Labrador Retriever tends to gain weight easily, needs increased exercise and playtime along with controlled food intake.

Harrier has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Affectionate
Cheerful
Friendly
Intelligent
Loyal
Playful
Social
Alert
Energetic
Gentle
Loving
Going
Responsive

Active
Friendly
Sweet
Tempered
Cheerful
Outgoing
Tolerant

Labrador Retrievers are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Harriers aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Canada

United Kingdom

St. John's Water Dog

scenthound

1800s

1066 AD

Sporting (AKC:1917)
Gun Dog (UKC)

Hound (AKC:1885)
Scenthound (UKC)

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Black
Brown

Black

Black
Brown
Cream

Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Cream
Fawn
White
Pied
Sable
Brindle

Labrador Retrievers have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Harriers have short coats.

Labrador Retrievers are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Harriers have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

While the Labrador Retriever breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

The Harrier is prone to health issues and requires regular check-ups with a vet to identify and treat any problems early.

Gastric Torsion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Hip Dysplasia

Otitis Externa
Cataract
Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Eye Disease

Eye
Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Ear Examination

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Labrador Retriever has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Harrier has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Labrador Retriever is an average drooler, monitor for excessive drooling which may indicate health issues.

Harrier minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Labrador Retrievers bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Harrier dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

While Labrador Retriever dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Harrier dogs are not typically good guard dogs due to their lack of protective nature and weak territorial drive.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Labrador Retriever, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Harrier, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Labrador Retrievers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Harriers usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Ideally, Labrador Retriever should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Harrier should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

The average per month expenses of a Labrador Retriever is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Harrier is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Labrador Retriever is highly intelligent and very trainable.

Harrier has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Harriers are adaptable and resilient, making them ideal for those seeking a less sensitive pet.

Labrador Retrievers can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

The Harrier is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

Labrador Retrievers are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Harriers are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

Labrador Retrievers are highly friendly around strangers.

Harriers are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Labrador Retrievers are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Harriers have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

The Labrador Retriever is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.

Harriers are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.