Developed as a working pack hound, Harriers are by nature a gregarious, friendly hound that gets along well in large numbers. They should never be aggressive to either people or other dogs. They usually fit in nicely with other pets - dogs, cats, horses, etc. They are very affectionate, sweet and loving hounds that tend to view every stranger as just an old friend that they haven't yet met. As such, they do not make good guard dogs.
Harriers are, however, good watch dogs.
They will most certainly notice anything unusual and will sound the alarm with a loud, alert voice. But of course, as it is with all dogs, proper veterinary care is required. Their long hound ears also require an occasional cleaning. Like all short-haired dogs, Harriers do shed, but the majority of this tends to be seasonal. In fact, quite a few people who have had other breeds prior to Harriers have commented on the ease with which their Harriers were housebroken as opposed to their other breeds.