Lurcher

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT
fast facts

About Lurcher

Weight
60-70 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Group
not applicable
Best Suited For
Families with children, active singles, houses with yards, hunting dog
Temperament
Gentle, intelligent, obedient, active
Comparable Breeds
Greyhound, Saluki
Height
22-28 inches
ADVERTISEMENT

Lurcher Basics

The Lurcher is a particularly unique breed of dog because its appearance can be greatly varied depending on breeding. Technically, a Lurcher is a cross between a sighthound and any non-sighthound breed, but it often takes the appearance of a Greyhound or Saluki. These dogs are intelligent and hardy, ideal for hunting applications. These dogs are known for their working skills as well as their speed and excellent eyesight.

A Lurcher is a cross between a sighthound and any non-sighthound breed.

Origin

The Lurcher dog breed originated in Ireland and various other parts of Great Britain, descendant from a breed known as the Norfolk Lurcher. These dogs are not purebred but rather the result of a crossing between a sighthound and some type of non-sighthound breed, often a terrier or some kind of pastoral dog. The breeding of Lurchers varies depending on the desired characteristics, though cunning and stealth are some of the most desired characteristics for this breed. To give the breed a working instinct, Collie crosses are also popular – this type of crossing gives the Lurcher both intelligence and speed, the ideal prerequisites for a hunting breed dog. In the United States, crosses with scent hounds are particularly common.

Pedigree

ADVERTISEMENT

The Lurcher is a cross between a sighthound and a non-sighthound breed – it is not a purebred dog. Most Lurchers possess between 50 and 75 percent sighthound genes and the rest from non-sighthound dogs like terriers and collies.

Food/Diet

The Lurcher is an incredibly active breed so it is recommended that you offer a dog food formulated especially for active dogs. This type of formula will provide your Lurcher with the energy and nutrients he needs to sustain his active lifestyle.

The Lurcher is an intelligent breed that was originally developed for hunting purposes.

Training

The Lurcher is an intelligent breed that was originally developed for hunting purposes. This being the case, they tend to respond well to training as long as you maintain consistency. Lurchers respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods and they do best when training sessions are kept short and enjoyable. These dogs make excellent hunting dogs, especially for small game and they tend to excel at dog sports including obedience and agility.

Weight

The average weight of the Lurcher breed varies depending on breeding, but it generally weighs between 60 and 70 pounds on average. The average height of this breed is between 22 and 28 inches.

Temperament/Behavior

ADVERTISEMENT

The Lurcher is a gentle and good-natured breed, though disposition may vary slightly depending on breeding. These dogs are well-behaved and intelligent so they typically respond well to training. Lurchers are fun-loving and affectionate as well, likely to form strong bonds with family. These dogs do have a strong hunting instinct so they are not recommended for houses with small pets like cats, though they do get along with other dogs and people. As long as they are raised from a young age and properly socialized, Lurchers also tend to do fairly well with children.

Common Health Problems

For the most part, the Lurcher is a healthy breed. In many cases, crossbred dogs are less likely to develop congenital conditions than purebred dogs simply because the gene pool is much larger. That is not to say that the breed isn’t prone to developing certain conditions – all breeds have the potential to be affected by a number of different diseases. Some of the conditions most likely to affect the breed include gastric torsion, muscle injuries, heatstroke, and osteosarcoma. Responsible breeding practices can help to reduce the incidence of inherited disorders in this and other breeds.

Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy of the Lurcher breed varies greatly depending on the breeds used, but the average lifespan is generally between 12 and 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

Because the Lurcher is typically bred from hunting dogs, they are fairly active and require a great deal of daily exercise. This breed requires a long daily walk, especially if you live in an apartment or a house without a yard. These dogs are natural runners, so plenty of outdoor play time in an enclosed environment will be beneficial as well.

The Lurcher is a gentle and good-natured breed, though disposition may vary slightly depending on breeding.

AKC

Because the Lurcher is technically a hybrid, not a purebred, it has not been accepted for registration with the AKC or the United Kennel Club. This breed may, however, be registered with the North American Lurcher and Longdog Association (NALLA) in both the United States and Canada.

Coat

Though the coat may vary according to breeding, most Lurchers exhibit short, smooth coats that tend to thicken during the winter. There is also a long-coated version of the breed that requires a little more brushing than the shorthaired variety. Both versions require regular brushing, however, to reduce shedding.

Puppies

The average litter size for the Lurcher breed varies according to breeding. It is recommended that Lurcher puppies be started with training and socialization from a young age. This breed is highly active and intelligent so, unless it is properly trained and socialized, it may develop problem behaviors simply out of boredom.

Photo credit: Colin Seddon/Shutterstock; Darren William Hall/Shutterstock; Jamierpc/Shutterstock

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Nanday Conure

If you want a goofy, mischievous pet bird that will brighten up your day with their antics, then the unique Nanday Conure is the ideal choice for you!

Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan Hound can be traced as far back as 3400 BC in ancient Egypt. These hounds are hunters and athletic, as well as sweet and sensitive dogs.

Tips For Removing And Keeping Dog Fur Off Your Clothes

Pet parents know what we''re talking about - there''s not an outfit that doesn''t have dog hair on it. Here''s how to keep that extra layer off your clothes.

It’s Duck Season! PetGuide Gets Happy, Happy, Happy For Duck Dynasty

Fans of A&E''s Duck Dynasty can pass along the redneck love to their dogs, thanks to Quaker Pet Group''s line of Duck Dynasty Collection for Dogs.

How to Treat Your Dog’s Wounds at Any Stage

To ensure your dog''s injury heals properly, there are steps to follow. Know from the get-go how to take care of your dog''s wound at every stage.

Meet Willow, an Aussie Cat Living Her Best Van Life

After selling everything he owns, Willow''s dad remodeled a van into a tiny home on wheels. Since then, the duo has been traveling all around Australia.

Best Small Dog Beds

Small dog beds are specially designed to offer superior comfort and support to small breed dogs. Take a look at our selection of very best small dog beds!

Best Chicken Jerky for Dogs

Chicken jerky for dogs is a healthy, protein-rich treat you can use to reward your pet without any guilt about calories or artificial ingredients.

Product Review: Brooklyn Owl Unicorn Horn

Dogs and cats are so boring - turn them into magical beings! Brooklyn Owl Headbands turn animals and humans into sparkly unicorns!

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Berkley

Meet Berkley, our Adoptable Dog of the Week from Adoptapet.com. This little fellow is a Rat Terrier mix that lives in New Milford, CT and can’t wait to…

Pyrenean Mastiff

A fluffy dog with a calm and even temperament, the Pyrenean Mastiff is a super-sized softie. This dog originated in the Aragonese Pyrenees region of Spain.

The Quest For Dog: One Writer’s Search For The Perfect Dog Begins

Bringing a dog into your home shouldn’t be a spur-of-the-moment decision. It takes research, dedication and lots of planning to make sure you and your…

Dog-Friendly Tropical Trips Await in Mexico

Don''t want to travel solo on your tropical vacation? Bring your pooch - the Four Seasons offers dog-friendly, 5-star resort relaxation.

Polish Greyhound

The Polish Greyhound is a member of the sighthound group; it''s easy to see from his long legs and lithe body. Also known as Polish Sighthound.

Teach Your Dog To Be A Canine Good Citizen

You may think your pup is already pretty awesome, but you can make sure that your dog has all the good manners to be considered a Canine Good Citizen.