Harrier is a breed of dog that was developed for the sport of hunting hares. It has a keen sense of smell and can move quickly. The harrier is sturdy and heavy-boned, with catlike feet. Most harriers have a short, white coat with black and tan patches, and floppy ears. They look like small foxhounds or large beagles. Harriers stand from 19 to 21 inches (48 to 53 centimeters) high at the shoulder and weigh 35 to 55 pounds (16 to 25 kilograms).
The breed probably originated as early as the 1000’s. Its ancestry is unclear, but many breeders believe that the harrier was developed in France from a type of foxhound. Americans have raised harriers for rabbit hunting since colonial times.
