Group: Sighthound

Weight: 60-70 pounds

Height: 27-30 inches



History

Lurchers are originally from Ireland and Great Britain where they were originally bred in the 1600's. This breed was mainly used to poach rabbits and hares. These dogs are not bred specifically, and are therefore not considered as a breed by many - rather as a crossbreed. The combinations that is most common for this dog is the Greyhound and Terrier and the Greyhound and Collie crossings.

Characteristics

The Lurcher is a very easygoing and peaceful dog. This is a breed that loves to sleep, and you will almost not know of them when they are inside - seeing that they are so quiet. These dogs are also not known for their braveness.

Temperament

The Lurcher is a dog that loves to play, and they are also very loving and caring dogs. Owners should be aware of the fact that these dogs are very good at escaping though. They possess lots of energy, and they have to run. This is a breed that can move very fast, and they also have very strong hunting instincts. This dog will suit a family that loves the outdoors very well. Lurchers are in general very good with people, and they are therefore very good companion dogs.

Care

The Lurcher is not a high maintenance dog, but both the long-haired and short-haired breeds of these dogs should be combed and brushed on a regular basis. Some of these dogs shed quite heavily, while other is only average shedding dogs. Therefore they are not suitable for people suffering from allergies. For more detailed info, take a look at the Lurcher Grooming page.

Training

Most people assume that the Lurchers are overly energetic and require more than the usual amount of exercise - this is however a misconception. These dogs are sprinters, and they use up their energy in bursts at a high speed - rather then them running longer distances.

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