Lurcher: Your Complete Guide

Lurchers are crossbred dogs that result from the mating between sight hounds, like greyhounds, and other working dogs, like terriers or collies. These charming canines are instantly recognizable thanks to their elongated limbs and slim, athletic builds. 

They were originally bred to provide a faster and more agile alternative to traditional hunting dogs for chasing game.

This guide will explore various aspects of the lurcher dog. We’ll look at their physical characteristics, lifespan, personalities, and unique grooming and healthcare needs. We’ll also address important points to consider if you’re thinking about bringing a lurcher into your family. 

A Quick Look at the Lurcher

Let’s start off with a quick overview of some key stats and characteristics of the lurcher to give you a better understanding of this dog.

Weight/Height	Weight: between 40-70 pounds.  Height: between 22 and 28 inches. Both can vary widely due to their mixed-breed heritage.
Coat Type	Any: smooth, wiry, dense, short, long-haired.
Grooming Needs
Shedding
Temperament	Gentle, affectionate, calm, and intelligent.
Good With Kids
Good With Other Animals
Intelligence
Easy to Train
Energy Level
Barking Habits
Lifespan	12-15 years

What Is the History of Lurchers?

Lurchers were bred back in 14th century England to help poachers with hunting, especially for smaller game like rabbits and pheasants. 

The cross between sighthounds and other breeds, like terriers or herding dogs, developed an advanced breed with exceptional speed, adaptability, and hunting capabilities. This is why they’re commonly known as “Poacher’s dogs.”

While not considered a formal breed in itself, the lurcher is a mix of various breeds and usually known for their versatility as hunters. Their name is derived from the word “lurch,” which refers to the stealthy way they move and strike in sudden, swift motions to capture their prey.

Today, lurchers are still used for hunting, but they are quite popular as family pets as well. These energetic and friendly dogs are good with children and can form long-lasting bonds with both human and animal companions. 

What Do Lurchers Look Like?

Lurchers have a unique appearance thanks to their slender and athletic bodies with dark, almond-shaped eyes. This is the one common factor among the physical appearance of all lurchers.

The specifics of their appearance generally vary across the board depending on the traits of the breeds that sighthounds are mixed with. This means that their coat can vary from anywhere between short-haired and long-haired, and smooth and wiry. Some lurchers have sleek, greyhound-like builds, while others resemble collies.

The same goes for the coat color of each dog. Common coat colors of lurchers include fawn, black, blue, golden, white, red, and other different shades, but the precise color depends solely on their unique genetic makeup.

What Size Is a Lurcher?

Lurchers are medium-sized dogs with weights that can vary between 40 and up to 70 pounds and height that can fall within 22 and 28 inches. 

Lurchers with a greyhound-like build are lighter, while those with terrier or collie ancestry tend to be heavier. Similarly, greyhound-leaning lurchers are taller, whereas terrier or collie ones are shorter. 

What Is a Lurcher’s Coat Type and Length?

As mentioned above, lurchers are a mixed breed, so their coat type, texture, and length depend mainly on the specific sighthound and other breeds they are produced from. However, there are a few common characteristics you’ll come across:

• Lurchers that have a higher proportion of greyhounds in their genes usually have shorter and smoother coats with a glossy touch. This can be around 1-2 inches in length.

• Lurchers with terrier or collie influences tend to have a longer and coarser coat. Their fur is usually wiry or curly, and they look more bushy compared to their short-haired counterparts. The length of these coats can go from three to six inches, if not more.

• Some lurchers can have wavy, medium-length coats ranging from 1 to 4 inches, usually seen in those with terrier ancestry.

Lurchers always have a mix of the coat types and lengths mentioned above. There are no hairless lurchers in the canine world.

What Is a Lurcher’s Temperament? 

Lurchers usually have a gentle and affectionate temperament, especially when they are not in hunting mode. Their sighthound ancestry gives them an overall calm demeanor, and their mixed heritage makes them adaptable to different environments.

Despite their calmness, lurchers have a lot of energy. They love to run around and play outdoors as much as they enjoy lounging around and munching treats indoors. While they’re affectionate and find joy in human company, they aren’t excessively clingy or needy.

Are Lurchers Good With Kids?

