Which is Better Between the Bull Terrier and the Harrier?

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Bull Terrier Versus Harrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the 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 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 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 Bull Terrier or the Harrier.

Bull Terrier versus Harrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Bull Terrier and the Harrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bull Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Harrier is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the 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.

Bull Terrier versus Harrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the 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 Bull Terrier and the Harrier

Factor Bull Terrier Harrier
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Height 21 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Weight 35 to 75 pounds 45 to 60 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 4/5
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
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1800 No Data
Price Range $1300 – $2000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Kidney Disease
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the 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 Bull Terrier 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 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 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 Bull Terrier and the Harrier

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

    • Bull Terriers 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.
    • Bull Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Bull Terriers 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.
    • Bull Terriers are very easy to train. However, Harriers are not easy to train.

    The Similarities Between the Bull Terrier and the Harrier

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

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

    Size Comparison of Bull Terrier versus Harrier

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

    Bull Terriers weigh 35 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Bull Terriers are 21 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 Bull Terrier versus Harrier

    The lifespan of Bull Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Bull Terriers is 12.5 years.

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

    Bull Terriers live longer than Harriers.

    Health Problems of Bull Terrier 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 Bull Terrier 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 Bull Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Bull Terrier than for the Harrier.

    4 health tests are recommended for Bull Terrier while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bull Terriers and in Harriers.

    Bull Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Kidney Disease
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bull Terriers 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: Bull Terrier versus Harrier

    Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Bull Terriers shed more than Harriers?

    Bull Terriers shed moderately.

    Harriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Bull Terrier or the Harrier

    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 Bull Terrier or the Harrier?

    Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

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

    Bull Terriers 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 Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?

    Bull Terriers 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 Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bull Terrier vs. Harrier

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

    Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Bull Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Harriers?

    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 Bull Terriers and Harriers?

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

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

    Is the Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Harrier?

    Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Harriers are not easy to train.

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

    Bull Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Bull Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: 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 Bull Terrier and the Harrier better suits you and your family.