Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Greyhound Versus Harrier: Introduction
- Greyhound versus Harrier: Overview
- Greyhound versus Harrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Greyhound and the Harrier
- The Similarities Between the Greyhound and the Harrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Greyhound versus Harrier
- Lifespan of Greyhound versus Harrier
- Adopting the Greyhound versus Adopting the Harrier
- The Popularity of Greyhound versus Popularity of Harrier
- Health Problems of Greyhound versus Health Problems of Harrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Greyhound versus Harrier
- Do Greyhounds shed more than Harriers?
- Which one drools more, the Greyhound or the Harrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Greyhound or the Harrier?
- Does the Greyhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
- Do Greyhounds Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
- Can Greyhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Greyhound vs. Harrier
- Can Greyhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Greyhound or the Harrier?
- Are Greyhounds good family dogs? What about Harriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Greyhounds and Harriers?
- Is the Greyhound Easier to Train than the Harrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Greyhound
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Greyhound versus Harrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Greyhound Versus Harrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Greyhound 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 Greyhound 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 Greyhound and the Harrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Greyhound 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 Greyhound 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 Greyhound 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 Greyhound or the Harrier.
Greyhound versus Harrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Greyhound and the Harrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Greyhound is a large-sized dog while the Harrier is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Greyhound and the Harrier are Hound Dogs. This means both the Greyhound 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.
Greyhound versus Harrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Greyhound 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 Greyhound and the Harrier
| Factor | Greyhound | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the sho | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 50 to 85 pounds | 45 to 60 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $660 | No Data |
| Price Range | $500 – $800 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 149 | 183 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Greyhound 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 Greyhound is 73 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 Greyhound. 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 Greyhound and the Harrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Greyhound and the Harrier
Below is a list of where the Greyhound and the Harrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Greyhound and the Harrier
The Greyhound and the Harrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Greyhound and the Harrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Greyhound versus Harrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Greyhound and the Harrier.
Greyhounds weigh 50 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Greyhounds are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the sho 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 Greyhound versus Harrier
The lifespan of Greyhounds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Greyhounds is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
Greyhounds live longer than Harriers.
Adopting the Greyhound versus Adopting the Harrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Greyhounds 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 Greyhound named Popeye that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Greyhounds like Popeye on pefinder.com.
Also, like Greyhounds, 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.
Elijah is the name of another Greyhound (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.
You can find more Greyhounds and Harriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Greyhound 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 Greyhound and the Harrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Greyhound is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Greyhound is 149 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Greyhound
Popularity of Harrier
| Year | Greyhound Popularity Rank | Harrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 148 | 173 |
| 2014 | 147 | 181 |
| 2015 | 147 | 183 |
| 2016 | 151 | 186 |
| 2017 | 156 | 183 |
| 2018 | 145 | 189 |
| 2019 | 162 | 186 |
| 2020 | 142 | 190 |
Health Problems of Greyhound 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 Greyhound 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 Harrier is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Greyhound.
2 health tests are recommended for Greyhound while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Greyhounds and in Harriers.
Greyhound Health Problems
Greyhounds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Greyhound 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 Greyhound puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Greyhound 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 Greyhounds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Greyhounds 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 Greyhounds 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 Greyhound Breed is Eyes problems.
This is because the Greyhound ranks 76 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 119 Greyhounds, 2 of them had Eyes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Greyhounds, and how common these diseases are in Greyhounds 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 Greyhound and in Harrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Greyhound and the Harrier:
| Disease | Greyhound Rank | Harrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes problems | 76 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 81 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 186 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.
Tolerates Being Alone: Greyhound versus Harrier
Greyhounds do not like to be left alone.
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Greyhounds shed more than Harriers?
Greyhounds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Harriers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Greyhound or the Harrier
Greyhounds have a very high tendency to drool.
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Greyhound or the Harrier?
Greyhounds are very easy to groom.
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Does the Greyhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
Greyhounds 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 Greyhounds Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
Greyhounds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Greyhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Greyhounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Greyhound vs. Harrier
Greyhounds 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.
Can Greyhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Greyhounds can tolerate hot weather.
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Greyhound or the Harrier?
Greyhounds get along very well with other dogs.
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Greyhounds good family dogs? What about Harriers?
Greyhounds 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 Greyhounds and Harriers?
Greyhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Greyhound Easier to Train than the Harrier?
Greyhounds are very easy to train.
Harriers are not easy to train.
Is the Greyhound Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?
Greyhounds adapt very well to apartment living.
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Greyhound or the Harrier?
Greyhounds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Greyhound
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Greyhound 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 Greyhound:
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 Greyhound and how the Harrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Greyhound and of the Harrier to other breeds:
Greyhound Versus Other Dog Breeds
Greyhound versus German Wirehaired Pointer Greyhound versus Whippet Greyhound versus American Eskimo Dog Greyhound versus Spinone Italiano Greyhound versus Ibizan Hound Greyhound versus Biewer Terrier Greyhound versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Greyhound versus Spinone Italiano Greyhound versus Papipoo Greyhound versus Estrela Mountain Dog Greyhound versus Pyredoodle Greyhound versus Flat-Coated Retriever Greyhound versus Azawakh Greyhound versus Peek A Poo Greyhound versus Chinook Greyhound versus Papipoo Greyhound versus Brussels Griffon Greyhound versus Pointer Greyhound versus Finnish Lapphund Greyhound versus Doberman Pinscher Greyhound versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Greyhound versus Cesky Terrier Greyhound versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Greyhound versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Greyhound versus German Longhaired Pointer
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus American Water Spaniel Harrier versus Shih Tzu Harrier versus Shetland Sheepdog Harrier versus Boykin Spaniel Harrier versus Collie Harrier versus English Setter Harrier versus Cocker Spaniel Harrier versus Boxer Harrier versus Afador Harrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Harrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier Harrier versus Goldador Harrier versus Doberman Pinscher Harrier versus Field Spaniel Harrier versus Lhasa Apso Harrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Harrier versus Beagle Harrier versus Miniature Poodle Harrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo Harrier versus Boxerdoodle Harrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer Harrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Harrier versus Maltipoo Harrier versus Norfolk Terrier Harrier versus Norwich Terrier
Conclusion: Greyhound 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 Greyhound and the Harrier better suits you and your family.