Description: The Lurcher is a crossbreed, and so there is no set standard for its appearance. This breed is mainly derived from sighthound crosses, and so most often it has the built of a sighthound — long and straight legs, deep chest that provides lung capacity for endurance, high set ears that are usually wire-haired, scissors bite jaws, and other characteristics of its sighthound ancestors.

The most common combinations of this crossbreed are the Greyhound/Collie mix and the Greyhound/Terrier mix. Its coat is most often short with a smooth undercoat which thickens in the winter. But depending on its ancestor, a Lurcher can also have a long coat. Some may even have rough coat like that of a terrier.

Dynamics: Even the Lurcher’s temperament varies according to how it was raised and from which breed it is descended from. But generally, the Lurcher is an affectionate and lovable dog, and has the temperament similar to that of a purebred sighthound. The Lurcher also has the strong hunting instincts of the sighthounds, as well as their physical abilities. The Lurcher is also endowed with great energy and can move smart and fast.

The Lurcher is also an intelligent and obedient dog, able to grasp commands fast. It is a very good companion dog, and loves to move and play around. Socialization is important, as it is with most dogs, and you should not ignore this dog so that the Lurcher will not develop destructive behavior.

Breed Group: Sighthound

Weight: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)

Height: 27-30 inches (69-76 cm)

Color: The color of the Lurcher’s coat varies as it is a crossbreed. Its color will depend on its parents.

Country of Origin: The Lurcher was bred in Ireland and Great Britain to hunt rabbits, hare, and other small animals in the 1600s. It was mostly the Irish gypsies and tinkers who raise Lurchers, and they made pups as young as six months old work in hunting. Today a more systematic manner is carried out in breeding Lurchers.

Activities: The Lurcher has a lot of energy to spare that there is a need to tae it for a walk everyday. It should also be set free once in a while to play and run around in an open area. It likes to give chase to small game so the area should be free of passing cars and other dangers for the Lurcher to build upon its hunting instincts.

Grooming: Combing and brushing the coat regularly is enough in grooming the Lurcher. This is for both the short-coated and long-coated. Some Lurchers are constant shedders, and some are average shedders.

Other Info: The Lurcher has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, and is not suitable to live in the city or in a small apartment. It is a high-energy dog and needs to have a lot of room for play and exercise.

Photo: Oliver Low