West Country Harrier

Overview

The West Country Harrier is a type of harrier kept by hunts in Devon, Somerset and Cornwall, usually lighter in colour and build than other harriers. Like all pack hounds it has been bred for voice, nose and the ability to run with others, not for life in a living room.

Hounds that leave kennels for pet homes are gentle, sociable and often bewildered by stairs and leads. The walking challenge is scent and recall, not temperament.

Exercise and walking needs

Two hours a day is about right. A harrier can trot for most of a working day and a short walk barely registers.

Long-line walks across farmland with the farmer's permission, or a secure field for a proper run, are the practical options.

On the walk

• Scent: Hare, rabbit and fox lines pull the dog like a magnet. Expect the head to drop and the pace to pick up without warning.
• Recall: Assume there is little. Hounds were bred to stay with the pack and the line, and most do not see the point of coming back to a person.
• Other dogs: Excellent as a rule. A harrier is happiest with company and settles into a group walk immediately.
• Scavenging: Pack hounds eat first and think later. Watch for discarded food and anything dead in a hedge.
• Lead: A new ex-kennel hound may not know what a lead is. Build it up on quiet lanes before trying anywhere busy.

Tips for professional walkers

1. Use a harness the dog cannot slip; hound necks are wider than their heads.
2. Pick routes away from livestock and arable fields where hares sit tight.
3. Carry a slip lead as a backup in case a buckle fails on a strong pull.

What to ask the owner

• How long has the dog lived in a home, and what did it find hard to get used to?
• Has it ever escaped a garden or got away on a walk, and how was it recovered?
• Is there a particular dog or group it already walks with, and does it fret when walked alone?

Related breeds