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Pet Insurance for Harriers

Find out all about Harriers and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 21st, 2023       

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Price range

$500–$1,500

Height

53cm - 61cm

Weight

20kg - 30kg

Personality

Outgoing, friendly, alert

Coat length

Short

Exercise needs

High

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

10 - 12 years

Harrier

Overview

The Harrier is a medium to large hunting dog originating from the UK. It was originally probably a cross between a Bloodhound and a Foxhound, although its exact lineage is unknown. It looks similar to a Beagle, although it’s a larger and more powerful dog than a Beagle, and was usually used to hunt hare and rabbits.  It is a friendly and energetic breed with a very good nose. Harriers are known for their cheerful and playful nature. They are highly active and thrive in homes with owners who can provide a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.  

Harriers have a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. They come in a range of colours including white and tan, lemon and white and red and white. They often have a black back. Harriers make excellent family pets and get along well with children, however they can be quite vocal dogs if they are left alone or become bored. 

Common diseases and conditions of Harriers

  • Hip Dysplasia: Harriers may be prone to hip dysplasia, a condition affecting the hip joint's development. 
  • Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect Australian Shepherds. It may lead to seizures.  
  • Syringomyelia: Harriers can be susceptible to syringomyelia, a neurological condition affecting the spinal cord. 

Breed-specific issues:  

Their strong scenting instincts may lead them to follow their nose, so they should be carefully supervised in unfenced areas. They should never be left alone with smaller pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs.  

How much does pet insurance cost for a Harrier?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include: 

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.
  • Gap-only insurance options: Some insurance companies offer a gap-only insurance option, which means when you go to the vet you'll only be required to pay the gap amount, not the cost of the whole bill. This is similar to the Medicare system of health insurance for humans in Australia, where gap payments can be made at HICAPS terminals at the time of treatment. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Harriers

What is the difference between a Harrier and a Beagle?

Telling a Harrier and a Beagle apart can be challenging, as they share very similar appearances. However, Harriers are typically larger and have more substantial bodies than Beagles, and they have a slightly different head shape, with a more elongated muzzle. 

Do Harriers get on well with other dogs?

Yes, Harriers generally get along well with other dogs and tend to be sociable and friendly. Their pack-oriented nature makes them adaptable to multi-dog households, and they enjoy the company of other pets. However, they should never be left alone with smaller animals such as cats as they have a strong prey drive. 

 
Are Harriers good with children?

Yes, Harriers are known to be very good with children due to their friendly and playful nature. They often make excellent family pets. 

Do Harriers need a lot of exercise?

Harriers do require a fair amount of exercise, as they are an active breed. Daily walks, playtime, and opportunities to run off-leash in a secure area are essential to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. 

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Harrier

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