Harrier vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Harrier vs English Mastiff - Breed ComparisonBoth Harrier and English Mastiff are originated from United Kingdom. Harrier may grow 26 cm / 10 inches shorter than English Mastiff. Harrier may weigh 86 kg / 189 pounds lesser than English Mastiff. Harrier may live 4 years more than English Mastiff. Harrier may have less litter size than English Mastiff. Harrier requires Moderate maintenance. But English Mastiff requires Low maintenance

History

harrier - historyDeveloped in Great Britain, the Harrier is another hunting dog – a hound that primarily hunts hares and small prey. The breed itself is medium sized - smaller than an English Foxhound and larger than a Beagle. Although the definitive origins of the Harrier are not set, it is believed that he is a cross of the Basset Hound, Talbot Hound and Bloodhound. Others believe the breed is a cross of the Greyhound and the English Foxhound. The Harrier looks like a smaller version of the English Foxhound.

The Harrier is a pack dog and in 1260, Sir Elias de Midhope established the first pack in England. From there the breed spread to Wales and Western England, most used in Ireland where they hunt fox as well as hares. However, hunting hares is the specialty of the breed and even gave the breed its name. In 1885 they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in the Hound Group. Yet despite this and despite the number of Harriers working in England, they are not recognized by the UKC.

english mastiff - historyThroughout most of history there have been images created by people of very large, sturdy dogs that they shared their space with. The English Mastiff can trace some part of her ancestry to these same dogs. This breed is thought to have come from the stock of ancient breeds such as the Alpine Mastiff, Pugnaces Britanniae and Alaunt. The Mastiff in general has then become a main descendent of many other breeds of dogs since the 1880’s. The images of these types of dogs goes back to the 5th and 6th century.

There is no genetic evidence linking these dogs to the modern Mastiffs and the English Mastiff, but the resemblance is obvious. There is anecdotal evidence that these Mastiff type dogs were exported from England – the English Mastiff – to Greece to hunt game but were also used as war dogs by the Celts. The Alaunt was probably used the Normans and bred by the Alans. Writings and images throughout these times depicted a dog that looked very much like today’s English Mastiff. Some speculate that the English Mastiff came to the United States of the Mayflower.

There was a decline in the English Mastiff in its homeland in the 1800’s following the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835 which prohibited owners and trainers from baiting animals. Then in the 19th century, prior to the first World War, systematic breeding programs began with J.W. Thompson. His first English Mastiff was a female named Dorah. Dorah’s ancestors included dogs from Thompson’s Grandfather. Captain John Garnier of the Royal Engineers also had dogs that contributed to the development of the English Mastiff.

During this time some breeders got away from pure type and began to breed for other factors. In the late 1800’s, Edgar Hanbury and Mark Hanbury Beaufoy began restoring the breed to its original soundness. One of their dogs was exported to the US were breeding to soundness continued until the First World War reduced the number of English Mastiffs around the world. By the time the war ended there were no English Mastiffs outside of England.

There was a dog in Canada named Beowulf and direct descendent of imports from Britain, who came to the States after the war and began to re-establish the breed on this continent and registered with the American Kennel Club. Yet as of 1945, the contribution from North

Breeding was stopped again for World War II and started again after the war. Many of these puppies died of distemper. Only one female had pups that were able to grow up into adults. North America sent dogs to England at this time and all of the Mastiffs from that time, could be traced back to Nydia and the 14 North American Mastiffs. Since then the breed has been restored slowly in Europe, North America and everywhere in the world.

The English Mastiff is known by his massive head with a black mask and comes in a wide variety of colors. He is also known as a gentle giant because of his personality and the love he has for his people.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
48 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
74 - 76 cm
29 - 30 inches
Height Female:
45 - 48 cm
17 - 19 inches
70 - 73 cm
27 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
68 - 113 kg
149 - 250 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
54 - 84 kg
119 - 186 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
7 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 4
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Harehound
Mastiff Old English Mastiff
Colors Available:
black, but a few come in an unusual mottled blue pattern. , white and tan
silver-fawn, apricot-fawn, or dark fawn-brindle, fawn
Coat:
short, glossy coat
fine, smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Lively, Loving, Stubborn
Courageous, Docile, Friendly, Independent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

harrier puppy - descriptionThe Harrier is a typical hound dog much like the English Foxhound. The breed is a little smaller than the Foxhound but is muscular and large boned like his cousin. They have short hard hair that sheds and ears that hang. The Harrier is a large boned breed built for strength and stamina in the race with hares. They have broad skulls, strong muzzles, with hazel or brown eyes. They also have a black, wide nose and a high, medium length tail.

They say he has a ‘courtly grin’ on an expressive face. Being pack dogs, they must be sturdy, able to cover any type of terrain, for as long as the hare runs. It is critical that their scenting and running tools are exceptional. He is blue or yellow-pied. His feet are cat like and the chest is dropped low. He is an extremely well-proportioned dog

english mastiff puppy - descriptionThe English Mastiff is a giant dog with a broad head and body. In terms of mass it is the worlds largest dog, just a little bigger that the Saint Bernard. The Great Dane and the Irish Wolfhound are 6 inches taller but do not carry the weight and bulk of the Mastiff. Mostly square in his body and his head with a massive chest and wide set forelegs. The head is square and very large. No matter the color of the coat, the face should have a black mask like the St. Bernard. His eyes and nose are also dark.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

harrier dog - characteristicsYes, they are good with children but are very rambunctious and should be supervised with young children.

