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 Lizzie the Lurcher on holiday
The Lurcher is not a dog breed, but rather a type of dog. It is a crossbred sighthound that is generally a cross between a sighthound and another sort of dog, usually a pastoral dog or Terrier. Collie crosses have always been very popular. Lurchers can be crossed several times. There is no particular type, so they can be as small as a Whippet or as large as a Deerhound; but most are chosen for a size similar to that of a Greyhound, and a distinct sighthound form is preferred.
Generally, the aim of the cross is to produce a smarter sighthound, a 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 Irish Wolfhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, Greyhounds, and Whippets, 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. It was important that the lurcher did not resemble too closely a sighthound, as the penalties for owning a sighthound were high, particularly given that if you owned one then by default you were considered a poacher. The original lurchers therefore were generally heavier-coated dogs who could herd sheep as well as bring home a rabbit or hare for the pot.
Lurchers move most effectively over open ground, although different crosses suit different terrains. 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 as family pets.
Allegedly, Roma, more commonly known as Romany Gypsies, were instrumental in
developing the lurcher type, and the word 'lurcher' is believed to
derive from a Romani word 'lur' meaning thief.
The Lurcher's coat can be rough or smooth and it should look like a relative of the Deerhound, Saluki or Greyhound. The Lurcher is generally an obedient dog, which makes an excellent faithful and affectionate family pet. It needs plenty of exercise and a daily brushing.
Temperament The Lurcher is very responsive and mild dog with people. However, When on the trail it is relentless, going until it catches and kills the small game that it is chasing.
The Lurcher, also known as the "poacher's dog", is a very old breed dating to the 1600's in Ireland and England where it is still a popular dog. It is descended from crosses between Greyhounds and terriers, as well as from Deerhounds; it is said that it was originally bred in Ireland and that its name derives from the Romanian word "lur" which means thief. It was bred to be a swift dog that was used in hare coursing. It is a tall and slim dog, which is extremely agile and fast. The dignified-looking Lurcher is bred mainly for function and not for conformation, and so there is no official standard for it; as a result it is only referred to as a type of dog rather than a breed.
Note:
Lizzie was very successfully rehomed from the RSPCA in Halewood, Liverpool |
