Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Bulldog Versus Harrier: Introduction
- Bulldog versus Harrier: Overview
- Bulldog versus Harrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bulldog and the Harrier
- The Similarities Between the Bulldog and the Harrier
- Size Comparison of Bulldog versus Harrier
- Lifespan of Bulldog versus Harrier
- Health Problems of Bulldog versus Health Problems of Harrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Bulldog versus Harrier
- Do Bulldogs shed more than Harriers?
- Which one drools more, the Bulldog or the Harrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Bulldog or the Harrier?
- Does the Bulldog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
- Do Bulldogs Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
- Can Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Bulldog vs. Harrier
- Can Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bulldog or the Harrier?
- Are Bulldogs good family dogs? What about Harriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Bulldogs and Harriers?
- Is the Bulldog Easier to Train than the Harrier?
- Conclusion: Bulldog versus Harrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Bulldog Versus Harrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bulldog 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 Bulldog 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 Bulldog and the Harrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bulldog 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 Bulldog 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 Bulldog 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 Bulldog or the Harrier.
Bulldog versus Harrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Bulldog and the Harrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bulldog is a small-sized dog while the Harrier is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Bulldog belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
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.
Bulldog versus Harrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Bulldog 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 Bulldog and the Harrier
| Factor | Bulldog | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 50 pounds | 45 to 60 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 8 to 12 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Average Lifespan | 10.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $4220 | No Data |
| Price Range | $3000 – $4500 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bulldog 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 Bulldog 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 Bulldog. 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 Bulldog and the Harrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bulldog and the Harrier
Below is a list of where the Bulldog and the Harrier are most different:
- Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
- Bulldogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
- Bulldogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Harriers get along well with other dogs.
- Bulldogs have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, Harriers have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Bulldogs adapt well to apartment living. However, Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
- Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Harriers do not have the tendency to drool.
The Similarities Between the Bulldog and the Harrier
The Bulldog and the Harrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bulldog and the Harrier are most similar:
- Both the Bulldog and the Harrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
- Both the Bulldog and the Harrier are good for new dog owners.
- Both the Bulldog and the Harrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Bulldog and the Harrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
- Both the Bulldog and the Harrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
- Both the Bulldog and the Harrier are very playful.
- Both the Bulldog and the Harrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Bulldog and the Harrier are very friendly towards strangers.
- Both the Bulldog and the Harrier are very easy to groom.
Size Comparison of Bulldog versus Harrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bulldog and the Harrier.
Bulldogs weigh 40 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Bulldogs are 12 to 15 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 Bulldog versus Harrier
The lifespan of Bulldogs is between 8 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Bulldogs is 10.0 years.
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
Harriers live longer than Bulldogs.
Health Problems of Bulldog 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 Bulldog 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 Bulldog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Bulldog than for the Harrier.
10 health tests are recommended for Bulldog while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bulldogs and in Harriers.
Bulldog Health Problems
Bulldogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bulldog 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 Bulldog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bulldog 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 Bulldogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bulldogs 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.
Tolerates Being Alone: Bulldog versus Harrier
Bulldogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Bulldogs shed more than Harriers?
Bulldogs shed moderately.
Harriers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Bulldog or the Harrier
Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool.
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Bulldog or the Harrier?
Bulldogs are very easy to groom.
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Does the Bulldog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
Bulldogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Bulldogs Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
Bulldogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Bulldog vs. Harrier
Bulldogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bulldog or the Harrier?
Bulldogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Bulldogs good family dogs? What about Harriers?
Bulldogs 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 Bulldogs and Harriers?
Bulldogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Bulldog Easier to Train than the Harrier?
Bulldogs are fairly easy to train.
Harriers are not easy to train.
Is the Bulldog Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?
Bulldogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bulldog or the Harrier?
Bulldogs are very good for new dog owners.
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Bulldog 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 Bulldog and the Harrier better suits you and your family.