Is the Belgian Sheepdog Better than the Harrier as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Belgian Sheepdog Versus Harrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog or the Harrier.

Belgian Sheepdog versus Harrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Belgian Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Harrier is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Belgian Sheepdog 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.

Belgian Sheepdog versus Harrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier

Factor Belgian Sheepdog Harrier
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 60 to 75 pounds 45 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1430 No Data
Price Range $800 – $1725 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Harrier is 81 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Belgian Sheepdog is a better pet than the Harrier. So, you should get the Belgian Sheepdog!

    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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier

    Below is a list of where the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier are most different:

    • Belgian Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone. However, Harriers are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs are very easy to train. However, Harriers are not easy to train.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier

    The Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier are most similar:

    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Sheepdog versus Harrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier.

    Belgian Sheepdogs weigh 60 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Sheepdogs are 22 to 26 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 Belgian Sheepdog versus Harrier

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

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

    Health Problems of Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Belgian Sheepdog than for the Harrier.

    3 health tests are recommended for Belgian Sheepdog while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Belgian Sheepdogs and in Harriers.

    Belgian Sheepdog Health Problems

    Belgian Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdogs for:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Belgian Sheepdogs 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:

  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Sheepdog versus Harrier

    Belgian Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Belgian Sheepdogs shed more than Harriers?

    Belgian Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Harriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Harrier

    Belgian Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Harrier?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are moderately easy to groom.

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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.

    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 Belgian Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Sheepdog vs. Harrier

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdog or the Harrier?

    Belgian Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Harriers?

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs and Harriers?

    Belgian Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Belgian Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Harrier?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?

    Belgian Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Harrier?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Harrier better suits you and your family.