears are also cared for. Excess hair from the ears is cut off. The ears are wiped with a damp cotton pad. The dog's eyes are wiped with chamomile decoction or strongly brewed tea. The nose must be lubricated with a special lotion. Nails should also be trimmed monthly.
You need to bathe your bobtail 4-5 times a year, using a special shampoo for long-haired dogs. Frequent washing is not recommended, since after it the wool becomes too soft and quickly falls into clumps. In winter, you don’t need to wash your dog at all, as the coat gets cleaned while walking in the snow.
After bathing, the bobtail's coat must be thoroughly combed.
To avoid having to wash your dog once again in slushy weather, you should take him out for walks in a special protective overalls. After summer swimming in a pond, unscheduled combing is required.
Keeping a dog
Ideally, hounds should live on a farm, country cottage or private house, where there is a spacious yard for walking and outdoor games. But thanks to its high adaptability and unpretentiousness, as well as its small size, the dog can live in a city apartment, subject to long active walks in the park and forest.
A pack dog needs to communicate with members of its own species, so they often buy two dogs for constant communication and games. When kept in an apartment, the dog must have a place and conditions to cope with its natural needs - a diaper or a tray, especially if the dog will often be left alone.
When kept outdoors, a harrier requires an enclosure with warm, dry shelter. If such conditions are not available, the dog must be allowed into the house.
Purpose of the breed
Working qualities are inherited by the headers. Dogs of this breed were never bred for commercial purposes, so the exterior of the city shepherd is somewhat simple, but they are without a doubt considered the best shepherds among similar breeds.
Dutch Herders are also incredibly intelligent, learning canine science quickly and efficiently. Dogs make excellent guards and rescuers, shepherds and guides, athletes and companions. Dogs of this breed can be kept by large families and elderly people, since Dutch dogs tend to instantly adapt to the rhythm of life of the owner.
Choosing a puppy
Beagle Harriers are rare even in France. The number of these dogs is so small that some even consider this breed to be endangered . There are only a few individuals in our country, and it is almost impossible to buy a dog of this breed. You can buy a puppy in your historical homeland; there are also several nurseries in other European countries and in the USA. You need to take a baby from proven, reliable breeders who have positive reviews and a good reputation.
It must be remembered that a mestizo (cross between a Harrier and a Beagle) is not considered a purebred animal.
It is very difficult to visually distinguish a beagle harrier puppy from other similar breeds, especially beagles. A guarantee of purebredness will only be the presence of appropriate documents (puppy certificates, pedigrees of parents, field diplomas, etc.).
Beagle Harrier puppy is difficult to find
Dark tan marks on puppies may turn red with age.
Price of a puppy of this breed
The cost of French beagle puppies in European nurseries ranges from 1–2.5 thousand euros. The specific amount depends on the thoroughbred lines of the parent pair and the prospects for the upcoming exhibition activities.
You can find tempting offers on various services for selling animals. The price of a supposedly purebred puppy may not exceed 15–18 thousand rubles. In this case, you can get a pet that is completely devoid of all breed characteristics (in terms of character and temperament), as well as hunting talents. The reward will be only external resemblance.
How much do puppies cost?
Beagle Harriers, like related breeds, have a fairly high cost. A high-class hunting dog with a known pedigree and tracking skills will cost between 40-65 thousand rubles.
In France, the maximum cost reaches 2,500 euros. In US nurseries their price is lower and is at least $500.
Nurseries
In Russia and neighboring countries it is impossible to freely purchase a Beagle Harrier puppy. There are several breeders in the USA and Europe.
The breed is common in France, where you can find nurseries that sell puppies by reservation. You can negotiate a purchase at large international cynological exhibitions, where representatives of this breed are brought.
When choosing a Beagle Harrier breed as a future pet, it is important to remember that this is a hunting dog that needs to constantly release its energy. The dog is unpretentious in care and maintenance, but is demanding of attention and communication.
Loyal, loyal, and fun-loving, the French Beagle is best suited to young, energetic dog owners.
Description of the French Beagle
The standard assumes the use of a beagle harrier as a track hound. But recently, more and more often, the hunting and working qualities of the breed fade into the background, and the animals are kept simply as pets and family dogs.
