Lurcher

The Lurcher is not a dog breed, but rather a type of dog native to the British Isles, a hearty crossbred sighthound which is generally a cross between a Greyhound and another sort of local dog. Lurchers can be crossed several times, and there is no set type, they can be as small as a Whippet or as large as an Irish Wolfhound, but most are chosen for a size that is around the size of a Greyhound, and a distinct sighthound form is preferred.

Generally, the aim of the cross was to produce a sighthound with brains, a canny animal suitable for the original purpose of the Lurcher, poaching. Developed in the middle ages in Great Britain, the Lurcher was created because only nobility were allowed to have purebred sighthounds like Greyhounds, Whippets and Staghounds, whereas crosses, or curs, had no such perceived value. Similarly, nobility owned most land and commoners were not allowed to hunt game on crown land or other noble estates. The crosses also made for a more trainable animal, as was vitally important that a Lurcher would not give chase to prey if anyone might be watching, unlike purebred sighthounds which give chase to any fast moving objects. Roma, more commonly known as Gypsies, were instrumental in developing the Lurcher type, and the word Lurcher is believed to derive from a Romani word meaning thief.

The Lurcher has as varied uses as types can be crossbred, but generally they are used as a hunting dog which can chase and kill their prey. Hare coursing is the most common modern sport for a lurcher, but they can be used for chasing rabbits that have been ferreted out by ferrets or terriers, bolted foxes, or any manner of other available game. The Lurcher is best used in open ground, so generally men or other dogs are used to flush game from thick brush. Lure coursing and dog racing is also popular in areas with little available hunting or for people who dislike hunting. The modern Lurcher is growing from its old image of disrepute to heights of popularity as an exceptional family dog, and many groups have been founded to rehome Lurchers in pet households.