Lurcher – Breed Facts, Info and Pictures

The Lurcher, often simply referred to as a ‘poacher’s dog,’ is an agile and intelligent mix breed. It typically shares the sleek, streamlined build of of a sighthound, but with a broader range of coat types and colors, depending on the mix.

Originally bred by gypsies and poachers in the British Isles, Lurchers are skilled hunters, designed to incorporate the best of the sighthound and either a herding or terrier breed. The aim was to produce a cross that could silently and swiftly chase down small game more effectively.

Today, away from its poaching past, the Lurcher has gained recognition for its versatility in many roles and its excellent temperament. With their calm and affectionate nature, they make good companion animals, despite often being overlooked for other breeds. 

Lurchers are not purebreed dogs, so they are not recognised by any of the international kennel clubs. Because the Lurcher can be a mix of any sighthound with a herding or terrier breed, they are a type rather than a breed of dog, in the traditional sense. 

History Of The Lurcher

The Lurcher has a rich and somewhat shadowy history rooted in the British Isles. From the mid 14th to 19th Centuries, the right to own any dog for the purpose of hunting, was reserved for those with money. Anyone that didn’t have an annual income of at least £10 could not own a dog for this purpose. The law was tweaked and changed across the Centuries, but always with the aim of keeping ownership of purebred hunting hounds in the hands of the wealthy, elites and nobility. 

It should come as no surprise then, that the poor would find a way to develop a dog that had the skills of a night hunter, and the intelligence to stealthy get away. The sighthound parentage hidden under the coat of a working breed. References to ‘Lurching’ dogs dates back as early as the mid 17th Century, but the breeding these crosses likely goes back much further. 

Breed Origin

The name ‘Lurcher’ is derived from the Romani word ‘lur,’ which means thief, aptly reflecting the breed’s use by poachers to stealthily snatch game from private lands. Traditionally, Lurchers were not bred for appearance or pedigree but for their working qualities and hunting prowess.

Though not a purebred dog in the traditional sense, the parent breeds are quite firmly set to combine the traits of a sighthound with the intelligence of a working breed like a herding or terrier breed. Greyhounds have commonly been used for the sighthound part of the mix, but Whippets and Deerhounds are also commonly used. Border Collies are also a favorite as the herding parent in the mix, due to their exceptional intelligence and work ethic. 

Lurchers have been cherished by gypsies and poachers for centuries, prized for their ability to hunt quietly and effectively under the cover of night. Today, they are often kept as family pets and also sporting dogs, as they perform very well in both coursing and racing. 

Quick Facts

• Versatile and Agile – The Lurcher is a composite breed,  exceptionally fast and cunning. Traits that were essential for stealthy, covert hunting activities under the cover of night.

• Varied Appearance – Reflecting their mixed heritage, Lurchers can take on a range of appearances. While they often maintain the sleek body of a sighthound, they can vary greatly in size, coat type, and color depending on the specific cross.

• Energetic and Graceful – Lurchers tend to be energetic and graceful, thriving on having space to run and play. Without enough exercise, they may resort to mischievous behaviors to burn off their abundant energy. That being said, where the sighthound traits are dominant, they will be just as happy lounging on the couch, as long as they get plenty of mental activity. 

• Affectionate Family Pets – Lurchers are known for their gentle, affectionate character, making them excellent family pets. They usually form strong bonds with their families and adapt well to many different home life environments. They generally get along well with children and other dogs, but they might harass smaller animals without firm, consistent training.

• Coat Variability – The coat of a Lurcher can range from short and smooth to long and rough, depending on their lineage. Their grooming needs will vary accordingly but typically involve regular brushing to manage shedding and keep the coat clean and tangle-free.

Characteristics Of The Lurcher

The Lurcher is sometimes known as the ‘Poachers Dog’, especially in its native UK and Ireland. This name reflects its historical use rather than a specific breed. It doesn’t really have any nicknames beyond this.

Lurchers generally have litters varying from 4 to 8 puppies, depending on the specific parent breeds involved. These puppies are lively and adapt quickly to their environments. Raising them can be quite demanding and it is crucial for Lurcher puppies, as with all breeds, to spend the first 8 to 10 weeks with their mother and siblings to learn important skills and behaviors.

The cost of a Lurcher puppy can vary widely, largely influenced by the reputation of the breeder and the particular qualities of the parents. Prices might range from around $300 to $1000. In the UK, prices can vary similarly, depending on the breeder and the specific characteristics of the cross. I’ve seen them listed from between £100 to £500 generally. Older puppies and young adults are often available through rescue organizations at a lower cost.