Appearance
The physique of the Beagle Harrier is strong and stocky, perfectly balanced with strong bones and a well-developed muscular corset . The body is elongated, rectangular in format with a short, straight back, deep, round and voluminous chest, strong, slightly arched lower back and a slightly drooping belly (not very toned).
Beagle
The Beagle is a medium-sized dog that is one of the most popular breeds in the world. This popularity is due, first of all, to the fact that caring for a beagle is very simple, in addition, these animals are great for any family due to their loyalty and lack of aggressiveness. Dogs of this breed are loving, energetic and loyal.
The advantages of the breed include:
- Friendliness, kindness, patience, activity and love of life;
- Incapable of offending a small child, knows how to get along with children;
- Quite clean, do not shed much, do not have a specific odor;
- The dog is quite picky in care and nutrition.
- Not capricious and not whimsical in food.
- No complicated training required;
- For lovers of relaxation, the restless beagle is a real find;
- Suitable for keeping both in an apartment and a country house; A very unusual, peculiar exterior of the dog.
Disadvantages of the breed:
- It is very difficult to train (dogs are quite absent-minded and stubborn);
- If not fed properly, they are prone to rapid weight gain;
- When walking, it is difficult for a child to keep an active pet on a leash;
- Carried away by the numerous aromas and entertainment on a walk, you can get lost.
Character
Despite the fact that Beagle Harriers are small dogs, they have all the qualities of hunters.
The breed is distinguished by its large reserves of energy, endurance and determination. French beagles are overly curious, carried away by new smells, these dogs often lose caution. They have a mischievous disposition, love to play pranks, and prefer fun, active games.
It takes a lot of effort to train them; they respond poorly to commands and are stubborn
They have a mischievous disposition, love to play pranks, and prefer fun, active games. It takes a lot of effort to train them; they respond poorly to commands and are stubborn.
Diseases and health problems
Shorthaired Pointers are active and energetic dogs with good health. But they can also get sick, especially when they are young. To avoid infectious diseases typical of four-legged pets, it is necessary to get all vaccinations on time. A puppy who does not have them should not be taken for a walk, as he can become infected without even meeting other animals, but simply by sniffing other people’s marks.
Shorthaired Pointers often have intestinal problems, especially in those animals that move little, spend a lot of time indoors, and may experience bloating. This breed usually does not have musculoskeletal problems, but hip dysplasia may occur.
Shorthaired Pointers need to periodically clean their ear canals, this must be done carefully so that earwax does not get inside. When there is an accumulation of ear discharge, a dog may experience otitis media - inflammation.
Of the skin diseases that can appear in pets, the most common are raw eczema and granuloma. Like all dogs, Shorthaired Pointers often suffer from conjunctivitis. An attentive owner should not miss the onset of such a serious disease as cataracts.
Shorthaired pointers can develop hypothyroidism and suffer from epilepsy. Many dogs develop arthritis as they get older. Research conducted by the GSPCA showed the main causes of mortality were cancer - 28%, old age - 19%, and diseases of the digestive tract - 6%.
Possible diseases
Life expectancy is on average 13 to 15 years. There were also long-livers. Generally speaking, the Harrier is a dog breed that has average health, and some problems are genetically transmitted. She may have epilepsy, and the frequency of seizures increases with age.
The photo shows a harrier as a child
There may be problems with the musculoskeletal system associated with damage to the intervertebral discs. The disease occurs due to an imbalance of water and salt in the body. Heart defects and ear infections cannot be ruled out. In addition, pets can be plagued by the so-called “cherry eye,” which requires surgical intervention.
Breed standard
The current standard and description of the Beagle Harrier breed requires the presence of the following characteristics:
- The head is of medium size with a wide skull and a weakly defined occipital protuberance.
- The muzzle is the same length as the skull.
- The bridge of the nose is straight, the lobe is large, black.
- The eyes are wide open, the iris is dark.
- Short wide ears are set on the eye line. They are always hanging, have small folds and are slightly turned back.
- The short, straight back gives way to a slightly arched neck and muscular croup.
- The sternum is round, deep and long.
- The abdomen is somewhat drooping.
- The front legs are straight, strong, and parallel.
- The hind legs with sloping shins are set back. The joints are low.
- The heavy, large tail is of medium length.
- The thick, medium-length coat lies close to the body.
- The color combines red with black and white saddle. We also accept the option with a red-gray-white palette.
If the listed distinctive features are present, the Beagle Harrier is allowed to hunt only after successfully passing tests of working qualities.