Special talents

Scenting ability and wonderful personality

Adaptability

This breed is very adaptable as long as it gets enough exercise. He can live in the country or she can live in the city with an outlet for exercise.

Learning ability

Smart but stubborn at times. Therefore, his learning ability is moderate.

Children friendliness

english mastiff dog - characteristicsThe English Mastiff is very happy to play with children. You willl need to be careful with small children as he does not know his size and is likely to sit on them.

Special talents

This lovable giant is noble and loyal. He will protect his family and he will be courageous about it.

Adaptability

This is a big dog but he doesnt live outside. You need a big yard and perhaps a big house. He may not adapt to an apartment.

Learning ability

The English Mastiff is smart and certainly trainable. He can be independent and stubborn at times but he has the ability to learn.

Health Problems

Health Problems

harrier puppies - health problemsIt seems the only real health issue other than hunting accidents or foot and toe incidents due to hunting.is:

Hip Dysplasia

This abnormality in the hip socket can cause arthritis and lameness that is very painful. This is the most severe form. The Harrier can have a milder form that does not progress to this level. Hip dysplasia has a genetic component, but the environment plays a role as well and active hunting dogs are especially prone to this.

Ear Infections

Floppy ears that hang down are always susceptible to ear infections. Check them often and clean them at least weekly.

english mastiff puppies - health problemsBeing a massive dog can take its toll on the body’s development and that is certainly true of the English Mastiff. A lot of running is not recommended in the early life of the dog – preferable for the first two years. This could damage the joint’s growth plates and cause him a lot of problems in later years. Too much exercise in this massive dog can hurt him but so can, not enough exercise.

Some of the health issues other than this that the English Mastiff is prone to include:

  1. Calluses –
  2. On their paws. Must be taken care of before infection sets in.
  3. Arthritis

A large dog like the English Mastiff is always prone to pain from arthritic joints. See your vet about pain medication.

Hygroma

A spot under the skin that is swollen and filled with fluid. Can be treated. It is not an infection or contagious.

Hip Dysplasia

Can result in lameness and arthritis.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

harrier dogs - caringFeed a high nutrition puppy food dry food made for an energetic breed. Feed 3 times a day ½-3/4 cup each time.

Feeding the adult

Again feed a high nutrition adult food for an active breed. Feed twice a day 1-11/2 cups each time.

Points for Good Health

Outstanding health unless in a hunting accident.

Games and Exercises

The Harrier is an energetic, hunting breed that needs a lot of exercise on a daily basis. Long walks and jogging or running is good for the Harrier. If they are not working, hunting dogs they need more exercise. A fenced yard for playing is good. If this intense breed does not get enough exercise and mental stimulation, he needs there could be issues with destructive behavior and obesity. Flyball, tracking, agility, coursing, rally and hunting are great activities for this breed of dog. In addition, they are pack animals and do better in a family that has more than one dog.

english mastiff dogs - caringThis is an enormous dog that grows quickly. It is important to feed them properly as they grow. If he doesn’t get what he needs as a puppy you will not be able to make it up to him later on.

Feeding the puppy

The English Mastiff puppy needs good nutrition for growing properly.

From 12-16 weeks of age feed him 3-4 cups a day of a high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 3-4 meals.

From 4 -6 months of age feed him 8-10 cups a day of a high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 2-3 meals.

From 6-18 months of age feed him 8-12 cups a day of a high protein, high quality, dry food. Break this up into 2-3 meals.

Feeding the adult

The English Mastiff is still growing from a year to 18 months. Starting at 18 months feed him 10-12 cups a day of high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 2 meals.

As your Mastiff ages, cut down on the protein and feed a dry food appropriate for his age.

Points for Good Health

The English Mastiff is a very large dog that should not be allowed to get obese since he is prone to dysplasia. He needs protein throughout puppyhood and until he is about 8-10.

Games and Exercises

This is a couch potato if you let him be. Make sure he gets at least one long walk per day or he will tend to gain weight. Play with them off leash about an hour every day.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pharaoh Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Hungarian Vizsla vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Redbone Coonhound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Norwegian Elkhound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Santal Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Podenco Canario vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Podenco Andaluz vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Podenco Galego vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Kanni vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Lithuanian Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Hungarian Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Hygenhund vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Norrbottenspets vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Polish Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Russian Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Sabueso Espanol vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Schillerstovare vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Schweizer Laufhund vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Serbian Hound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Silken Windhound vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Smalandsstovare vs Harrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Harrier vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  26. English Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  27. English Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  28. English Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  29. English Mastiff vs Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  30. Neapolitan Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  31. Gaddi Kutta vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  32. Nebolish Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  33. Great Dane vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  34. English Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. English Mastiff vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. English Mastiff vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  37. English Mastiff vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  38. English Mastiff vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  39. English Mastiff vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  40. English Mastiff vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  41. English Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  42. English Mastiff vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  43. Newfoundland Dog vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  44. Leonberger vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  45. Irish Wolfhound vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds