A lurcher is the result of a greyhound crossed with a working dog like a collie or a terrier. If you’re thinking of homing a lurcher, here are some interesting and useful things you’ll need to know.

Developed in the Middle Ages in Great Britain and Ireland, the lurcher was created because only nobility were allowed to have purebred sighthounds like Irish Wolfhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, and Greyhounds, whereas crosses had no perceived value.

They are often bred for hunting, poaching and unofficial racing, but because they can look similar to purebred Greyhounds, they often face the same image problems when awaiting adoption from rescue organisations. With the introduction of the Hunting Act 2004 banning hunting with dogs, many more of these wonderful dogs have found themselves abandoned and, if lucky, in the rescue system.

Exercise Requirements

Lurchers love company and so they make ideal companions. They can often be quite lazy dogs, and seem to prefer snoozing somewhere warm and comfortable in the house – preferably on an old duvet or sofa. Like other dogs, they don’t relish being left alone. They usually love the company of other dogs.
In general they need more exercise than greyhounds as they have more stamina, but this may vary considerably depending on the type of cross.

On and Off The Lead

Lurchers are sighthounds and if they have come from a working background they will have been taught to chase small furry animals. It's advisable to keep a Lurcher on a lead when you're outside until you are absolutely certain that your dog will always come back to you on command. Also, you will need to be sure that it won't chase other people's small pets. With love and patience your dog will soon learn on which side his bread is buttered and will only want to please you.

Other Animals

Another widely held belief is that Lurchers can't co-habit with smaller furries like cats. This isn't always the case and in this respect they are no different to any other rescue dog. By talking to a rescue used to homing lurchers, like us, you can be sure the re-homing volunteers will be able to advise you on whether a particular hound will be suitable to live with cats or other small furries. They will also give you advice on how to make sure the introduction goes as smoothly as possible.

Temperament

Temperament can vary depending on the type of cross of your Lurcher. Many Lurchers have temperaments that are very similar to purebred sighthounds like the Greyhound, but some have temperaments that are influenced by other breeds like herding breeds and terrier breeds.

Appearance

Because Lurchers are a crossbreed there is no set type, so they can be as small as a Whippet or as large as a Deerhound. The coat type and upkeep requirements will vary depending on the type of cross. Coat types range from being short and smooth like that of a Greyhound, to slightly longer and thicker like a collie, to rough and broken like a terrier.

Lurchers as Pets

Nowadays, Lurchers are becoming very popular as they make exceptional family dogs. They are generally good with children, gentle, loving, very affectionate and loyal.