Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Bearded Collie Versus Harrier: Introduction
- Bearded Collie versus Harrier: Overview
- Bearded Collie versus Harrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bearded Collie and the Harrier
- The Similarities Between the Bearded Collie and the Harrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Bearded Collie versus Harrier
- Lifespan of Bearded Collie versus Harrier
- The Popularity of Bearded Collie versus Popularity of Harrier
- Health Problems of Bearded Collie versus Health Problems of Harrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Bearded Collie versus Harrier
- Do Bearded Collies shed more than Harriers?
- Which one drools more, the Bearded Collie or the Harrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Bearded Collie or the Harrier?
- Does the Bearded Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
- Do Bearded Collies Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
- Can Bearded Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Bearded Collie vs. Harrier
- Can Bearded Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bearded Collie or the Harrier?
- Are Bearded Collies good family dogs? What about Harriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Bearded Collies and Harriers?
- Is the Bearded Collie Easier to Train than the Harrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Bearded Collie
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Bearded Collie versus Harrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Bearded Collie Versus Harrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie and the Harrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie or the Harrier.
Bearded Collie versus Harrier: Overview
Both the Bearded Collie and the Harrier are similar in size. The Bearded Collie and the Harrier are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Bearded Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
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.
Bearded Collie versus Harrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie and the Harrier
| Factor | Bearded Collie | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 20 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 55 pounds | 45 to 60 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $980 | No Data |
| Price Range | $575 – $1275 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 123 | 183 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie is 80 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 Bearded Collie. 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 Bearded Collie and the Harrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bearded Collie and the Harrier
Below is a list of where the Bearded Collie and the Harrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Bearded Collie and the Harrier
The Bearded Collie and the Harrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bearded Collie and the Harrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Bearded Collie versus Harrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bearded Collie and the Harrier.
Bearded Collies weigh 45 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Bearded Collies are 20 to 22 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 Bearded Collie versus Harrier
The lifespan of Bearded Collies is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Bearded Collies is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
Bearded Collies live longer than Harriers.
The Popularity of Bearded Collie versus Popularity of Harrier
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Bearded Collie and the Harrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Bearded Collie is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Bearded Collie is 123 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Bearded Collie
Popularity of Harrier
| Year | Bearded Collie Popularity Rank | Harrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 112 | 173 |
| 2014 | 121 | 181 |
| 2015 | 119 | 183 |
| 2016 | 126 | 186 |
| 2017 | 125 | 183 |
| 2018 | 127 | 189 |
| 2019 | 136 | 186 |
| 2020 | 125 | 190 |
Health Problems of Bearded Collie versus Health Problems of Harrier
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Bearded Collie and the Harrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Bearded Collie is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Bearded Collie than for the Harrier.
4 health tests are recommended for Bearded Collie while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bearded Collies and in Harriers.
Bearded Collie Health Problems
Bearded Collies are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bearded Collie puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Bearded Collie puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bearded Collie breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Bearded Collies for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bearded Collies here.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Bearded Collies and Harriers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Bearded Collie Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.
This is because the Bearded Collie ranks 3 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 76 Bearded Collies, 2 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Bearded Collies, and how common these diseases are in Bearded Collies relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Bearded Collie and in Harrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Bearded Collie and the Harrier:
| Disease | Bearded Collie Rank | Harrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 3 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 92 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 96 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 117 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 149 out of 198 dog breeds | 76 out of 198 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Bearded Collie versus Harrier
Bearded Collies do not like to be left alone.
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Bearded Collies shed more than Harriers?
Bearded Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Harriers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Bearded Collie or the Harrier
Bearded Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Bearded Collie or the Harrier?
Bearded Collies require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Does the Bearded Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
Bearded Collies 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 Bearded Collies Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
Bearded Collies bark and howl, but not very much.
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Bearded Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Bearded Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Bearded Collie vs. Harrier
Bearded Collies 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 Bearded Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Bearded Collies 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 Bearded Collie or the Harrier?
Bearded Collies get along very well with other dogs.
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Bearded Collies good family dogs? What about Harriers?
Bearded Collies 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 Bearded Collies and Harriers?
Bearded Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Bearded Collie Easier to Train than the Harrier?
Bearded Collies are very easy to train.
Harriers are not easy to train.
Is the Bearded Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?
Bearded Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bearded Collie or the Harrier?
Bearded Collies are very good for new dog owners.
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Bearded Collie
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Bearded Collie and how the Harrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Bearded Collie and of the Harrier to other breeds:
Bearded Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds
Bearded Collie versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Bearded Collie versus Black Russian Terrier Bearded Collie versus Australian Kelpie Bearded Collie versus Redbone Coonhound Bearded Collie versus Puggle Bearded Collie versus Cairn Terrier Bearded Collie versus Coton de Tulear Bearded Collie versus Briard Bearded Collie versus Mastiff Bearded Collie versus Boxerdoodle Bearded Collie versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Bearded Collie versus Skye Terrier Bearded Collie versus German Shorthaired Pointer Bearded Collie versus Collie Bearded Collie versus Kishu Ken Bearded Collie versus Basenji Bearded Collie versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Bearded Collie versus Schipperke Bearded Collie versus Bordoodle Bearded Collie versus English Springer Spaniel Bearded Collie versus Bordoodle Bearded Collie versus Lancashire Heeler Bearded Collie versus Harrier Bearded Collie versus Karelian Bear Dog Bearded Collie versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Borzoi Harrier versus Shih Tzu Harrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer Harrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Harrier versus Maltese Harrier versus Shiloh Shepherd Harrier versus Chorkie Harrier versus Mountain Cur Harrier versus Tibetan Mastiff Harrier versus Giant Schnauzer Harrier versus Labrador Retriever Harrier versus Jack Russell Terrier Harrier versus Plott Harrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier Harrier versus French Bulldog Harrier versus Border Terrier Harrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Harrier versus Peek A Poo Harrier versus Dalmatian Harrier versus Bearded Collie Harrier versus Boston Terrier Harrier versus Papipoo Harrier versus Stabyhoun Harrier versus Whoodle Harrier versus Basenji
Conclusion: Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie and the Harrier better suits you and your family.