The harrier has been recognised by the Kennel Club for the first time as from January 1, 2020. The breed will be classified in the Hound Group on the Breed Register.
The harrier is an ancient, medium-sized, British scenthound breed, like a small foxhound but larger than a beagle. The breed was originally used for hunting hares by trailing them and it is believed that this is from where the harrier derived its name, ie ‘hare’ hound.
The Kennel Club now recognises 222 breeds of pedigree dogs. An interim breed standard is being developed for the harrier and, when this is published, the breed will be able to be entered at Kennel Club licensed breed shows.
