A Detailed Comparison of the Harrier and the Saluki.

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Harrier Versus Saluki: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier and the Saluki 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 Saluki. 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 Saluki.

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 Saluki.

Harrier versus Saluki

Harrier versus Saluki: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Harrier and the Saluki are Hound Dogs. This means both the Harrier and the Saluki 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.

Harrier versus Saluki: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Harrier to the Saluki 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 Saluki

Factor Harrier Saluki
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Height 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 4/5 1/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Weight 45 to 60 pounds 35 to 70 pounds
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
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 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $2250 – $2250
Average Price No Data $2250
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 183 127

    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 Saluki. 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 Saluki is 74 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Saluki

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

  • Harriers 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. However, Salukis are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Salukis are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Harriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Salukis are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Saluki

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

  • Both the Harrier and the Saluki do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Harrier and the Saluki do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Harrier and the Saluki can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Harrier and the Saluki are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Harrier and the Saluki are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Harrier and the Saluki have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Harrier and the Saluki get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Harrier and the Saluki get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Harrier and the Saluki are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Harrier and the Saluki are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Harrier and the Saluki have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Harrier and the Saluki have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Harrier and the Saluki require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Harrier and the Saluki are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Saluki

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

    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, Salukis weigh 35 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Salukis are 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Harrier versus Saluki

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

    The lifespan of Salukis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Salukis is 13.0 years.

    Salukis live longer than Harriers.

    Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Saluki

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Harriers and many Salukis 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 Harrier named Bailey that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Harriers like Bailey on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Harriers, Salukis are also available for adoption. For example, Ollie is a Male Saluki that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Salukis like Ollie that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Harrier and the Saluki can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Pilot is the name of another Harrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Archie is an adorable Male Saluki on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Harriers and Salukis are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Harriers and Salukis that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Saluki

    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 Saluki over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Saluki is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Saluki is 127 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 Saluki

    Popularity of Saluki

    Year Harrier Popularity Rank Saluki Popularity Rank
    2013 173 115
    2014 181 134
    2015 183 132
    2016 186 125
    2017 183 123
    2018 189 120
    2019 186 125
    2020 190 144

    Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Saluki

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Salukis do not like to be left alone.

    Do Harriers shed more than Salukis?

    Harriers shed moderately.

    Salukis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Saluki

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Salukis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Saluki?

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

    Salukis are very easy to groom.

    Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saluki?

    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.

    Salukis 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 Salukis?

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

    Salukis are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Salukis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Salukis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Saluki

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

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

    Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Salukis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Salukis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Salukis get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Salukis?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Salukis?

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

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

    Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Saluki?

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Salukis are very easy to train.

    Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Saluki?

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Salukis do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Salukis 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 Saluki vs American Foxhound.
  • Black and Tan Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Saluki vs Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • Black Mouth Cur (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Saluki vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bluetick Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Saluki vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Saluki

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

  • German Shorthaired Pointer (77 percent match with Saluki). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • German Wirehaired Pointer (75 percent match with Saluki). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs German Wirehaired Pointer.
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback (75 percent match with Saluki). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Rhodesian Ridgeback.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Harrier versus Bordoodle     Harrier versus English Cocker Spaniel     Harrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Harrier versus Aussiedoodle     Harrier versus Weimaraner     Harrier versus French Bulldog     Harrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Harrier versus Shichon     Harrier versus Golden Retriever     Harrier versus Plott     Harrier versus Samoyed     Harrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Harrier versus Cocker Spaniel     Harrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Harrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Harrier versus Peek A Poo     Harrier versus Bouvier des Flandres     Harrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Harrier versus Bloodhound     Harrier versus American Bulldog     Harrier versus Kooikerhondje     Harrier versus Norwich Terrier     Harrier versus Cavapoo     Harrier versus Chihuahua     Harrier versus Lakeland Terrier     

    Saluki Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Saluki versus American Hairless Terrier     Saluki versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Saluki versus Kooikerhondje     Saluki versus Skye Terrier     Saluki versus Welsh Terrier     Saluki versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Saluki versus Bedlington Terrier     Saluki versus Puggle     Saluki versus Saint Berdoodle     Saluki versus Cavapoo     Saluki versus Lhasa Apso     Saluki versus French Spaniel     Saluki versus Irish Setter     Saluki versus Field Spaniel     Saluki versus Goldendoodle     Saluki versus Shichon     Saluki versus Canaan Dog     Saluki versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Saluki versus Peek A Poo     Saluki versus Papipoo     Saluki versus Bolognese     Saluki versus Boxer     Saluki versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Saluki versus Kuvasz     Saluki versus Black and Tan Coonhound     

    Conclusion: Harrier versus Saluki. 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 Saluki better suits you and your family.