Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Dachshund Versus Harrier: Introduction
- Dachshund versus Harrier: Overview
- Dachshund versus Harrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dachshund and the Harrier
- The Similarities Between the Dachshund and the Harrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Dachshund versus Harrier
- Adopting the Dachshund versus Adopting the Harrier
- The Popularity of Dachshund versus Popularity of Harrier
- Health Problems of Dachshund versus Health Problems of Harrier
- Can Dachshunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Which one drools more, the Dachshund or the Harrier
- Is the Dachshund Easier to Train than the Harrier?
- Tolerates Being Alone: Dachshund versus Harrier
- Can Dachshunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dachshund or the Harrier?
- Do Dachshunds shed more than Harriers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Dachshund or the Harrier?
- Are Dachshunds good family dogs? What about Harriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Dachshunds and Harriers?
- Does the Dachshund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
- Do Dachshunds Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
- Wanderlust Potential: Dachshund vs. Harrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dachshund
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Dachshund versus Harrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Dachshund Versus Harrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dachshund and the Harrier? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dachshund 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 Dachshund and the Harrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dachshund 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 Dachshund 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dachshund 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 Dachshund or the Harrier
Dachshund versus Harrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Dachshund and the Harrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dachshund is a tiny-sized dog while the Harrier is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Dachshund and the Harrier are Hound Dogs. This means both the Dachshund and the Harrier 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.
Dachshund versus Harrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Dachshund 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.
| Factor | Dachshund | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Weight | 16 to 32 pounds | 45 to 60 pounds |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| 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 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 8 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1730 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2000 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 69.4 percent | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 11 | 183 |
*Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dachshund 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 a Dachshund is 69 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Harrier is 81 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Dachshund. 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 Dachshund and the Harrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dachshund and the Harrier
Below is a list of where the Dachshund and the Harrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Dachshund and the Harrier
The Dachshund and the Harrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dachshund and the Harrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Dachshund versus Harrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dachshund and the Harrier.
Dachshunds weigh 16 to 32 pounds when fully grown. Dachshunds are 8 inches to 9 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.
Adopting the Dachshund versus Adopting the Harrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Dachshunds 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 Dachshund named Chunker that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Dachshunds like Chunker on pefinder.com.
Also, like Dachshunds, Harriers are also available for adoption. For example, Harold is a Male Harrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Harriers like Harold that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Meyer is the name of another Dachshund (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also Chico, an adorable Male Harrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Dachshunds and Harriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Dachshund versus Popularity of Harrier
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Dachshund and the Harrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Dachshund is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Dachshund is 11 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Dachshund
Popularity of Harrier
| Year | Dachshund Popularity Rank | Harrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 10 | 173 |
| 2014 | 11 | 181 |
| 2015 | 13 | 183 |
| 2016 | 13 | 186 |
| 2017 | 13 | 183 |
| 2018 | 12 | 189 |
| 2019 | 11 | 186 |
| 2020 | 10 | 190 |
Health Problems of Dachshund versus Health Problems of Harrier
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the Dachshund 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 Dachshund is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Dachshund than for the Harrier.
5 health tests are recommended for Dachshund while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dachshunds and in Harriers.
Dachshund Health Problems
Dachshunds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dachshund 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 Dachshund puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dachshund 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 Dachshunds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dachshunds 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.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Dachshunds and Harriers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Dachshund Breed is Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
This is because the Dachshund ranks 6 out of 32 dog breeds for Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 175 Dachshunds, 2 of them had Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Dachshunds, and how common these diseases are in Dachshunds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Dachshund and in Harrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dachshund and the Harrier:
| Disease | Dachshund Rank | Harrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 6 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 27 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 30 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 42 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 65 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 106 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 160 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 161 out of 198 dog breeds | 76 out of 198 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Can Dachshunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Dachshunds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Which one drools more, the Dachshund or the Harrier
Dachshunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Is the Dachshund Easier to Train than the Harrier?
Dachshunds are not easy to train.
Harriers are not easy to train.
Tolerates Being Alone: Dachshund versus Harrier
Dachshunds can be left alone only for a short time.
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Can Dachshunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Dachshunds 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 Dachshund or the Harrier?
Dachshunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Do Dachshunds shed more than Harriers?
Dachshunds shed moderately.
Harriers shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Dachshund or the Harrier?
Dachshunds are moderately easy to groom.
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dachshund or the Harrier?
Dachshunds are very good for new dog owners.
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Are Dachshunds good family dogs? What about Harriers?
Dachshunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Dachshund Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?
Dachshunds adapt very well to apartment living.
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
How Kid-friendly are Dachshunds and Harriers?
Dachshunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Dachshund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
Dachshunds 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 Dachshunds Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
Dachshunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Wanderlust Potential: Dachshund vs. Harrier
Dachshunds 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.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dachshund
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dachshund 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 Dachshund:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Dachshund and how the Harrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dachshund and of the Harrier to other breeds:
Dachshund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Dachshund versus Saint Berdoodle Dachshund versus Shihpoo Dachshund versus Bolognese Dachshund versus Shiloh Shepherd Dachshund versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Dachshund versus Boykin Spaniel Dachshund versus Bulldog Dachshund versus Irish Setter Dachshund versus English Cocker Spaniel Dachshund versus Yorkshire Terrier
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Harrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Harrier versus Cavapoo Harrier versus Goldador Harrier versus Ibizan Hound Harrier versus Bulldog Harrier versus Akita Harrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Harrier versus Norfolk Terrier Harrier versus English Springer Spaniel
Conclusion: Dachshund 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 Dachshund and the Harrier better suits you and your family.