Breed characteristics and character
the birthplace of the harrier , and the first mentions date back to the Middle Ages. However, cynologists do not dare give a more exact age to the breed. Translated from local dialects, the name sounds like a hunting dog, and in Old British the word is similar to “hare”. Both translations have the right to life.
The first dogs were used as hunters of small game such as hares and squirrels. Some went under guns and hunted wild boars. The breed began to be refined in the century before last. At this time, dog handlers decided that in addition to working qualities, the animal should have an attractive appearance. The goal was achieved at the expense of British Foxhounds.
What we were looking for was found soon and the exterior was secured. The first standards appeared at the beginning of the last century, and after that they were adjusted several times. The final formation of the breed occurred in the mid-70s. But until now the Harrier dog is considered not very well known.
And it is more or less widespread in Southern England. One of the varieties of the breed is the beagle harrier , obtained by crossing beagles and harriers. The character of four-legged friends is sociable. This dog is ready to live in a large family, but not to pull the blanket over himself. He respects all family members equally, treats other pets well, but needs his own bit of attention and care.
Requires activity and a lot of physical exertion. You will have to walk with him every day, and living outside the city will be the best option. Due to its hunting genes, a harrier can organize live bait fishing and chase someone else’s cat in the city. This is worth considering when going for a walk with your pet.
It's better to grab a leash and put on a collar. Training is needed from puppyhood. Otherwise, you can miss the nuances associated with upbringing and end up with an uncontrollable pet.
Such a dog may be suitable for a family with children, but the presence of adults will be required when the child and the dog communicate. The four-legged friend treats kids more patiently than affectionately.
Appearance
The Beagle Harrier is a medium-sized dog, agile and energetic, perfectly balanced, strongly built, well-muscled and short-haired. Gender is expressed. Height at withers 45-50 cm.
The head is of moderate size. The skull is very voluminous and wide. Stop moderate. The muzzle tapers slightly towards the nose. The bridge of the nose is straight. The lobe is well developed, black in color. The eyes are dark in color, open, with a lively, intelligent expression. The ears are short, moderately wide, set at eye level, hanging down close to the skull. The ends of the auricle are turned outward, and in the middle part they form small folds.
The back is straight and short. The loin may be slightly convex and strong. The chest is deep. The ribs are moderately rounded, the false ribs are long. The stomach is not very tucked. Legs straight, parallel, strong. The paws are strong, tightly packed and short. The pads are elastic and thick. The gait is stable, energetic and elastic.
The coat is not too short, lies close to the body, and is thick. Tricolor color:
- Red with white and black saddle. The transitions between colors are not too sharp. Tan marks range from reddish brown to dark fawn.
- Red with white and gray tan.
You can see what a red-gray-white beagle harrier looks like in the photo in the gallery below.
Description of the Harrier breed
Unlike a typical hunting dog, which works on such delicate and agile game as hares, the Harrier has a rather strong and stocky build. This structure was due to the transition from hunting on foot to on horseback. With it, the dog was required not only speed, but also endurance, which is ensured by good muscle mass.
There are no gender differences in appearance, so the standards are common for females and males. The Harrier is a medium-sized hound. Height in the breed standard is not strictly fixed, but the recommended height at the withers is 48-53 cm, and the acceptable height is 46-55 cm. Weight ranges from 20 to 27 kg. According to the standard, dogs look like this:
- The head is expressive, moderately large. The skull is flat with a slightly prominent occipital crest and brow ridges. The forehead is wide, sloping, and flows into the nose without a sharp border. The muzzle is large, with muscle relief. The facial and frontal parts of the skull are almost equal.
- The nose is wide, with a pronounced dark-colored lobe and clearly defined open nostrils. A depigmented nose is a defect.
- The jaws are strong, deep and have a scissor bite. Complete set of teeth, correct bite. Violation of the dental formula and bite is considered a defect.
- The lips are of medium thickness and fit tightly to the teeth. The upper lip covers the lower one.
- The eyes are oval-shaped, medium-sized, deep-set, dark in color. Allowed in dogs with light hazel or brown coloring.
- The ears are medium-sized, V-shaped, close to the cheeks, set high. They are covered with short, soft hair.
- The neck is long and strong, dry, muscular, without a chin. Slightly curved at the top.
