Differences and Similarities between the Harrier and the Irish Terrier.

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Harrier Versus Irish Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier and the Irish Terrier 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 Harrier and for the Irish Terrier. 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 Harrier and the Irish Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Harrier or the Irish Terrier.

Harrier versus Irish Terrier

Harrier versus Irish Terrier: Overview

Both the Harrier and the Irish Terrier are similar in size. The Harrier and the Irish Terrier are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Irish Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Harrier versus Irish Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Harrier to the Irish Terrier 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 Harrier and the Irish Terrier

Factor Harrier Irish Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 16 years
Height 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Weight 45 to 60 pounds 25 to 27 pounds
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.0 years
Price Range No Data $1000 – $1500
Average Price No Data $1280
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 183 118

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Harrier 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 Irish Terrier. 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 Harrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Irish Terrier is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Irish Terrier. 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 Harrier and the Irish Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Irish Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Irish Terrier are most different:

  • Harriers get along well with other dogs. However, Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Harriers are very easy to groom. However, Irish Terriers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    • The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Irish Terrier

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

  • Both the Harrier and the Irish Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Harrier and the Irish Terrier 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 Harrier and the Irish Terrier are not easy to train.
  • Both the Harrier and the Irish Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Harrier and the Irish Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Harrier and the Irish Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Harrier and the Irish Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Harrier and the Irish Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Harrier and the Irish Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Harrier and the Irish Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Harrier and the Irish Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Harrier and the Irish Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Harrier and the Irish Terrier are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Irish Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Irish Terrier.

    Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Harrier versus Irish Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.

    Irish Terriers live longer than Harriers.

    The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Irish Terrier

    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 Harrier and the Irish Terrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Irish Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Irish Terrier is 118 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Harrier

    Popularity of Harrier

    Popularity of Irish Terrier

    Popularity of Irish Terrier

    Year Harrier Popularity Rank Irish Terrier Popularity Rank
    2013 173 123
    2014 181 125
    2015 183 113
    2016 186 115
    2017 183 114
    2018 189 116
    2019 186 119
    2020 190 120

    Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Irish Terrier

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Harriers shed more than Irish Terriers?

    Harriers shed moderately.

    Irish Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Irish Terrier

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Irish Terrier?

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

    Irish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Terrier?

    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.

    Irish Terriers 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.

    Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Irish Terriers?

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

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

    Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Irish Terrier

    Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Irish Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Irish Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Irish Terrier?

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Irish Terriers?

    Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Irish Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Irish Terriers?

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

    Irish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Irish Terrier?

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Irish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Terrier?

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Irish Terrier?

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Irish Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier:

  • Hovawart (75 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Hovawart.
  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Lakeland Terrier.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Harrier versus Belgian Tervuren     Harrier versus Boxer     Harrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Harrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Harrier versus Afghan Hound     Harrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Harrier versus Australian Kelpie     Harrier versus Chihuahua     Harrier versus Miniature Poodle     Harrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Harrier versus Sealyham Terrier     Harrier versus Borzoi     Harrier versus Whoodle     Harrier versus Cairn Terrier     Harrier versus Greyhound     Harrier versus Bull Terrier     Harrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Harrier versus Barbet     Harrier versus Siberian Husky     Harrier versus Scottish Deerhound     Harrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Harrier versus Skye Terrier     Harrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Harrier versus West Highland White Terrier     Harrier versus Samoyed     

    Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Terrier versus Toy Poodle     Irish Terrier versus Mountain Cur     Irish Terrier versus Peek A Poo     Irish Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Berger Picard     Irish Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Irish Terrier versus Bordoodle     Irish Terrier versus Border Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Irish Terrier versus Pug     Irish Terrier versus Scottish Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Morkie     Irish Terrier versus Afghan Hound     Irish Terrier versus Havanese     Irish Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Irish Terrier versus Boston Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     Irish Terrier versus Pekingese     Irish Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Irish Terrier versus Mastiff     Irish Terrier versus Whippet     Irish Terrier versus Vizsla     Irish Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff     Irish Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Irish Terrier versus Pekingese     

    Conclusion: Harrier versus Irish Terrier. 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 Harrier and the Irish Terrier better suits you and your family.