A Detailed Comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Harrier.

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Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Harrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog or the Harrier

Estrela Mountain Dog versus Harrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Estrela Mountain 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.

Estrela Mountain Dog versus Harrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Estrela Mountain 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.

Factor Estrela Mountain Dog Harrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 1/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Easygoing 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 75 to 130 pounds 45 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2000 No Data
Price Range $2000 – $2000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • 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 Estrela Mountain 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 a Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog is a better pet than the Harrier. So, you should get the Estrela Mountain Dog!

    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 Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog and the Harrier

    Below is a list of where the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Harrier are most different:

  • Estrela Mountain 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.
  • Estrela Mountain 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.
  • Estrela Mountain Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Harriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Estrela Mountain Dogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Harriers are very easy to groom.

    • The Similarities Between the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Harrier

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

  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Harrier do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog and the Harrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Harrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Harrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Harrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Harrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Harrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Harrier are highly intelligent.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Estrela Mountain Dog versus Harrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Estrela Mountain Dog and the Harrier.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs weigh 75 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Estrela Mountain Dogs are 24 to 30 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.

    Health Problems of Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Estrela Mountain Dog than for the Harrier.

    4 health tests are recommended for Estrela Mountain Dog while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Estrela Mountain Dogs and in Harriers.

    Estrela Mountain Dog Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Estrela Mountain 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.

    Is the Estrela Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Does the Estrela Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?

    Estrela Mountain 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Estrela Mountain Dog vs. Harrier

    Estrela Mountain 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.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Harrier?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Harrier?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Estrela Mountain Dog versus Harrier

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog or the Harrier?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Which one drools more, the Estrela Mountain Dog or the Harrier

    Estrela Mountain Dogs drool moderately.

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Estrela Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Do Estrela Mountain Dogs shed more than Harriers?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Harriers shed moderately.

    Is the Estrela Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Harrier?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Are Estrela Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Harriers?

    Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dogs and Harriers?

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog:

  • Akbash (81 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Akbash.
  • Dutch Shepherd (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Pyrenean Mastiff (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Pyrenean Mastiff.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Estrela Mountain Dog versus Bull Terrier     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Sussex Spaniel     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Saluki     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Japanese Chin     Estrela Mountain Dog versus American Hairless Terrier     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Field Spaniel     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Silky Terrier     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Norfolk Terrier     

    Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Harrier versus Berger Picard     Harrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     Harrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Harrier versus American Hairless Terrier     Harrier versus Great Pyrenees     Harrier versus Valley Bulldog     Harrier versus Welsh Terrier     Harrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Harrier versus Pyredoodle     Harrier versus Bolognese     

    Conclusion: Estrela Mountain 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 Estrela Mountain Dog and the Harrier better suits you and your family.