Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Harrier Versus Schipperke: Introduction
- Harrier versus Schipperke: Overview
- Harrier versus Schipperke: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Schipperke
- The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Schipperke
- Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Schipperke
- Lifespan of Harrier versus Schipperke
- Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Schipperke
- The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Schipperke
- Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Schipperke
- Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Schipperke
- Do Harriers shed more than Schipperkes?
- Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Schipperke
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Schipperke?
- Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Schipperke?
- Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Schipperkes?
- Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Schipperkes Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Schipperke
- Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Schipperkes Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Schipperke?
- Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Schipperkes?
- How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Schipperkes?
- Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Schipperke?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Schipperke
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Harrier versus Schipperke. Which One is a Better Pet?
Harrier Versus Schipperke: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier and the Schipperke? 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 Schipperke 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 Schipperke.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier and the Schipperke 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 Schipperke. 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 Schipperke.
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 Schipperke.
Harrier versus Schipperke: Overview
A very important difference between the Harrier and the Schipperke is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Harrier is a medium-sized dog while the Schipperke 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 Schipperke 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 Schipperke: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Harrier to the Schipperke 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 Schipperke
| Factor | Harrier | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds | 11 to 18 pounds |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| 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 | 14.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $900 – $1500 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1170 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 183 | 109 |
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 Schipperke. 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 Schipperke is 73 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Schipperke. 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 Schipperke so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Schipperke
Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Schipperke are most different:
The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Schipperke
The Harrier and the Schipperke are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Harrier and the Schipperke are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Schipperke
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Schipperke.
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, Schipperkes weigh 11 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Schipperkes are 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Harrier versus Schipperke
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Schipperkes is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Schipperkes is 14.0 years.
Schipperkes live longer than Harriers.
Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Schipperke
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Harriers and many Schipperkes 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 Pilot that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Harriers like Pilot on pefinder.com.
Also, like Harriers, Schipperkes are also available for adoption. For example, Urchin is a Male Schipperke that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Schipperkes like Urchin that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Bailey is the name of another Harrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Jake is an adorable Male Schipperke on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Harriers and Schipperkes that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Schipperke
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 Schipperke over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Schipperke is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Schipperke is 109 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 Schipperke
| Year | Harrier Popularity Rank | Schipperke Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 173 | 109 |
| 2014 | 181 | 109 |
| 2015 | 183 | 109 |
| 2016 | 186 | 112 |
| 2017 | 183 | 110 |
| 2018 | 189 | 105 |
| 2019 | 186 | 106 |
| 2020 | 190 | 114 |
Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Schipperke
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 Schipperke 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 Schipperke is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Schipperke than for the Harrier.
2 health tests are recommended for Harrier while 7 tests are recommended for the Schipperke.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Harriers and in Schipperkes.
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.
Schipperke Health Problems
Schipperkes are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Schipperke 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 Schipperke puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Schipperke 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 Schipperkes for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Schipperkes here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Harriers and Schipperkes
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 Schipperke Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
This is because the Schipperke ranks 5 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 295 Schipperkes, 4 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Schipperkes, and how common these diseases are in Schipperkes relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Harrier and in Schipperke and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Harrier and the Schipperke:
| Disease | Harrier Rank | Schipperke Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 76 out of 198 dog breeds | 142 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | Not Common | 5 out of 40 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 36 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 50 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 54 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 93 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 165 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 Schipperke
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Schipperkes can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Harriers shed more than Schipperkes?
Harriers shed moderately.
Schipperkes shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Schipperke
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Schipperkes do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Schipperke?
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Schipperkes are very easy to groom.
Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Schipperke?
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.
Schipperkes 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 Schipperkes?
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Schipperkes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Schipperkes Tolerate Cold Weather?
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Schipperkes can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Schipperke
Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Schipperkes have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Schipperkes Tolerate Hot Weather?
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Schipperkes cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Schipperke?
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Schipperkes do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Schipperkes?
Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Schipperkes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Schipperkes?
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Schipperkes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Schipperke?
Harriers are not easy to train.
Schipperkes are not easy to train.
Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Schipperke?
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Schipperkes adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Schipperke?
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Schipperkes 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 Schipperke
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Schipperke 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 Schipperke:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Harrier and how the Schipperke compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Schipperke to other breeds:
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Basset Hound Harrier versus Cockalier Harrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever Harrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Harrier versus Whoodle Harrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Harrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Harrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Harrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais Harrier versus Affenhuahua Harrier versus Alaskan Malamute Harrier versus Bluetick Coonhound Harrier versus Sheepadoodle Harrier versus Cairn Terrier Harrier versus Westiepoo Harrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo Harrier versus Cane Corso Harrier versus Saint Bernard Harrier versus Belgian Malinois Harrier versus Border Terrier Harrier versus Akbash Harrier versus Bernedoodle Harrier versus German Pinscher Harrier versus Lowchen Harrier versus Maltese
Schipperke Versus Other Dog Breeds
Schipperke versus Miniature Pinscher Schipperke versus Bedlington Terrier Schipperke versus Swedish Vallhund Schipperke versus Cocker Spaniel Schipperke versus Japanese Chin Schipperke versus Irish Terrier Schipperke versus Pug Schipperke versus Goldador Schipperke versus Affenpinscher Schipperke versus Peek A Poo Schipperke versus Brittany Schipperke versus Great Dane Schipperke versus Great Pyrenees Schipperke versus Tibetan Mastiff Schipperke versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Schipperke versus Norwich Terrier Schipperke versus Shiranian Schipperke versus Cane Corso Schipperke versus Scottish Deerhound Schipperke versus Black Russian Terrier Schipperke versus Airedale Terrier Schipperke versus Maltipoo Schipperke versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Schipperke versus Great Pyrenees Schipperke versus Chorkie
Conclusion: Harrier versus Schipperke. 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 Schipperke better suits you and your family.