Is the Dutch Shepherd Better than the Harrier as a Pet? Answer…

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Dutch Shepherd versus Harrier

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Dutch Shepherd Versus Harrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd or the Harrier

Dutch Shepherd versus Harrier: Overview

Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier are similar in size. The Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Dutch Shepherd 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.

Dutch Shepherd versus Harrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd Harrier
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Height 21 to 25 inches 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 45 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1590 No Data
Price Range $900 – $2000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    *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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Harrier is 81 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dutch Shepherd is a better pet than the Harrier. So, you should get the Dutch Shepherd!

    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 Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier

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

  • Dutch Shepherds are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Harriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Dutch Shepherds 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.
  • Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train. However, Harriers are not easy to train.

    • The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier

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

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Harrier

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

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 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.

    Adopting the Dutch Shepherd versus Adopting the Harrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherd named Mercy – Located In Connecticut that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Dutch Shepherds like Mercy – Located In Connecticut on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Dutch Shepherds, 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.

    The Dutch Shepherd and the Harrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Toby 1078 is the name of another Dutch Shepherd (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Dutch Shepherds and Harriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Harrier

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Harrier

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Harrier

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Harrier?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Harriers?

    Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds and Harriers?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

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

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Harriers?

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Harriers shed moderately.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Harrier?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

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

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Japanese Spitz.

    • 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 Dutch Shepherd vs American Foxhound.
  • Black and Tan Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • Black Mouth Cur (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bluetick Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Bluetick Coonhound.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Labrador Retriever     Dutch Shepherd versus Golden Retriever     Dutch Shepherd versus Coton de Tulear     Dutch Shepherd versus Cockapoo     Dutch Shepherd versus Catahoula Bulldog     Dutch Shepherd versus Border Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Dutch Shepherd versus Norwegian Lundehund     Dutch Shepherd versus Coton de Tulear     Dutch Shepherd versus Patterdale Terrier     

    Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Harrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel     Harrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Harrier versus King Shepherd     Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel     Harrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Harrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Harrier versus German Pinscher     Harrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Harrier versus Briard     

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