Pure Dog Talk

Harriers Are Small in Numbers, Big in Personality Fewer than 300 Harriers, total, are registered in the US, according to breed experts. Just two litters were whelped nationwide in 2017. “There are probably more tigers in the U.S. than Harriers,” said Donna Smiley, the only Master of Harriers in the country. PureDogTalk host Laura Reeves caught up with some of the breed’s most ardent supporters at the Harrier Club of America National Specialty. Ancient breed now endangered Donna Smiley's book about the Harrier is one of few modern resources available. One of the first five breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, records of Harrier packs in England date back to 1100 AD. Harriers are believed to predate both Beagles and Foxhounds in England. They were bred to hunt hare, which was one of three “appropriate” quarry, along with boar and stag, for royalty to hunt. Foxhunting is a more recent tradition. “They are an endangered species,” said Linda Johnston. “And they’re just as cuddly as Pandas!” While ther