A Detailed Comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Harrier.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Harrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Harrier.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Harrier

Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Harrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Harrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Harrier is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Harrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Harrier

Factor Caucasian Shepherd Dog Harrier
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Easygoing 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 1/5
Height 24 to 34 inches 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Weight 80 to 220 pounds 45 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2110 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dentition
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 69 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Harrier

    Below is a list of where the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Harrier are most different:

  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Harriers get along well with other dogs.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Harriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Harriers are very easy to groom.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have low exercise needs. However, Harriers require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Harriers do not have the tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Harrier

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

  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Harrier do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Harrier are not easy to train.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Harrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Harrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Harrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Harrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Harrier are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Harrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Harrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Harrier.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs weigh 80 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are 24 to 34 inches 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Harrier

    The lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is 11.0 years.

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

    Adopting the Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Adopting the Harrier

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

    Also, like Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Harrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Arkansas, Little Rock; “Aslan” is the name of another Caucasian Shepherd 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.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and Harriers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and Harriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Health Problems of Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog than for the Harrier.

    7 health tests are recommended for Caucasian Shepherd Dog while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and in Harriers.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dentition
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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: Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Harrier

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed more than Harriers?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Harriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Harrier

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Harrier?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs. Harrier

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Harrier?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Harriers?

    Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and Harriers?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Harrier?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Harrier?

    Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog:

  • Afador (76 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Afador.
  • Akbash (73 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Akbash.
  • Mastiff (72 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Mastiff.
  • Boerboel (71 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs American Foxhound.
  • Black and Tan Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • Black Mouth Cur (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bluetick Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Leonberger     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Saint Bernard     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Siberian Husky     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Norfolk Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Sussex Spaniel     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Lowchen     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Cockapoo     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Norwegian Buhund     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Chow Chow     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Affenpinscher     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Shiba Inu     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Korean Jindo Dog     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Mal Shi     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus English Cocker Spaniel     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Cockalier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Coton de Tulear     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Whoodle     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Australian Cattle Dog     

    Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Harrier versus Whippet     Harrier versus Mal Shi     Harrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Harrier versus Shiba Inu     Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel     Harrier versus Boston Terrier     Harrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Harrier versus American Bulldog     Harrier versus German Longhaired Pointer     Harrier versus Schipperke     Harrier versus Beaglier     Harrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Harrier versus Papillon     Harrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Harrier versus Bull Terrier     Harrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Harrier versus Spinone Italiano     Harrier versus Mastiff     Harrier versus Bich Poo     Harrier versus Norwich Terrier     Harrier versus Barbet     Harrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Harrier versus Canaan Dog     Harrier versus Dogo Argentino     

    Conclusion: Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Harrier better suits you and your family.