Lurcher

Lurchers are created by crossing Greyhounds or Deerhounds with Bedlington Terriers, other medium-sized terriers, Collies or Border Collies. Lurchers were first created in Great Britain for use as hunting dogs. They are known by several names including Lurchers, Longdogs and Staghounds. During the Middle Ages in Britain, only noble families could own Scenthounds such as Deerhounds, Greyhounds and Wolfhounds. However, there were occasional accidents when the noble families' dogs mated with other breeds. These crossbred puppies were unwanted by the nobles and were often given to gypsies and peasants. Since hunting in the royal forests was an offense punishable by hanging, the gypsies and peasants trained their dogs to secretly steal small game from the forest and bring it back to their owners. In fact, Lurchers get their name from the Romany word "lur", which means thief and "cur", which means mutt.

Lurchers can vary in size depending on which breeds are in their genetic makeup. However, they are known to range in size from 50 to 80 pounds. They can have smooth, short, long or wire hair that can come in a variety of colors including brindle, merle, cream, parti, black, grey and orange. Lurchers typically have a small head sitting atop a long and graceful neck. They also have long legs, a long tail, small triangular ears and a sleek body built for running.

Personality

While the Lurcher's personality depends on its genetic makeup, most of them are friendly, outgoing and loyal dogs that make great companions and family pets. Although Lurchers love to run and play in the yard, they enjoy spending quiet time with their owners as well. Since this is a breed that can run amazingly fast, if you choose to purchase a Lurcher, you will need to provide it with a safe and secured yard. Lurchers were developed in Great Britain where they were most commonly used to hunt various types of small game such as rabbits and foxes. Today, although they are still excellent hunting dogs, they are also used for lure coursing, loyal companions and terrific family pets.

Breed Characteristics

Lurcher Build Information

Lurchers can vary in size depending on which breeds are in their genetic makeup. However, they are known to range in size from 50 to 80 pounds. They can have smooth, short, long or wire hair that can come in a variety of colors including brindle, merle, cream, parti, black, grey and orange. Lurchers typically have a small head sitting atop a long and graceful neck. They also have long legs, a long tail, small triangular ears and a sleek body built for running.

Behaviour and Personality

While the Lurcher's personality depends on its genetic makeup, most of them are friendly, outgoing and loyal dogs that make great companions and family pets. Although Lurchers love to run and play in the yard, they enjoy spending quiet time with their owners as well. Since this is a breed that can run amazingly fast, if you choose to purchase a Lurcher, you will need to provide it with a safe and secured yard. Lurchers were developed in Great Britain where they were most commonly used to hunt various types of small game such as rabbits and foxes. Today, although they are still excellent hunting dogs, they are also used for lure coursing, loyal companions and terrific family pets.

Appearance

If you have a wire or long-haired Lurcher, you will want to brush its coat at least once every other day. You will also need to bathe it and check its ears about once or twice per month. Finally, if you need to clip your Lurcher's nails, you can cut off the tip using a pliers-type nail clipper that is designed for pets.

Lurcher Common Health Conditions

Lurchers are generally healthy dogs that can live for 13 years or longer, and they typically do not suffer from any serious health problems. However, they can be susceptible to developing such issues as bloat, hip dysplasia and back problems. Many of them also suffer from anesthesia sensitivity.

Lurcher Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

Due to their strong chasing instincts, Lurchers do not interact well with small household pets such as cats, rabbits, toy breed dogs and rodents. Most Lurchers can run as fast as 40 miles per hour and are often used for lure coursing. While Lurchers are quite rare in the U.S., they are extremely common in Britain and can be seen most everywhere.