Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Harrier Versus Lowchen: Introduction
- Harrier versus Lowchen: Overview
- Harrier versus Lowchen: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Lowchen
- The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Lowchen
- Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Lowchen
- Lifespan of Harrier versus Lowchen
- The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Lowchen
- Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Lowchen
- Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Lowchen
- Do Harriers shed more than Lowchens?
- Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Lowchen
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Lowchen?
- Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lowchen?
- Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Lowchens?
- Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Lowchen
- Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Lowchen?
- Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Lowchens?
- How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Lowchens?
- Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Lowchen?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Harrier versus Lowchen. Which One is a Better Pet?
Harrier Versus Lowchen: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier and the Lowchen? 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier and the Lowchen 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 Lowchen. 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 Lowchen.
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 Lowchen.
Harrier versus Lowchen: Overview
A very important difference between the Harrier and the Lowchen is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Harrier is a medium-sized dog while the Lowchen is a tiny-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 Lowchen belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Harrier versus Lowchen: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Harrier to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen
| Factor | Harrier | Lowchen |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 13 to 15 years |
| Height | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds | 9 to 18 pounds |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | $1642 – $4500 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2870 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 183 | 163 |
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 Lowchen. 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 Lowchen is 85 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lowchen is a better pet than the Harrier. So, you should get the Lowchen!
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 Lowchen so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Lowchen
Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Lowchen are most different:
The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Lowchen
The Harrier and the Lowchen are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Harrier and the Lowchen are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Lowchen
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Lowchen.
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, Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Harrier versus Lowchen
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.
Lowchens live longer than Harriers.
The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Lowchen
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 Lowchen over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Lowchen is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Lowchen is 163 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 Lowchen
| Year | Harrier Popularity Rank | Lowchen Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 173 | 154 |
| 2014 | 181 | 165 |
| 2015 | 183 | 161 |
| 2016 | 186 | 171 |
| 2017 | 183 | 169 |
| 2018 | 189 | 168 |
| 2019 | 186 | 158 |
| 2020 | 190 | 161 |
Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Lowchen
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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Lowchen than for the Harrier.
2 health tests are recommended for Harrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Lowchen.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Harriers and in Lowchens.
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.
Lowchen Health Problems
Lowchens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lowchen 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 Lowchen puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lowchen 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 Lowchens for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lowchens here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Harriers and Lowchens
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 Lowchen Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Lowchen ranks 19 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 Lowchens, 9 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Lowchens, and how common these diseases are in Lowchens relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Harrier and in Lowchen and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Harrier and the Lowchen:
| Disease | Harrier Rank | Lowchen Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 76 out of 198 dog breeds | 163 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 19 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 42 out of 182 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 Lowchen
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Lowchens do not like to be left alone.
Do Harriers shed more than Lowchens?
Harriers shed moderately.
Lowchens shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Lowchen
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Lowchen?
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lowchen?
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.
Lowchens 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 Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Lowchens?
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Lowchens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather?
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Lowchen
Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Lowchens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather?
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Lowchens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Lowchen?
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.
Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Lowchens?
Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Lowchens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Lowchens?
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Lowchen?
Harriers are not easy to train.
Lowchens are very easy to train.
Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Lowchen?
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Lowchen?
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Lowchens are very good 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 Lowchen
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Harrier and how the Lowchen compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Lowchen to other breeds:
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Fila Brasileiro Harrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Harrier versus Borzoi Harrier versus Dalmatian Harrier versus Manchester Terrier Harrier versus Cavapoo Harrier versus Redbone Coonhound Harrier versus Miniature Pinscher Harrier versus Patterdale Terrier Harrier versus Standard Schnauzer Harrier versus Chow Chow Harrier versus Pomapoo Harrier versus Pomapoo Harrier versus Tibetan Mastiff Harrier versus Frenchton Harrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Harrier versus Manchester Terrier Harrier versus Boykin Spaniel Harrier versus Whippet Harrier versus Saint Bernard Harrier versus Shichon Harrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever Harrier versus Komondor Harrier versus Shiranian Harrier versus Bluetick Coonhound
Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds
Lowchen versus Schnoodle Lowchen versus German Wirehaired Pointer Lowchen versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Lowchen versus Berger Picard Lowchen versus English Setter Lowchen versus Portuguese Water Dog Lowchen versus Alaskan Malamute Lowchen versus Black Russian Terrier Lowchen versus Lancashire Heeler Lowchen versus Mountain Cur Lowchen versus Kooikerhondje Lowchen versus Tibetan Mastiff Lowchen versus Japanese Chin Lowchen versus Bichon Frise Lowchen versus Dogo Argentino Lowchen versus Valley Bulldog Lowchen versus Goldador Lowchen versus Puli Lowchen versus American Eskimo Dog Lowchen versus Leonberger Lowchen versus English Springer Spaniel Lowchen versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Lowchen versus Tibetan Terrier Lowchen versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Lowchen versus English Setter
Conclusion: Harrier versus Lowchen. 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 Lowchen better suits you and your family.