Lurcher type dogs seem to have been on the scene since time immemorial. They are a useful hunting dog still used today and are adaptable to all kinds of terrains and environments. The breed as they are known today is thought to take their name from the Romany word ‘Lur’ which means which means thief, in reference to the stealthy manner in which they stalk and catch their prey.
It is thought that Romany Gypsies and Travelling People native to Europe started to develop a dog in the 1600’s by cross breeding fast and sleek Sighthounds – mainly Greyhounds - and other pastoral breeds with extensive stamina and drive such as Collie type dogs and terriers. The result of this produced the ancestors of today’s Lurchers with the intelligence, stealth and adaptability to hunt a number of different types of quarry. Rabbits, hares, foxes, game birds and deer were all fair game to this dog. They became very popular dogs in the UK and Ireland with travelling communities continuing breeding these useful hunting dogs.
Average height to withers: Varied with no standard height.
Average weight: Varied, but usually in keeping with the height and size of the dog.
The Lurcher is not really bred to any specific standards or sizes and is not recognised as a pedigree breed with any KC. In reality, this makes little difference to breeders of them as they can be as small as a Whippet or as large as Deerhound. They can have either a smooth or rough coat in any colour, but in any case they normally have Greyhound like features with a deep chest containing a large heart and set of lungs, long and well muscled legs and a sleek body.
The temperament of this dog is as wide and varied as its appearance can be depending upon what the predominant breeds of dog it was originally bred from. They can display a wide range of behaviours and traits. From lazy couch potato to hyperactive, there is no ‘typical’ when it comes to Lurchers. On the whole however, they are not aggressive towards humans and indeed can form tight bonds with their family and a loyalty that is unbreakable. They can happily live with children, especially of an older age, when socialised with them from an early age. They are not usually well suited to living with other, smaller animals including other dogs as the raw, hunting and coursing instinct is very strong in the Lurcher.
They excel in the sporting fields traditionally associated with them as well as being very good candidates from other canine sports such as obedience, agility and flyball when their stamina and energy is channelled in a positive manner.
Because of their varied genetic background, Lurchers tend to enjoy good health and are a particularly hardy breed. On occasion, they can suffer from conditions that their ‘parent’ breed suffers from but on the whole, they live long and healthy lives and can live until grand old ages, with some Lurchers being reported to live until the age of 20 years old.
The Lurcher can show lounge lizard tendencies if it is allowed to do so, but a good daily run and walk will see it right. Given their strong hunting instincts, it is best kept on a lead or in a secure area for exercise as if they see anything they regard as prey, they will determinedly give chance, often not resting until they have caught it.
Depending on the coat type (rough of smooth) they can require grooming 1-3 times per week.
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