- The body is strong. Longer than tall. The back is straight and strong. The lower back is somewhat convex.
- The chest is higher in height than in width, deep, well muscled, convex. The ribs are flat, not protruding.
- The belly is tucked, but not lean.
- The limbs are strong and straight with well-developed muscles. The hind legs are muscular, with open knee angles, which provide a strong jumping propulsion. The foot is rounded, the toes are loosely compressed, arched, which ensures good contact with the soil of any terrain.
- The tail is medium length, thick, strong. The dog carries it raised up, the tip is tilted towards the back, but is not thrown over it and is not twisted into a ring. A tail with a ring is a sign of a defect in the standard.
Thanks to its strong constitution and muscularity, the Harrier is an excellent hunter - fast in running, strong and resilient. Such properties were required in connection with the development of parfors hunting, in which hounds drive the animal until it is completely exhausted. Moves easily over rough and mountainous terrain.
The breed is valued for its keen sense of smell (sensitive) and attentiveness, the ability to keep a scent, untangle hare discounts and loops (mating and masterovita), but can also work on larger prey - foxes, other fur-bearing animals and even wild boar. Dogs keep a fresh scent well, work on a blood trail, but lose a cold one. The voice is clear and clearly audible from a distance.
Colors and coat
The Harrier's coat is of medium length, hard, thick, lying close to the body. The dog's fur on the head, ears and limbs is shorter than on the body and softer. The back of the paw and tail are quite long. The undercoat is weak or absent.
The formation of the color was influenced by the breeds that participated in the creation of the English hound:
- Talbothounds are now extinct muscular large dogs with white fur. Their blood is present in many breeds of hounds;
- old southern hounds - with white fur with blue spots;
- Foxhounds – in which the saddle-back tri-color pattern is often found.
This influence determined the difference in the colors of the representatives of the breed. The harrier most often has a three-color color - white, various shades of red and black. The black color of the coat forms a saddle cloth, which, according to the standard, should not have clear boundaries and softly fades into tan from red to intense fawn. Red-white and lemon-white colors are allowed. Less common is white or black with tan marks.
Origin story
So little is known about the Dutch Shepherd breed outside the Netherlands that it is sometimes mistaken for the most “pedigree” court terrier or a ferocious wolf dog mixed with several breeds.
A direct descendant of the Belgian Shepherd, Herderhunder - the official name of the Dutchman, which has been assigned to him since 1860, was bred for a specific and quite noble purpose. In cattle breeding, the herding and guarding qualities of dogs, with which the Herder is endowed to the highest degree, have been and will continue to be of the highest degree of importance.
The breed appeared in the middle of the 19th century as a result of crossing the Belgian Malinois with an ordinary local variety of shepherd dog. None of the participants in the process expected that the breed would absorb all the positive qualities of both breeds, including the good nature of the local shepherd.
There is no sophistication or charm in the exterior of the representatives of the breed, since the factory was ruled by those for whom the working qualities of the dogs were more important. Thus, in 1878, at the Amsterdam exhibition of dogs of all breeds, the city shepherd was presented for the first time, and 20 years later a breed club was organized, which is still functioning today.
Breeding German Jagd Terriers
Dogs of this breed should be mated only when they are fully formed and grown. The female becomes ready to breed at the age of one and a half years, after her third estrus has passed, which lasts approximately 21 days. Males are ready to reproduce at the age of two.
When worthy applicants have been found, it is worth organizing a meeting with them. The main point here is to conduct it on the territory of the dog; other options are excluded. A female in her territory may not allow her partner to approach her, and may show aggressiveness and anger. Matings are most effective in the spring; it is then that the sexual instinct of Jagdterriers is activated.
On the third day from the moment the estrus begins, the owner of the bitch can take her to meet the male. The dogs must thoroughly examine and sniff each other; any provocations or pushing actions at this moment are strictly prohibited; everything must happen peacefully and by agreement of both parties.
If the mating procedure was successful, then you should expect a replenishment. Most often, the duration of a dog's pregnancy is about 63 days. A litter can consist of 2 to 9 puppies. It is worth noting that the life expectancy of the German Jagdterrier varies from 12 to 15 years, it all depends on the care of the owner and proper care.
Breeding Shorthaired Pointers
A female dog's first heat can begin between the ages of six months and one year. It takes place twice a year and lasts up to 28 days. At this time, during the period of estrus, which lasts the last 4-13 days of estrus, mating of a Shorthaired Pointer is possible.
