West Country Harrier
Also known as: Somerset Harrier
From England comes the West Country Harrier. The West Country Harrier comes from England, and has a short coat. Individual West Country Harriers vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- England
- Coat
- Short
- Colour
- Predominantly white with cream or yellow markings
- Other names
- Somerset Harrier
About the West Country Harrier
From England comes the West Country Harrier. West Country Harrier is a rare breed. Known for its hunting ability, it is a versatile dog.
Overview
The West Country Harrier , sometimes called Somerset Harrier , is a breed of scent hound from the south west of England that is used to hunt hare in packs. The West Country Harrier is often considered to be a variety of the more common Harrier breed, which is sometimes referred to as the Studbook Harrier.
History
The Harrier has been known in England from at least the 13th century, although some have claimed the breed was introduced into England by the Romans. The old Harrier was a slow moving, deep scenting hound breed that was closely related to the Southern Hound , and the hunts were traditionally followed on foot. From the 19th century, significant Foxhound blood was introduced into most Harrier packs, or frequently packs adopted pure Foxhound lines that were slightly bred down in size. This change was to produce faster hounds, and hare hunts began to be followed on horseback in a similar manner as fox hunting . It is believed the West Country Harrier is more closely related to the old Harrier breed, without significant infusions of Foxhound blood. Parson Jack Russell described the West Country Harrier as being descended from the old style Harrier and the now extinct Staghound , the latter having been introduced by several enthusiasts including Parson John Froude . The breed was developed in, and is most frequently found in the English counties of Devon and Somerset , they are sometimes called Somerset Harriers although the name West Country Harriers is preferred. The West Country Harrier is not recognised as a separate breed by the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom , but the country''s official body for the governance of Harrier packs, the Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles, maintains a separate studbook for the West Country Harrier. As of 2023 there are 5 packs of West Country Harriers in the UK - with a population of around 300 dogs. The West Country Harriers can be found only in the UK.
Characteristics
Physically when compared to the Studbook Harrier, the West Country Harrier tends to be bigger and lighter in colour, being predominantly white with patches of cream or lemon markings. The West Country Harrier is said to lack some of the speed and drive of the Studbook Harrier, but it is claimed they have superior scenting abilities and more appealing voices.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the West Country Harrier?
The West Country Harrier is a larger and lighter-coloured version of the Harrier breed, with a predominantly white coat and patches of cream or lemon markings. They are bred for their exceptional scenting abilities and are used to hunt hare in packs.
Is the West Country Harrier a good family dog?
As a scent hound, the West Country Harrier requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. They can be suitable for active families who can provide the necessary care and attention. However, their strong hunting instinct and high energy levels may not make them ideal for very young children or households with small pets.
What health problems do West Country Harriers have?
As a relatively rare breed, specific health issues for the West Country Harrier are not well-documented. However, like many scent hounds, they can be prone to joint issues and ear infections. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help mitigate these potential health problems.
How much does a West Country Harrier puppy cost?
The cost of a West Country Harrier puppy can vary depending on factors such as breeder reputation, bloodline, and location. As a rare breed, prices may be higher than those for more common breeds. Potential buyers should expect to pay upwards of £500-£1,000 or more for a puppy from a reputable breeder.
Where do West Country Harriers come from?
The West Country Harrier comes from England. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the West Country Harrier, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.