Harrier vs Billy - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Harrier is originated from United Kingdom but Billy is originated from France. Harrier may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Billy. Both Harrier and Billy are having almost same weight. Both Harrier and Billy has almost same life span. Both Harrier and Billy has almost same litter size. Both Harrier and Billy requires Moderate 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.

The Billy (or Billie) Dog is a rare breed developed in France and mostly still only found in France. Created in the 19th century by Monsieur Gaston Hublot de Rivault and named after his home, Chateau de Billy, he is hunting dog of high quality. The Billy dog was developed by crossing the Poitevin’s original three lines – the Larrye, the Ceris and the Montemboeuf. In developing the Billy, Rivault favored the colors found in the Ceris and Montemboeuf strains as opposed to the tricolors of the Larrye strain. The Billy is a scent hound from all the lines leading back to the monks of the Saint Hubert Monastery in the middle ages, in Belgium, then refined in Gaul (France). The Billy line was considered the most elegant French breed and they were the last breed to come from that large scent hound type that the French nobility and royalty loved to breed.

In 1886 the Federation Cynoloquique Internationale established the standard for the Billy breed. The breed was a great hunter with resilience, speed, scenting and fortitude. The Billy hunted in large packs in pursuit of Wild Boar and Roe Deer. This was accomplished by the crossing of great hunters developed for their specific skills. The Ceris was amazing in its skill to hunt down wolves and hares. The Montemboeuf was a large, elegant dog that hunted wild boar and Larrye for his strong scent ability. Since these three breeds were true French breeds, the Billy was a true aristocratic scent hound in a pure scent hound line.

This gregarious, handsome dog became extremely popular in France in the 19th century. Unfortunately, the World Wars of the 20th century would take their toll on this rare breed and they were almost extinct by the late 1900’. There were only two hounds left by the end of the Second World War. Anthony Rivault, the son of Gaston, set about saving the breed by incorporating the lines of Harrier, the Poilevin and the Porcelaine with the two remaining hounds. From there the breed has been revived and is no longer on the verge of extinction. They are still rare and certainly not “popular”, but they are excellent hunters, especially hunting in packs. Today they are considered one of the breeds used to develop the Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange in France and there are several packs that hunt roe deer in France, while a couple packs are used to hunt wild boar.

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

The Billy dog is powerful, beautiful and built extremely well. He is large but he should also be light weight and lean. He has an athletic look, powerful muscles, and strong bones. He has floppy ears, dark eyes with dark rims and a white coat. This breed has a medium size head with a domed forehead and square muzzle. The ears are high on the head, flat and floppy while the neck is long and strong. Shoulders are also long and the back broad, the thighs muscular and the feet round. He has a long fluffy tail. The coat is short and can be seen through to the skin. He has white skin with brown spots and the fur is white or off white. The females are smaller than the males. He is a great family companion as well as a hunter. They have high pitched voices and they can be howlers. They have a strong prey drive and are great hunters. They can be great companion dogs for any family, just watch them with small children and small animals. They are big enough to need a lot of space and a lot of exercise. Scent hounds can be stubborn, and that trait is not lost on the Billy dog.

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.

Even though the Billy Breed is very rare and faced potential extinction it is a terrific sporting dog who loves children, other dogs, and adults. He could be a good family dog if his exercise needs are met. He is social, gregarious, and gentle with people. They are happiest in a pack and do not do well in a one dog household. They form extremely strong bonds with their people and household. They are friendly and outgoing. This makes them a poor choice for guard dog. They have an exceptionally well-developed prey drive do they might be aggressive toward any animal smaller than them. This includes the family cat, other smaller dogs, hamsters etc.

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.

Despite their history of almost becoming extinct the Billy dog is a hearty and healthy group. They do tend to get Bronchitis and colds due to the short, thin coat. Keep them indoors during winter. Another area of concern is the ears. They are prone to ear infections so keep their ears clean. They should not be exposed to cold weather. The Billy life expectancy is 10-14 years which is very good for such a large dog.

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.

Feeding

The Billy dog is large, muscular and lean. Do not overfeed him, but you can safely free feed. Watch to be sure he does not gain too much weight and if he does go to two feedings per day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this is a healthy, long-lived dog. Watch for ear infections and keep him out of extreme cold.

Exercise/Games

This is a very athletic, active hunter, who needs a lot of exercise. Daily walks are good, but he needs 45 to 60 minutes of exercise every day. Remember he was bred to hunt and loves to do so. Find activities that let him use his athletic skills and strong sense of smell. He needs a big yard to romp in. He will excel at obedience, barn hunt and agility. A lure game might be good also, but he would be happier with a scent oriented “find it” game.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Hound dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
France
Height Male:
48 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
58 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Height Female:
45 - 48 cm
17 - 19 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
20 - 29 kg
44 - 64 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 4
3 - 5
Size:
Medium dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Harehound
Chien de France-Comte
Colors Available:
black, but a few come in an unusual mottled blue pattern. , white and tan
White or off-white; may have orange or lemon patches or mantle.
Coat:
short, glossy coat
harsh, short
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Lively, Loving, Stubborn
Alert, Courageous, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Outgoing, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

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

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds