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.  The 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

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.  

  

                                               First Show  8 1/2 months old       

                                                        

Badger KC, Puppy Group2

Ledger  is now 14 months old and loves the show ring.  We have  all our single points toward his championship title.  Major entries are hard to find.  We will travel for those.  Future plans are to start him in field training on rabbits this fall. 

                              Ledger at 14 months with Louise, my receptionist

             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.  He will be lightly shown over the next several months and we will see everyone next year at Purina Farms in St. Louis, MO for the 2010 Nationals.  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

   Following the pack in California desert

Additional hunting hound photos at www.houndsofthewest.com