Oak Hill Harriers
Harriers are a very old English breed dating back several hundred years. They are bred to hunt fox, rabbit and hare either on foot or on horseback. As a breed they are not common in the United States. There are only about 10 breeders. Oak Hill Harriers began March of 2009 with the acquisition of my first Harrier, Kingsbury Cardinal (Ledger). I have been looking for a second breed to show and raise and I have always liked the English Foxhound. Years ago I rode show hunters and have always had a fond spot for the English Foxhound but I didn’t want that large of a dog. I would occasionally see a Harrier at a show and they caught my eye. In December of 2008 I was at the shows in Belleville, IL and over lunch my Vizsla handlers and I were talking and I shared with them my interest in Harriers. They introduced me to Sharon Manning from Kansas City, Mo at that show. She had her 2 Harrier bitches entered. Sharon and I talked over the balance of the afternoon and she referred me to Donna Smiley-Auborn and her husband John Auborn.
Ledger at 12 weeks
Donna called me about a show puppy that was available. She and John have a wealth of knowledge about Harriers and they have the only registered pack of hunting Harriers in the United States. John takes the pack out on a regular basis. In March of 2009 I flew to California to meet them and the puppy, Ledger. John and I took the pack out for 1 1/2 hours and we jumped 2 different jack rabbits. It was a wonderful time and so beneficial to see the hounds doing what they are bred to do! As they say, “Form follows function” and the Harrier is bred for his nose, tenacity and endurance. I showed Ledger that first weekend and managed a reserve winners dog on Saturday. Donna’s dogs took the major both days but I was pleased with our results having only met the pup 24 hours earlier.
Ledger showed recently at the Conyers Kennel Club in Atlanta, GA going Best of Winners. He also took Group1 on Saturday and Group2 on Sunday in the Amateur Owner/Handler at the International Kennel Club shows in Chicago IL He is really developing into a nice show dog and loves to show!
Conyers KC
- Conyers KC Best of Winners
A/O Handler Hound Group Chicago IKC
- A/O Handler Hound Group Chicago IKC
A/O Handler Group 1 Chicago IKC
- A/O Handler BIS Chicago IKC Judging
- A/O Handler BIS Chicago IKC Judging
First Show 8 1/2 months old
Badger KC, Puppy Group2
Ledger is now 27 months old and loves the show ring. We have all our single points toward his championship title. We have taken the summer off and will begin to hit some of the shows this fall and winter. Major entries are still difficult to find and we will travel for those. I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming shows!
Ledger at 14 months with Louise, my receptionist
Ledger and I attended the Harrier National Specialty Show September 25, 2009 in Carson City, Nevada. He was the youngest dog entered and showed extremely well. He is in the midst of his “adolescence” and was obviously the most immature dog shown. He won his class and I am very happy with comments from fellow exhibitors and the judges that weekend. We had planned to attend the 2010 natoionals in St Louis, MO but unfortunately I became ill and unable to travel. We are looking forward to 2011. Visit www.harrierclubofamerica.com for further information.
Chicagoland Hound Association November 2009
Sweepstakes Group 4 (Sat) & Group 2 (Sun), Best of Breed Sunday (Photos courtesy Cecil Corbett)
Summer 2010
Following the pack in California desert
Additional hunting hound photos at www.houndsofthewest.com
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