Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Harrier Versus Weimaraner: Introduction
- Harrier versus Weimaraner: Overview
- Harrier versus Weimaraner: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Weimaraner
- The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Weimaraner
- Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Weimaraner
- Lifespan of Harrier versus Weimaraner
- Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Weimaraner
- The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Weimaraner
- Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Weimaraner
- Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Weimaraner
- Do Harriers shed more than Weimaraners?
- Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Weimaraner
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Weimaraner?
- Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Weimaraner?
- Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Weimaraners?
- Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Weimaraners Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Weimaraner
- Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Weimaraners Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Weimaraner?
- Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Weimaraners?
- How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Weimaraners?
- Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Weimaraner?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Weimaraner
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Harrier versus Weimaraner. Which One is a Better Pet?
Harrier Versus Weimaraner: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier and the Weimaraner? 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 Weimaraner 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 Weimaraner.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier and the Weimaraner 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 Weimaraner. 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 Weimaraner.
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 Weimaraner.
Harrier versus Weimaraner: Overview
A very important difference between the Harrier and the Weimaraner is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Harrier is a medium-sized dog while the Weimaraner is a large-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 Weimaraner belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Harrier versus Weimaraner: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Harrier to the Weimaraner 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 Weimaraner
| Factor | Harrier | Weimaraner |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Height | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 23 to 27 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 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds | 55 to 85 pounds |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 12.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $950 – $1250 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1080 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 183 | 35 |
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 Weimaraner. 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 Weimaraner is 67 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Weimaraner. 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 Weimaraner so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Weimaraner
Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Weimaraner are most different:
The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Weimaraner
The Harrier and the Weimaraner are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Harrier and the Weimaraner are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Weimaraner
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Weimaraner.
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, Weimaraners weigh 55 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Weimaraners are 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Harrier versus Weimaraner
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Weimaraners is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Weimaraners is 12.0 years.
Weimaraners live longer than Harriers.
Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Weimaraner
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Harriers and many Weimaraners 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, Weimaraners are also available for adoption. For example, Strider is a Male Weimaraner that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Weimaraners like Strider that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, Ash is an adorable Male Weimaraner on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Harriers and Weimaraners that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Weimaraner
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 Weimaraner over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Weimaraner is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Weimaraner is 35 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 Weimaraner
| Year | Harrier Popularity Rank | Weimaraner Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 173 | 33 |
| 2014 | 181 | 35 |
| 2015 | 183 | 34 |
| 2016 | 186 | 34 |
| 2017 | 183 | 34 |
| 2018 | 189 | 36 |
| 2019 | 186 | 39 |
| 2020 | 190 | 39 |
Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Weimaraner
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 Weimaraner 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 Weimaraner is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Weimaraner than for the Harrier.
2 health tests are recommended for Harrier while 5 tests are recommended for the Weimaraner.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Harriers and in Weimaraners.
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.
Weimaraner Health Problems
Weimaraners are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Weimaraner 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 Weimaraner puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Weimaraner 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 Weimaraners for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Weimaraners here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Harriers and Weimaraners
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 Weimaraner Breed is Dentition Database problems.
This is because the Weimaraner ranks 44 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 62 Weimaraners, 0 of them had Dentition Database problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Weimaraners, and how common these diseases are in Weimaraners relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Harrier and in Weimaraner and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Harrier and the Weimaraner:
| Disease | Harrier Rank | Weimaraner Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 76 out of 198 dog breeds | 127 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 44 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 62 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 80 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 113 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 125 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 Weimaraner
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Weimaraners do not like to be left alone.
Do Harriers shed more than Weimaraners?
Harriers shed moderately.
Weimaraners shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Weimaraner
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Weimaraners have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Weimaraner?
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Weimaraners are very easy to groom.
Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Weimaraner?
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.
Weimaraners 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 Weimaraners?
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Weimaraners are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Weimaraners Tolerate Cold Weather?
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Weimaraners can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Weimaraner
Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Weimaraners have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Weimaraners Tolerate Hot Weather?
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Weimaraners can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Weimaraner?
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Weimaraners get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Weimaraners?
Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Weimaraners are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Weimaraners?
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Weimaraners get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Weimaraner?
Harriers are not easy to train.
Weimaraners are very easy to train.
Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Weimaraner?
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Weimaraners do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Weimaraner?
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Weimaraners 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 Weimaraner
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Weimaraner 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 Weimaraner:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Harrier and how the Weimaraner compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Weimaraner to other breeds:
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Swedish Vallhund Harrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Harrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Harrier versus Beagle Harrier versus Biewer Terrier Harrier versus Swedish Vallhund Harrier versus Jack Russell Terrier Harrier versus Bull Terrier Harrier versus Shetland Sheepdog Harrier versus Lakeland Terrier Harrier versus Australian Shepherd Harrier versus Biewer Terrier Harrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer Harrier versus Weimaraner Harrier versus Xoloitzcuintli Harrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux Harrier versus Bouvier des Flandres Harrier versus Scottish Terrier Harrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff Harrier versus Frenchton Harrier versus Goldendoodle Harrier versus Shih Tzu Harrier versus Cavachon Harrier versus Komondor Harrier versus Mountain Cur
Weimaraner Versus Other Dog Breeds
Weimaraner versus Black and Tan Coonhound Weimaraner versus Norwegian Buhund Weimaraner versus Mastiff Weimaraner versus Chow Chow Weimaraner versus Tibetan Mastiff Weimaraner versus Neapolitan Mastiff Weimaraner versus Bich Poo Weimaraner versus Papillon Weimaraner versus Giant Schnauzer Weimaraner versus Schipperke Weimaraner versus English Springer Spaniel Weimaraner versus Cesky Terrier Weimaraner versus Labradoodle Weimaraner versus Bullmastiff Weimaraner versus Belgian Malinois Weimaraner versus Airedale Terrier Weimaraner versus Boerboel Weimaraner versus Cockalier Weimaraner versus Kai Ken Weimaraner versus Samoyed Weimaraner versus Chinese Crested Weimaraner versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Weimaraner versus Saluki Weimaraner versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Weimaraner versus Miniature Schnauzer
Conclusion: Harrier versus Weimaraner. 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 Weimaraner better suits you and your family.