Appearance

Typically, Lurchers have a slightly less refined build than their purebred sighthound relatives, often being more robust. This gives them a distinct advantage in terms of versatility, allowing them to navigate different terrains more effectively than a pure Greyhound might.

In terms of size, Lurchers can vary widely but generally fall within the medium to large range. Adult males can stand anywhere from 22 to 28 inches at the shoulder, depending on the specific breeds in their lineage, while females tend to be slightly smaller. Their weight can range from 40 to 70 pounds, with a healthy build. Larger and smaller dogs are possible, it’s all down to the parent breeds used in the mix.

The Lurcher’s head is typically long, with a moderately tapered muzzle, and their ears can vary from the rose ears of the Greyhound to the upright or semi-erect ears of other contributing breeds. Their necks are muscular, leading down to a deep chest and a strong, flexible back. They have a powerful gait, perfect for racing or for stealthy night raids. The breed’s coat and color are highly variable depending on the parent mix. Anything from smooth to rough coats in hues from black and white to grays, browns, and brindles are possible.

Coat

The coat of a Lurcher really depends on the breeds used in the mix. It may be rough or smooth, following their sighthound lineage. But more often than not, there will be some length to it, depending on the non-sighthound breed involved in the cross. Those with a collie parent for example, tend to have a longer coat and those with a terrier parent tend to have a rougher coat.

Color

Common shades include black, white, gray, and fawn, often mixed or brindled. But in reality, colors can range across the spectrum, again reflecting the diversity of their heritage. There are no breed standard colors because there is no breed standard.

Temperament

Lurchers are known for their loyal, affectionate nature. They are intelligent, calm, and generally friendly, though they can be reserved with strangers. They may also have a tendency to chase smaller animals, so if you have other pets they might not get on well.

They were bred with the purpose of hunting down rabbits, hares and small prey, so it’s a strong drive for them to do this. Depending on their parent mix though, they can be very intelligent. If a herding breed was used in the mix, they will be highly trainable too, and early socialization can produce a well mannered dog.

Lifespan

Lurchers typically live between 12 to 15 years. One of the benefits of crossing like this, is there are no strict standards to meet, and inbreeding is far less likely, which can have a knock on effect on life expectancy.

There is less risk of genetic problems being passed down the line than with restrictive pure breeding too. So cross breeds tend to live longer on average, and the Lurcher has an above average life expectancy.

Known Health Issues

Lurchers are relatively healthy, but they can inherit conditions common to their sighthound lineage. These include:

Gastric Torsion (Bloat) – Bloat is a critical and life-threatening condition in Lurchers, as in many large, deep-chested breeds. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, which can cut off blood supply. It needs a quick response for treatment or the condition can be fatal within hours.

• Treatment: Preventive measures include feeding smaller, frequent meals and avoiding vigorous exercise around feeding times. In emergency cases, surgery is often required to untwist the stomach and may also involve attaching the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent future episodes. It can be a pretty scary experience.

Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) – Osteosarcoma is particularly prevalent in larger breeds like Lurchers and involves aggressive cancer that primarily affects the bones. The rapid growth of the cancer cells leads to painful swelling and the risk of fractures.

• Treatment: Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the affected limb or part of the bone, followed by chemotherapy. Pain management is also a critical component of treatment to ensure the dog’s comfort.

Heart Conditions – Lurchers can be predisposed to various heart conditions, including murmurs and heart failure. These issues may stem from either congenital defects or age-related wear and tear on the heart.

• Treatment: Treatment depends on the specific heart condition but often involves lifelong medication to manage heart function and fluid buildup. Regular monitoring by a veterinarian is essential to adjust treatments as needed.

Eye Problems – Lurchers may inherit several eye conditions, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to impaired vision or blindness.

• Treatment: While cataracts can sometimes be surgically removed, progressive retinal atrophy has no cure, and treatment focuses on managing the dog’s changing needs as their vision declines.

Daily Life With A Lurcher

Now that we know the history and the characteristics of a Lurcher, let’s take a look into the matters of care and ownership.

Food and Diet

For Lurchers, proper portion control is crucial to prevent obesity, which can exacerbate potential health issues like joint problems. Adult Lurchers generally do well with two meals per day, which helps regulate their digestion and energy levels. Three meals is also good, and spreading their food well through the day can also prevent serious conditions like bloat. Puppies, need smaller, more frequent meals—about three to four times a day—to support their rapid growth and high energy demands.

