Breed Details

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability

Affectionate

Apartment Friendly

Black and white Lurcher dog looking past the camera

bark Tendencies

Cat Friendly

tike Friendly

Adult Lurcher dog breed looking past the camera

Dog Friendly

Excercise Needs

Grooming

Two adult lurcher dogs running on the beach

Health Issues

Intelligence

Energy Level

Puppy Lurcher at the veterinarian

Shedding Level

Social Needs

Stranger Friendly

Lurcher puppy running through a field of grass

Territorial

Trainability

Watchdog Instincts

Adult Lurcher laying on a couch

A Lurcher is a sighthound such as a Greyhound crossed with a terrier , herding strain , or enceinte scenthound . skulker are primarily hunting dogs , prized for their stealing and silence . They are calm , affectionate ( except around cats or other furred critters ) , active , and intelligent .

in the first place known as the sea poacher ’s wienerwurst , the Lurcher is breed for speed , hound ability , intelligence , and persistence . Besides those talent , the lurcher ’s value to the sea poker is his secretiveness . He hunts quietly , never giving voice .

They are not recognized as a breed and are used primarily for hunt — legally , these day , in most cases — although some are now making a name for themselves in agility , lure coursing and other dog sports that call for stop number , intelligence and spry movement .

Adult Lurcher dog laying down and looking at the camera

The Lurcher have it away the great outdoors , but he is also a social animal who have it off people . It ’s an unhappy Lurcher who is relegated to the backyard with slight care from his home .

Other Quick Facts

TheHistoryof the Lurcher

A Lurcher is a classical working hybrid : the result of a hybrid between a sighthound and a herding or terrier breed , bet on the goals of the breeder . unwashed crosses includeGreyhounds , Whippets , Salukis , Scottish Deerhounds , or Irish Wolfhounds with Border Collies or Bedlington Terriers or Bull Terriers . A great Lurcher has amphetamine , braveness , intelligence and survival .

In Great Britain , Lurchers have their own shows , can be hie or coursed , and are used for hunting , primarily lapin , hares , foxes , biz birds , and crumb . In the United States , some people may employ lurcher to hunting coyotes , fox , or jackrabbit in area where they are study pests or just for the thrill of the Salmon Portland Chase . lurker are also ace entice coursing wienerwurst .

No breed registry recognizes Lurchers , and there is no movement to gain American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club recognition for them . They are , as they have always been , strictly working dogs .

Adult Lurcher dog looking at the camera

LurcherTemperamentand Personality

The Lurcher ’s temperament is typically like that of the sighthound — calm and affectionate but not demonstrative , with a solid desire to run — boosted by the gameness or intensity of the terrier or herding breed that is in its heritage . former and frequent socialising is crucial to aid prevent the exploitation of timidity oraggression .

A Lurcher will appreciate a long casual manner of walking and the chance to campaign free in a turgid , safely enclose area . He should always be walked on leash , or he is potential to take off after some small , furry critter . skulker are generally not a sound choice for home with other dearie such as cats or coney .

The Lurcher is an independent thinker but level-headed and highly trainable . He can learn the fundamental principle of practiced dog behavior , plus much more , if you use positively charged reinforcement techniques , particularly food rewards . lead off training when he is young and still somewhat malleable , keep grooming academic term curt and fun , and avoid harsh correction . Never forget , however , that a Lurcher is a original of the fine art of stealing . Do not depart food out , even if you suppose it is out of reach .

Lurcher dog standing in a field looking out towards a trail

If possible , get him into a puppy socializing group by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks sometime . However , be mindful that many of these training course require sure vaccinum ( like kennel cough ) to be up to engagement . Also , many veterinarians recommend modified photo to other dog and public places until all puppy vaccines ( including rabies , distemper and parvovirus ) have been completed . In addition to education and socializing , call for hoi polloi to your home as well so he becomes customary to visitors . These experience as a young pawl will help him grow into a reasonable , unagitated adult cad .

What You Need To Know About LurcherHealth

Lurchers are look at a fairly healthy fussy - breed . The principal health concern for Lurchers aregastric torsion , torn toenails , foot or muscle injury , andheat strokeor passion enervation . They may also be prone to osteosarcoma ( ivory cancer ) . Lurchers with herding breeds in their line of descent may be prostrate to eye problem . Hypothyroidism is plebeian in many frankfurter breeds .

Ask if the breeder has screened the puppy ’s parents for thyroid disease and eye health . A thyroid rating from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and certification of eye wellness from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation are points in a breeder ’s favor .

Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthy and best - see specimens , but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy develops one of these diseases despite good breeding praxis . progress in veterinary practice of medicine mean that in most case the dog can still live on a good life story . If you ’re getting a pup , ask the breeder about the ages of the dogs in her lines and what they died of .

Lurcher dog playing with a bone

you may play a with child part in hold your Lurcher levelheaded just by helping him maintain a good for you weight . Obesityis one of the most uncouth wellness problems seen in detent . call for preventative measures is always favour , but you’re able to alsohelp your dog drop off weightby exercising him and apply him an appropriate amount of food .

