Is the Harrier Better than the Skye Terrier as a Pet? Answer…

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Harrier Versus Skye Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Harrier versus Skye Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Harrier and the Skye Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Harrier is a medium-sized dog while the Skye Terrier is a small-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 Skye 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 Skye Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Harrier to the Skye 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 Skye Terrier

Factor Harrier Skye Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
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 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
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 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
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 2/5
Weight 45 to 60 pounds 25 to 40 pounds
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $2000 – $2000
Average Price No Data $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 183 176

    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 Skye 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 Skye Terrier is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Skye Terrier is a better pet than the Harrier. So, you should get the Skye Terrier!

    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 Skye 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 Skye Terrier

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

  • Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Skye Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Harriers get along well with other dogs. However, Skye Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Skye Terrier

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

  • Both the Harrier and the Skye Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Harrier and the Skye 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 Skye Terrier are not easy to train.
  • Both the Harrier and the Skye Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Harrier and the Skye Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Harrier and the Skye Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Harrier and the Skye Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Harrier and the Skye Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Harrier and the Skye Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Harrier and the Skye Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Harrier and the Skye Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Harrier and the Skye Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Harrier and the Skye Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Harrier and the Skye Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Skye Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Skye 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, Skye Terriers weigh 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Skye Terriers are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Harrier versus Skye Terrier

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

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

    Skye Terriers live longer than Harriers.

    The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Skye 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 Skye Terrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Skye Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Skye Terrier is 176 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 Skye Terrier

    Popularity of Skye Terrier

    Year Harrier Popularity Rank Skye Terrier Popularity Rank
    2013 173 161
    2014 181 177
    2015 183 175
    2016 186 178
    2017 183 172
    2018 189 178
    2019 186 187
    2020 190 183

    Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Skye Terrier

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Skye Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Harriers shed more than Skye Terriers?

    Harriers shed moderately.

    Skye Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Skye Terrier

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Skye Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

    Skye Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Skye 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.

    Skye Terriers 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 Skye Terriers?

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

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

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

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Skye Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Skye Terrier

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

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

    Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Skye Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Skye Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Skye Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Skye Terriers?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Skye Terriers?

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

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

    Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Skye Terrier?

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Skye Terriers are not easy to train.

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

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Skye Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Skye Terriers 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:

  • American Foxhound (82 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Skye Terrier vs American Foxhound.
  • Black and Tan Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Skye Terrier vs Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • Black Mouth Cur (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Skye Terrier vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bluetick Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Skye Terrier vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Skye Terrier

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

  • Lakeland Terrier (78 percent match with Skye 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 Skye Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Skye Terrier to other breeds:

    Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Harrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Harrier versus Papillon     Harrier versus Schipperke     Harrier versus Chorkie     Harrier versus Spanish Mastiff     Harrier versus French Bulldog     Harrier versus Belgian Sheepdog     Harrier versus Morkie     Harrier versus Chorkie     Harrier versus Sheepadoodle     Harrier versus Japanese Spitz     Harrier versus Pomapoo     Harrier versus Boerboel     Harrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Harrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Harrier versus Shichon     Harrier versus Lhasa Apso     Harrier versus Labrador Retriever     Harrier versus Keeshond     Harrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Harrier versus Barbet     Harrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Harrier versus Xoloitzcuintli     Harrier versus Great Pyrenees     

    Skye Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Skye Terrier versus Plott     Skye Terrier versus German Pinscher     Skye Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Skye Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer     Skye Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Pekingese     Skye Terrier versus Samoyed     Skye Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     Skye Terrier versus Bull Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Bulldog     Skye Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Skye Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Skye Terrier versus Border Collie     Skye Terrier versus Sloughi     Skye Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Skye Terrier versus Scottish Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Skye Terrier versus Plott     Skye Terrier versus Lowchen     Skye Terrier versus Schnoodle     Skye Terrier versus Basset Hound     Skye Terrier versus Border Collie     Skye Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     Skye Terrier versus Greyhound     

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