The behavior of the bitch changes: in the first days of estrus, she is aggressive towards the male, and during the period of estrus, she allows the male to approach, retracts her tail and raises the pelvic part of the body. Pregnancy can last from 54 to 70 days, with an average of 63 days.
While carrying puppies, the bitch must remain mobile, she must be taken for walks, but overwork and long transportation must be avoided. If the animal has a fever or there is discharge from the genitals, you need to sound the alarm and call a veterinarian.
Around the second month of pregnancy, mucus may appear from the genitals; if there is heavy yellowish or greenish discharge, you should expect childbirth in the near future. The second half of pregnancy may be characterized by minor mucous discharge. The discharge becomes abundant, yellowish or greenish - this means that labor is approaching.
The room where the birth will take place should be warm and dry. Before the start of labor, it is necessary to prepare rags, diapers, a heating pad, hand sanitizer, a collar, and a muzzle. The day before the expected birth, the bitch begins to prepare the nest and refuses to eat
At this time, it is important that the animal does not huddle in a poorly accessible place
When labor begins, you should put a collar on the bitch and calmly monitor the process. After the amniotic fluid has broken, the puppies appear, one after another, with short pauses in the membrane - the placenta. The bitch, having torn the placenta, carefully licks each newborn.
If the bitch does not pay attention to the puppy, or attacks him, the baby needs to be freed from the afterbirth, wiped, and the tummy massaged. A syringe can be used to remove mucus from the nose and mouth
Babies should be placed in a prepared box with a warm heating pad. After the end of the birth, the bitch needs to be fed, given milk, laid down and brought to the puppies one at a time.
If the mother accepted them and fed them, then the babies can be left with her. If she ignores newborns, then you should independently place the puppies next to the mother, holding her. Toilet yourself, wiping the abdomen clockwise with a damp cotton swab to stimulate bowel movements. Puppies should be fed every two hours.
Color
For beagles, any hound colors are acceptable:
- tricolor (a combination of three colors: red, black and white);
- bicolor;
- very rarely one color.
But the most important distinguishing feature, regardless of color, is the white tassel at the tip of the tail. And on the face there is a brown “mask”. Let's look at each color scheme separately.
Bicolor
Bicolor (“bi”-two) is the presence of two colors in the color. In most cases, this is a predominance of white and a second color. The second color can range from light red to black. Very often you can meet a beagle:
- ginger;
- chestnut combined with white;
- Very rare - this is a combination of black and white colors.
Tricolor
Of course, the most beautiful and most common color is the tricolor. This is a very beautiful and harmonious combination of three colors: red, white and black. There are three variations of the tricolor color.
Their names are based on the predominance of one color or another:
- Motley is a combination of red and black on white mixed together.
- Black - when the color predominates black, mainly on the back.
- Shiny – the predominant color base is white.
Ginger
The red beagle is considered more of a two-tone color. Red pigment predominates, and sometimes reaches a lemon tint, in combination with white.
Black and white
A very rare type of color. Beagle puppies are born black and white, but with small brown spots around the neck. The spots disappear over time. White takes on a milky tint.
Are there black ones?
There are no completely black beagles. The predominance of black in color reaches 80-90%. Even in such an unusual black and white color, the breed should have white markings or large spots.
Life support
Urban keeping of a compact French beagle is possible, but in this case the dog simply needs a quality, active walk.
To live together in an apartment, you will have to take care of the pet’s personal space in advance, remove unnecessary objects in access areas, and close all gaps on the balcony. The best place for a dog to rest and sleep in the house is a spacious enclosure. You can place a cozy bed-mattress, food dishes, a drinking bowl, and toys in it to provide your pet with decent leisure time.
After arranging the pet’s place of residence, physical activity and training should be organized. A large beagle dog is sick without daily jogging. Rainy weather and wet snow are not a hindrance for the French hound: the dog is perfectly protected by its coat.
The Beagle Harrier promenade in the city is dangerous without a leash and harness. A passionate hereditary hunter will instantly rush in pursuit of a neighbor's cat or an athlete cyclist. Traveling out of town, into the forest or field will perfectly decorate your pet’s everyday life. The dog will be able to “rack up the mileage” with all his heart.