The Basics of LurcherGrooming

The Lurcher may have a rough or tranquil coat . hebdomadal brushing will keep the pelage healthy and innocent of dead pilus . Introduce him to grooming betimes in life so that he hear to accept it volitionally and patiently .

The rest is basic precaution . Trim his nail as needed , usually once a calendar month , and keep his ears uncontaminating and dry . Check the ear weekly for dirt , redness or a bad odor that can indicatean transmission . If the capitulum wait soiled , wipe them out with a cotton fiber nut dampened with a easy pH - balancedear cleaner recommended by your veterinary surgeon .

Good dental hygiene is also crucial . Brush the teeth frequently witha vet - approved pet toothpastefor effective overall health and saucy breath .

Lurcher dog laying down in family home

Finding a Breederfor Your Lurcher

What to find the perfect pup ? observe the right breeder . A good stock breeder will check you with the sort of Lurcher you ’re looking for , and will ensure all the health certifications necessary to shield out health problem are complete . Be mistrustful of breeders who only tell you the good things about the stock or who promote the dogs as being “ good with kidskin ” without any context as to what that entail or how it comes about .

Buying a dog is not an insignificant leverage , so serious breeders will welcome your questions about disposition , health clearance and expectations after bringing your pup home . A stock breeder should want to be a resource for you throughout your andiron ’s life , and that start up at first contact : she should be able-bodied to explicate the breed ’s history , why one pup is considered favorite quality while another is not , and likely health problems vulgar to the breed . wait for more info about the Lurcher at theLurcher and Tumbler Welfare and Breed Club(Britain ) .

breeder who declare oneself puppy at one toll “ with papers ” and at a humiliated price “ without papers ” are unethical . besides , stock breeder with multiple litter on the premises , puppies who are always usable , and the ability to pay online with a credit scorecard are often a sign of an unqualified stock breeder .

Lurcher dog sitting down on a nature trail

How much you should expect to pay for a Lurcher puppy look on fix , gender , and the puppies ’ genic lineage . disregarding , always wait for puppy who have been raise in a clean home environment and who are from parent with right health clearances . puppy should be temperament tested , vet , dewormed , and socialized for the best potential scratch to their long life .

However , before wee-wee the startle to buy a pup , have you consider an adult Lurcher ? Puppies are fun , but they also hard work . They require a lot of metre and effort before they grow up to be your dream domestic dog . Adults often already have some training and are likely less active , destructive , and demanding as a puppy , making them good suit for people with busier lifestyles . Keep scan for some advice on how to adopt the perfect Lurcher .

Adopting a Lurcherfrom a Rescue or a Shelter

If you are looking to take over a Lurcher , you ’re in fortune : There are many great pick usable . Here is how to get started .

apply the Web . get going your search online at asite likePetfinder.com . This resource lets you execute either very universal or very specific interrogation . For example , if you ’re looking for a housetrained Lurcher in your surface area , Petfinder will let you to filter out lookup resultant by your request .

AnimalShelteris your go - to resource discover animal saving grouping in your area , which are great places to look for a Lurcher in want of a home .

Black Lurcher dog standing in a forest

Otherwise , do n’t discount your local paper or even social medium to help in your search!For example , a quick post on your Facebook Sir Frederick Handley Page can invite your entire community to serve as your eyes and ear in finding a Lurcher to bring home .

Talk to Local Experts . start up talking with vets , bounder walkers , groomer and other best-loved pros in your area about your lookup for a Lurcher to borrow . These individuals are often the first radical people sour to When they make the hard conclusion to give up a dog .

Of naturally , the most important thing you could do for your Modern Lurcher is occupy him to the veterinary soon after acceptation . Your vet can name any current or potential problems , and will work out with you to typeset up a preventative regimen to help get your new dog ’s health on the right track .

Black and white photo of an adult Lurcher

LurcherFAQs

What kind of dog is a Lurcher?

A Lurcher is a crossbreed that combines a sighthound — usually a Greyhound — with a terrier , herd strain , or other large scenthound . They are prized for their stealth and secrecy , primarily view hunting dogs . While they are not a technically recognise breed by the AKC or any other register , Lurchers are loved by many for their speed , hunt ability , intelligence , and tenacity .

Is a Lurcher a good family dog?

Of course , all animals can have singular , case-by-case personalities . But the friendly , easy , and calm nature of most Lurchers in general make them bang-up family favorite . Because of those qualities , Lurchers are often used as therapy and education dogs , visiting nursing homes and school day . They are generally well-disposed , laid back , and get along well with youngster .

However , as a working breed , make certain you infer what create them tick off before decide to bring one home . Lurchers require a good deal of physical exercise , education , and patience to be the best variation of themselves .

How fast can a Lurcher run?

skulker are fast . Thanks to the fact that many are the resolution of crossbreed with a Greyhound , some lurker can run over 40 mph ! Their speed is a result of careful breeding over many year , and they generally prefer sprint over survival runs .

LurcherPictures