American Pit Bull Terrier versus Harrier. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Harrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and for the Harrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Harrier.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Harrier

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Harrier: Overview

Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier are similar in size. The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Harrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Harrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Harrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 10 to 12 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 45 to 60 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1140 No Data
Price Range $400 – $1200 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Harrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Harrier is 81 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the American Pit Bull Terrier. So, you should get the Harrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier

    Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier are most different:

  • American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Harriers get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier are most similar:

  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Harrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier.

    American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Harrier

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.

    American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Harriers.

    Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Harrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many American Pit Bull Terriers and many Harriers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male American Pit Bull Terrier named Ace (Sawyer St) that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable American Pit Bull Terriers like Ace (Sawyer St) on pefinder.com.

    Also, like American Pit Bull Terriers, Harriers are also available for adoption. For example, Bailey is a Male Harrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Harriers like Bailey that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Amos is the name of another American Pit Bull Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Pilot is an adorable Male Harrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    American Pit Bull Terriers and Harriers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers and Harriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Harrier

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Harriers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Harriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Harrier

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Harrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Harriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Harrier

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Harrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Harriers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Harriers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Harrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Harrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Pit Bull Terrier:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier (76 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier.
  • American Water Spaniel (74 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs American Water Spaniel.
  • German Shepherd Dog (77 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs German Shepherd Dog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Harrier:

  • American Foxhound (82 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Foxhound.
  • Black and Tan Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • Black Mouth Cur (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bluetick Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Harrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Harrier to other breeds:

    American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Setter     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Kuvasz     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Collie     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Mastiff     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Barbet     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Coton de Tulear     American Pit Bull Terrier versus French Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Dalmatian     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bernedoodle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Manchester Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Japanese Spitz     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Komondor     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Affenhuahua     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pomchi     American Pit Bull Terrier versus French Bulldog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lowchen     American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lhasapoo     

    Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Harrier versus Cavapoo     Harrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Harrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Harrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Harrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Harrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Harrier versus English Setter     Harrier versus Biewer Terrier     Harrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Harrier versus Akbash     Harrier versus Bordoodle     Harrier versus Brittany     Harrier versus Japanese Spitz     Harrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     Harrier versus Shih Tzu     Harrier versus Alaskan Malamute     Harrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Harrier versus American Foxhound     Harrier versus Bouvier des Flandres     Harrier versus Cane Corso     Harrier versus Redbone Coonhound     Harrier versus Havanese     Harrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Harrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Harrier versus Belgian Malinois     

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Harrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Harrier better suits you and your family.