Harrier Grooming Guide

The Harrier Coat

Low-Maintenance by Design

The Harrier's short, dense, hard coat is one of the lowest-maintenance coats of any medium-large breed. It sheds moderately year-round, resists dirt and debris reasonably well, and requires almost nothing beyond a weekly wipe-down. There is no clipping, no stripping, no professional grooming required.

Tools Needed

• Rubber grooming mitt or hound glove — all you need for regular coat maintenance
• Vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls
• Dog shampoo
• Nail clippers or grinder

Weekly Routine

Coat and Ear Care

Coat: Weekly

Run a rubber mitt or hound glove over the entire coat once per week. Work against the grain first to lift dead hair, then with the grain to smooth. This 5-minute task removes most loose hair and keeps the coat clean and glossy. Bathe every 6–8 weeks or as needed — hound breeds develop a characteristic scent over time that regular bathing manages effectively.

Ears: Weekly Check

The Harrier's pendant ears reduce ear canal airflow, creating conditions for bacterial and yeast infections. Lift each ear flap and inspect: a healthy ear is pale pink, odor-free, and has minimal light-colored wax. If you see redness, dark discharge, or smell an off odor — see your vet. For routine maintenance, wipe visible areas with a cotton ball dampened with ear cleaner. Do not insert anything into the ear canal. Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing.

Other Maintenance

Nails and Dental Care

Nails: Trim monthly. Active dogs that run on hard surfaces wear nails down naturally; less active dogs need more frequent trimming. Clicking on hard floors is the signal to trim. Use standard dog nail clippers or a grinder — Harrier nails are not especially thick and are straightforward to maintain.

Dental: Brush teeth 2–3 times weekly minimum. Start a dental routine early so the dog accepts it calmly as an adult. Regular home brushing is the most effective and affordable prevention for dental disease, reducing the frequency of professional cleanings needed.

Eyes: Wipe the eye corners weekly with a damp cloth to remove any discharge. The slight hound eye droop common in the breed can accumulate discharge in the inner corner.