Yes, lurchers are good with children, especially those around eight years and older, as they tend to be better at understanding how to respect a dog’s space and interact with care.

Lurchers aren’t necessarily aggressive towards younger kids, like toddlers or babies, but they can be sensitive to their loud, sudden movements. These dogs prefer calmer environments and can easily get overwhelmed in households with very young children. 

As with all dogs, you should exercise caution and supervise all interactions between your lurcher and small children.

Are Lurchers Good With Other Animals?

The compatibility of most lurchers and other animals depends on their upbringing, training, socialization, and ancestry. These canines are usually pretty sociable with other dogs, and they tend to get along best with those that are calm and gentle. 

That said, thanks to their hunting ancestry, these dogs aren’t the best with other animals. Lurchers with a strong prey drive because of their sighthound influence can not be trusted with smaller animals like cats, guinea pigs, or hamsters. You have to be extremely cautious when introducing these pets to your lurcher, especially if they haven’t been trained to co-exist. 

The same goes for wild animals. If you live in an area with lots of wildlife, your lurcher might often feel inclined to chase small, fast-moving animals like squirrels or birds. Make sure to assess their prey drive before taking them outdoors.

Are Lurchers Aggressive?

Lurchers are generally not aggressive by nature. Unfamiliar situations or people are more likely to make them timid or shy instead of loud and hostile. 

However, some lurchers can be prone to guarding their territory and resources, especially if they’ve grown up in unstable environments. With some proper training and positive reinforcement, it’s nothing you can’t fix. 

Do Lurchers Bark?

Lurchers are generally quieter than most dogs. They are especially low-noise indoors, which makes them perfect for apartments or homes with noise restrictions. They may alert you if there are any intruders or unusual sounds in your space, making them good watchdogs. 

Lurchers with a stronger sighthound background can be prone to occasional howling or whining when they’re excited or if they spot prey. However, this is not a regular habit for most canines of this breed. 

Are Lurchers Affectionate?

Lurchers are usually affectionate dogs, but they’re not as clingy as some other breeds. They enjoy companionship with their humans and can often seek them out for petting or cuddling. 

While they do like affection, lurchers can’t be considered lap dogs because they don’t seek constant attention. They prefer being independent and are usually shy or reserved when meeting strangers. 

It takes time to get a lurcher to warm up to you, but once they feel comfortable, they’re fairly friendly and unreserved. 

Are Lurchers Intelligent?

Lurchers are intelligent dogs and quick learners that can excel at training when motivated in the right way. They are observant and well aware of their surroundings at all times, and they have a sharp eye for spotting movement.

Owing to their independent streak, it’s possible that lurchers might just choose to do things on their own terms instead of being eager to please their owners. This stubbornness can often be cured with some positive reinforcement and patience.

Are Lurchers Energetic?

Lurchers are moderately energetic dogs. They have occasional bursts of energy, especially when they have the space and freedom to run around. Most lurchers need at least 1-2 hours of exercise a day to maintain their health and prevent boredom.

Compared to most energetic breeds, lurchers aren’t as demanding when it comes to playtime. They don’t mind lounging and relaxing indoors, as long as they have a designated time to play games like fetch or to sprint in an enclosed area. 

Are Lurchers Easy to Train?

Lurchers are intelligent breeds that are quite capable of learning basic commands and tricks fairly easily. They can quickly pick up on new things and excel at agility training and other physically demanding activities.

However, due to their independent nature, these dogs can be a bit slow at learning more complex tricks if they’re not motivated by positive reinforcement. They can also lose interest in the task at hand when in environments with too many distractions, such as outdoor training near small animals. 

Early socialization and consistent training are essential for successfully understanding and working with lurchers. Remember to use positive reinforcement like treats or praise and avoid harsh training at all costs, as they are sensitive dogs.

Are Lurchers Good Watchdogs?

Yes, lurchers are naturally cautious and have keen senses that alert them to any unusual sounds or movements in their environment. If you’re looking for a watchdog that will alert you to a stranger but not necessarily confront them, a lurcher can be a good fit. 

Keep in mind that lurchers’ reactions to unusual events are usually brief, as they are more friendly than territorial.

Are Lurcher Good Service Dogs?