The exact portion size for a Lurcher will vary based on their size, age, activity level, and health. As a general guideline, adult Lurchers typically need about 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry dog food per day, divided into two or three meals. A wet food equivalent is good too, but it’s important the food is high quality, full of nutrition and not stacked with filler.

For more active dogs or those with higher metabolic rates, this amount might need to be increased to maintain their optimal body weight. Older Lurchers often face a slowdown in metabolism and may have different nutritional requirements due to health conditions. Lower-calorie diets that are still rich in nutrients but easier on the digestive system are ideal for seniors. It’s also important to make sure fresh water is available at all times, particularly after exercise to keep your Lurcher well-hydrated.

Exercise

Lurchers need plenty of exercises, ideally off-leash in a secure area. They love to run and have a strong prey drive, thanks to their sighthound blood. In public or unsecured areas, they should always be on a leash due to their prey drive, which can lead them to chase small animals or moving objects, even with good training.

A minimum of two moderate walks per day is recommended for keeping Lurchers healthy and well-balanced. While they don’t require extremely rigorous exercise routines, sufficient daily activity is crucial to prevent boredom and behavioral issues.

Family Compatibility

Lurchers tend to form deep bonds with their family members and tend to display loyalty and protective instincts. Their adaptable and friendly nature makes them suitable for lots of households and owners, from singles to large families.

These dogs are particularly good with older children, but due to their prey drive, size and energy, it’s important to supervise interactions with younger children to ensure play remains gentle and safe. Lurchers also generally get along well with other dogs, especially when raised together from a young age, which can enhance their social nature and overall happiness. You might need to keep your eye on them with smaller pets like cats and rabbits though, as well as with strange dogs they don’t know at first.

They don’t like to be left alone for extended periods and isolation can lead to boredom and anxiety. The extent of this depends on the exact mix. Any herding breed in the blood will bore easily and needs lots of mental stimulation. An ideal setting for a Lurcher includes a home with a secure yard for safe exercise, or a large open park nearby where long walks on a leash are regular.

Training

When training a Lurcher you need dedication and patience. These dogs combine the intelligence of their working dog parents with the speed and sensitivity of sighthounds. They are quick learners but can also be independent thinkers, which means they need training sessions that keep them engaged and interested. Don’t be afraid to mix it up a little. Lurchers do not respond well to solitude or long periods of confinement, as they thrive on interaction and companionship.

A well-trained Lurcher can be a lovely addition to any family, adapting well to home life and showing deep loyalty to their owners. Without proper training and mental stimulation though, they can develop behaviors such as excessive barking or chewing. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, are very effective with the breed, especially when learning commands. An early start to training is recommended, incorporating socialization with people and other dogs to develop a well-rounded and confident adult Lurcher.

Socializing

Lurchers can exhibit a range of temperaments from shy and reserved to outgoing and playful. Early and consistent socialization is really needed to ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted and confident dogs. Introducing them to a variety of people, environments, sounds, and other animals can greatly reduce their natural caution and enhance their adaptability. When introducing to other animals a leash is always advised. Their high prey drive will compel them to chase and they need to learn to try and control this as best they can. 

For Lurchers, socialization involves more than just exposure. It requires positive experiences that build trust and security. Regular visits to parks, busy streets, and different outdoor places can help them become more comfortable and less sensitive in various situations. Additionally, puppy classes are highly beneficial, providing a structured setting for learning and interaction with other dogs and people.

Grooming

Those with short, smooth coats may require less frequent grooming, while Lurchers with rough or longer coats will need more regular care to prevent matting and manage shedding.

Regardless of coat type, regular brushing is beneficial; once a week is typically sufficient for smooth coats, while rough or long coats may require brushing several times a week.

Bathing should be done as needed but not too often as over bathing can strip the coat of natural oils. It’s important to use a mild dog shampoo when washing. Other grooming tasks such as nail trimming and ear cleaning, particularly those with floppy ears, should be part of the routine. You can check these regularly and clip nails as required.

Breed Traits

Breed FAQs

Summary

The Lurcher is an adaptable breed that combines the best traits of sighthounds and working dogs. This mix brings together qualities of agility, intelligence and affection, but they are not a pure breed, and the level of these qualities can vary widely. They tend to do very well in a variety of family environments, particularly in active households that can provide plenty of space and engagement.

While Lurchers are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming (depending on their coat type), they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and promote good health. Training and socializing from an early age are crucial, ensuring they grow into well-adjusted adult dogs.

Overall, the Lurcher is a loyal and loving breed ideal for those who can meet their exercise and companionship needs. They do need an owner with some degree of experience though, that can watch out for and control their high prey drive.