Which is Better between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier? A Very Detailed Review.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Harrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Harrier.

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Harrier

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Harrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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.

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Harrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier

Factor Catahoula Leopard Dog Harrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 10 to 12 years
Easygoing 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Height 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Weight 50 to 90 pounds 45 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $650 No Data
Price Range $400 – $800 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog is 70 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog. 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier

    Below is a list of where the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier are most different:

  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Harriers get along well with other dogs.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Harriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Harriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs not very playful. However, Harriers are very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier

    The Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier are most similar:

  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier 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.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier are not easy to train.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Harrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are 20 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Harrier

    The lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is 12.0 years.

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs live longer than Harriers.

    Adopting the Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Adopting the Harrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog named Rooster that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Catahoula Leopard Dogs like Rooster on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Catahoula Leopard Dogs, Harriers are also available for adoption. For example, Pilot is a Male Harrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Harriers like Pilot that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Otis is the name of another Catahoula Leopard Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Harriers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Harriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Harrier

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed more than Harriers?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed moderately.

    Harriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Harrier

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Harrier?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Catahoula Leopard Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Catahoula Leopard Dog vs. Harrier

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Harrier?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs good family dogs? What about Harriers?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Harriers?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Easier to Train than the Harrier?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train.

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Harrier?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog:

  • Chesapeake Bay Retriever (73 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
  • Hovawart (78 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Hovawart.
  • Boerboel (72 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog vs American Foxhound.
  • Black and Tan Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • Black Mouth Cur (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bluetick Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Catahoula Leopard Dog and how the Harrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog and of the Harrier to other breeds:

    Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Dutch Shepherd     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Bernedoodle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Brittany     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Siberian Husky     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Irish Setter     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Weimaraner     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Bluetick Coonhound     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Giant Schnauzer     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Affenpinscher     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Cane Corso     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Catahoula Bulldog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Papipoo     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Cockapoo     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chihuahua     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chorkie     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Papipoo     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chinook     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Australian Kelpie     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Dutch Shepherd     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     

    Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Harrier versus Shiranian     Harrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Harrier versus Basset Hound     Harrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Harrier versus Papipoo     Harrier versus Papillon     Harrier versus Toy Poodle     Harrier versus Collie     Harrier versus Xoloitzcuintli     Harrier versus Cockapoo     Harrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Harrier versus Bich Poo     Harrier versus Mudi     Harrier versus Schnoodle     Harrier versus Boxer     Harrier versus Carolina Dog     Harrier versus Shiranian     Harrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Harrier versus Vizsla     Harrier versus Sealyham Terrier     Harrier versus Goldador     Harrier versus Saint Bernard     Harrier versus Swedish Vallhund     Harrier versus Affenpinscher     Harrier versus Pomchi     

    Conclusion: Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Harrier better suits you and your family.