Lurchers might not be the best fit for service dog roles, such as guide dogs or mobility assistance dogs, because of their independent streak and hunting instincts. It’s also difficult to train them to perform specific, trained tasks that require precise and complex coordination.

However, these dogs can work wonders as emotional support animals (ESAs) and therapy dogs. They are affectionate and loyal without being too overbearing. Their calm and gentle presence can often be therapeutic to those struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

How to Care for a Lurcher?

Lurchers are low-maintenance breeds that don’t require excessive attention to detail in exercise, grooming, and mental stimulation. That said, you still need to meet a few basic requirements. These include:

• Exercise: Lurchers need about 1-2 hours of physical activity daily at the minimum. This can include walks, off-leash play, and sprinting in a fenced yard.
• Nutrition: High-quality dog food is essential for these dogs to maintain their weight, given that this breed has a lean build. You need to be careful not to overfeed, especially if your lurcher isn’t getting enough exercise. 
• Mental Stimulation: Provide your lurcher with the occasional puzzle toy and engage them in regular training and activities to keep their minds engaged. They don’t need anything too complex but something that’s interesting enough to keep their minds occupied. 

Do You Need to Groom a Lurcher?

The specific grooming needs of a lurcher depends on the type of coat they have. Short-haired lurchers require weekly brushing, which you can do at home to remove loose hair and maintain a healthy coat. 

If your lurcher has a long-haired or wiry coat, you might need to take them to a professional groomer to make sure they don’t develop matted fur. You’ll need to groom them more often and use specialised combs or brushes that will work well for their coat. 

Do Lurchers Shed?

Lurchers do shed, but the amount depends on the type of coat they have. Short-haired lurchers shed mostly during seasonal changes, such as spring and fall. Long-haired ones are more susceptible to shedding, but regular grooming can help manage the problem. 

If you’re sensitive to dog hair, a short-haired lurcher would be your best option, as they are not hypoallergenic.

What Health Problems Do Lurchers Have?

While lurchers are generally healthy and agile dogs, they are susceptible to some health issues. Here are some of the health problems lurchers have, along with how you can prevent them:

• Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition faced by many canines where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly. It leads to instability and difficulty moving, and in more severe cases, it can cause arthritis. If you notice your dog having difficulty standing up or walking, make sure to get it checked. This condition can’t be cured fully, but you can manage it with the right medication, weight management, and joint supplements like glucosamine.

• Heart Conditions: Lurchers can have arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats that can cause fainting, fatigue, and even heart failure. If your dog is frequently lethargic and has constant fainting episodes, you’ll need to consult your vet immediately for the appropriate medication.  

• Eye Problems: Some lurchers can also be prone to eye conditions, such as cataracts, retinal problems, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Some conditions, like cataracts, can be cured with surgery. For others, you’ll need to ensure a safe environment for your dog to help them adjust to the inevitable loss of vision. 

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Lurchers can also suffer from gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), which is a life-threatening condition that cuts off blood supply and traps gas in the stomach. To prevent this bloating, you should avoid vigorous exercise right after eating and control your dog’s portions and eating speed. 

How Long Do Lurchers Live?

The average lifespan of a lurcher is 12-15 years. If you provide excellent care, a healthy diet, regular exercise, proper veterinary care, and close attention to detail, your canine might live even longer. Regular health check-ups are essential for ensuring that they stay healthy as they age. 

What Should a Lurcher Eat?

Lurchers require a balanced diet rich in protein and healthy fats. Given their lean muscle mass, this can translate to 20-30% protein in their diet. You’ll need to adjust the serving size according to the activity level and specific health requirements of your dog. 

Is a Lurcher the Right Dog for Me?

Now that you know all there is to know about lurchers, you might be wondering if this is the right dog for you. These canines can be wonderful companions if you’re looking for a gentle, affectionate pet who enjoys lounging around the house but has bursts of playful energy. They adjust well to various environments and respond well to positive training methods.

However, lurchers aren’t the right dog for everyone. If you have small animals like cats or rabbits at home, you might invoke their predatory side. Similarly, small children at home can disturb or upset their peace. 

Think about your current living situation, schedule, and past experience with dogs. If you’re ready to welcome a lurcher into your home based on everything we’ve shared in this article, they could be the perfect devoted and loyal addition to your family!