When living in a separate house, it is wisest to keep a hunting dog outside. But even in this “situation”, preparation is necessary: tightly locked gates and gates, a reliable and high fence. Beagles overcome obstacles well and, if necessary, quickly dig tunnels and holes. A good solution would be an insulated, well-equipped enclosure. And... a huge assortment of toys and amusements so that the hound has something to brighten up his loneliness.
Jogging around the local area will not satisfy the irrepressible enthusiasm of a greyhound. In principle, a French beagle must be acquired for hunting and catching animals. Only in bullying, persecution... does he realize his full potential.
Health and illness
The Dutchman is hardy and has a strong immune system. Representatives of the breed do not have genetic diseases. However, throughout its life, the pet can suffer from classic canine diseases.
To avoid them, it is necessary to vaccinate annually, as well as follow the rules of caring for the dog. Also, in the adulthood of the dog, senile diseases cannot be ruled out. If you notice symptoms of illness in an animal, you should take its temperature and, if necessary, contact a veterinarian.
Lifespan
A dog's good health allows it to live for many years. On average, a dog lives about 12-13 years. However, with proper care, the pet will delight its owner for several years longer.
Vaccinations
The Dutch Herder requires the same measures to prevent dangerous diseases as other dogs. Vaccination against diseases such as:
- viral hepatitis;
- rabies;
- carnivore plague;
- parainfluenza;
- coronavirus;
- trichophytosis;
- paravirus;
- leptospirosis.
Herder puppies are vaccinated for the first time after 7 weeks, and then at 12 weeks of age. Next, the Dutch Shepherd is vaccinated annually according to a schedule drawn up by a veterinarian. Animals that are sick, weak or infected with parasites should not be vaccinated. Puppies from each procedure are quarantined for 2 weeks.
Health
With quality care and a balanced diet, the French Beagle rarely gets sick. After purchasing a puppy, it is necessary to show it to a veterinarian, and in the future, regularly carry out routine examinations. With regular vaccinations and antihelminthic measures, your pet will live a long, healthy life.
Diseases
Genetically, Beagle Harriers are strong and prone only to diseases such as:
- joint dislocations;
- intervertebral hernia;
- epilepsy;
- skin allergic reactions;
- hypothyroidism;
- eye pathologies.
In the case of so-called mini-beagles, which are dogs that are shorter than standard, the number of birth defects is significantly higher. They are not a separate breed, but can appear in the litter of any variety of beagles.
Vaccinations
Beagle Harrier vaccinations are done according to a general scheme suitable for all purebred dogs. The first vaccination is carried out at the age of 2.5 months, provided that the puppy is healthy, and the second vaccination is carried out after 21 days. It includes drugs for:
- hepatitis A;
- plague;
- leptospirosis;
- adenovirus;
- parainfluenza;
- parvovirus enteritis.
Simultaneously with the first vaccination, the dog is vaccinated against rabies. In the future, revaccination of dogs will be carried out annually.
Basic moments
- The White Swiss Shepherd is a strong, temperamental, hardy, very energetic dog with a strong nervous system.
- Outwardly, with the exception of color, it is similar to the German Shepherd, but, unlike that one, it is less reckless, excitable, and demonstrates aggression only in the case of an obvious threat.
- The dog is incredibly affectionate with all members of the household and extremely friendly towards children.
- The shepherd treats strangers with restraint, does not like familiarity towards itself, but will not show aggression.
- Lives in peace and harmony with other pets, including cats.
- The Swiss Shepherd is highly intelligent, quick-witted, and very easy to train.
- Easily socialized in human society - can cope with the functions of a guard, guide, rescuer, tracker guide, watchman. Representatives of this breed often serve in law enforcement agencies.
- Dogs love to lead an active lifestyle and need regular exercise and movement.
- They are distinguished by excellent health, and even at an advanced age they remain active.
- The best place for a White Swiss Shepherd to live is a country house, but its unpretentious character and ability to adapt to any conditions allow it to be kept in an urban environment.
Many dog lovers get white Swiss shepherds, being captivated by the spectacular, unusual appearance of these animals. Only over time do they discover their magnificent qualities inherent in serious service dogs. This beautiful, affectionate, good-natured dog, with an impressive texture, is unpretentious and hardy, easy-going and tireless in games. The love of White Swiss Shepherds for their owners is boundless; they need to know that loved ones are nearby, to feel family warmth and to feel needed.