Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Harrier Versus Kuvasz: Introduction
- Harrier versus Kuvasz: Overview
- Harrier versus Kuvasz: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Kuvasz
- The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Kuvasz
- Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Kuvasz
- Lifespan of Harrier versus Kuvasz
- The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Kuvasz
- Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Kuvasz
- Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Kuvasz
- Do Harriers shed more than Kuvaszs?
- Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Kuvasz
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Kuvasz?
- Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kuvasz?
- Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Kuvaszs?
- Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kuvaszs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Kuvasz
- Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Kuvasz?
- Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Kuvaszs?
- How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Kuvaszs?
- Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Kuvasz?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kuvasz
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Harrier versus Kuvasz. Which One is a Better Pet?
Harrier Versus Kuvasz: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier and the Kuvasz? 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 Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier and the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz. 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 Kuvasz.
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 Kuvasz.
Harrier versus Kuvasz: Overview
A very important difference between the Harrier and the Kuvasz is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Harrier is a medium-sized dog while the Kuvasz is a giant-sized dog.
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 Kuvasz belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
Harrier versus Kuvasz: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Harrier to the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz
| Factor | Harrier | Kuvasz |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds | 70 to 115 pounds |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1438 – $1812 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1630 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 183 | 161 |
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 Kuvasz. 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 Kuvasz is 66 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Kuvasz. 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 Kuvasz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Kuvasz
Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Kuvasz are most different:
The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Kuvasz
The Harrier and the Kuvasz are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Harrier and the Kuvasz are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Kuvasz
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Kuvasz.
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, Kuvaszs weigh 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. Kuvaszs are 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Harrier versus Kuvasz
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Kuvaszs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Kuvaszs is 11.0 years.
The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Kuvasz
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 Kuvasz over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Kuvasz is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Kuvasz is 161 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 Kuvasz
| Year | Harrier Popularity Rank | Kuvasz Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 173 | 150 |
| 2014 | 181 | 161 |
| 2015 | 183 | 150 |
| 2016 | 186 | 165 |
| 2017 | 183 | 157 |
| 2018 | 189 | 163 |
| 2019 | 186 | 166 |
| 2020 | 190 | 177 |
Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Kuvasz
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 Harrier and the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Kuvasz than for the Harrier.
2 health tests are recommended for Harrier while 7 tests are recommended for the Kuvasz.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Harriers and in Kuvaszs.
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.
Kuvasz Health Problems
Kuvaszs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Kuvasz 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 Kuvaszs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Kuvaszs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Harriers and Kuvaszs
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:
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 Kuvasz Breed is Thyroid problems.
This is because the Kuvasz ranks 7 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 434 Kuvaszs, 51 of them had Thyroid problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Kuvaszs, and how common these diseases are in Kuvaszs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Harrier and in Kuvasz and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Harrier and the Kuvasz:
| Disease | Harrier Rank | Kuvasz Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 76 out of 198 dog breeds | 52 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 7 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 25 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 64 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 124 out of 145 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: Harrier versus Kuvasz
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Kuvaszs do not like to be left alone.
Do Harriers shed more than Kuvaszs?
Harriers shed moderately.
Kuvaszs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Kuvasz
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Kuvaszs drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Kuvasz?
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Kuvaszs are very easy to groom.
Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kuvasz?
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.
Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs?
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Kuvaszs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kuvaszs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Kuvaszs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Kuvasz
Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Kuvaszs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Kuvaszs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Kuvasz?
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Kuvaszs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Kuvaszs?
Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Kuvaszs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Kuvaszs?
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Kuvaszs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Kuvasz?
Harriers are not easy to train.
Kuvaszs are not easy to train.
Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Kuvasz?
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Kuvaszs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Kuvasz?
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Kuvaszs 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kuvasz
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Harrier and how the Kuvasz compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Kuvasz to other breeds:
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Mudi Harrier versus Lhasa Apso Harrier versus Chorkie Harrier versus Giant Schnauzer Harrier versus Collie Harrier versus English Springer Spaniel Harrier versus Borzoi Harrier versus King Shepherd Harrier versus Spanish Mastiff Harrier versus Redbone Coonhound Harrier versus Finnish Spitz Harrier versus Greyhound Harrier versus Briard Harrier versus Shiranian Harrier versus Komondor Harrier versus Pekingese Harrier versus Barbet Harrier versus Chow Chow Harrier versus Bulldog Harrier versus Whoodle Harrier versus Sheepadoodle Harrier versus Bedlington Terrier Harrier versus Goldador Harrier versus German Shepherd Dog Harrier versus Stabyhoun
Kuvasz Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kuvasz versus Hovawart Kuvasz versus Alaskan Malamute Kuvasz versus Canaan Dog Kuvasz versus American Bulldog Kuvasz versus French Bulldog Kuvasz versus Australian Kelpie Kuvasz versus English Cocker Spaniel Kuvasz versus Maltipoo Kuvasz versus Komondor Kuvasz versus Finnish Spitz Kuvasz versus Puggle Kuvasz versus Shiba Inu Kuvasz versus Neapolitan Mastiff Kuvasz versus Belgian Sheepdog Kuvasz versus Spanish Mastiff Kuvasz versus Keeshond Kuvasz versus Havanese Kuvasz versus Bloodhound Kuvasz versus Dutch Shepherd Kuvasz versus Pekingese Kuvasz versus Puggle Kuvasz versus Lhasa Apso Kuvasz versus Labradoodle Kuvasz versus Kishu Ken Kuvasz versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle
Conclusion: Harrier versus Kuvasz. 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 Kuvasz better suits you and your family.