What is a „Lurcher“? Well, that’s not easy to explain. In a nutshell: a greyhound hybrid! Lurcher is the name for a purpose breeding, originally it was used for poaching. There are no fixed rules on which dog breeds a Lurcher has to survive, and so there are various intersections, which are ultimately referred to as „Lurcher“. The most common is the crossing of greyhound and herding dog or terrier, mostly Bedlington Terrier. For example, my duke is a mix of Greyhound, Deerhound, Whippet, and Border Collie. But there are, as mentioned, countless variants! Another crossover variant, which is not a Lurcher, but is often referred to as such, represents the so-called Longdog. This is a cross between various sighthounds and is usually counted among the Lurchers. Most Lurcher are rough coatet or stock-haired, but there is also the short-haired variant (smooth haired). The color variants are innumerable.
Since the Lurcher does not have to meet any standard, his nature is as diverse as the races that are united in it … It is thought to set a standard and allow the Lurcher as a breed. Personally, I do not think so, because in my opinion that would only result in the multiplication of greyhound hybrids. Otherwise there would have to be the corresponding performance competitions coordinated with Lurcher – and that is not feasible in my opinion.
(It would be nice if, independently of this, an event would be set up specifically for Lurcher, such as an exhibition and coursing / race and a Lurcher fun competition – let’s see if I can do something there. ..)
In fact, a „true Lurcher“ is not a perfect mix of races, but much more the perfect blend of their traits. In other words, the poaching dog naturally wanted special characteristics. A friend from England describes the properties something like this: the dog is to hunt fast, silently and independently like a greyhound, but he must bring the fidelity and the „camouflage, deceive, piss off“ the herding dogs. The dog should respond to small gestures of the dog handler and, for example, walk in the woods on a minimum order parallel to the handler; shot down, not to guard, report or stick to larger prey such as deer, but secretly lead the hunter … The qualities that make up a „poachers dog“ are. Torn thieves are almost all of them, and their clever brain requires a „thinking“ man … All in all, the Lurcher is also a great (family) dog, provided one arranges with the enormous hunting instinct. Finally, the greyhound share prevails, and the Arabic proverb comes to full effect: „The soul of a greyhound wants to run!“
The working lurcher, the working dog, is well trained by his owner (in England). In England there are races and competitions especially for the Lurcher shows and competitions. The British Lurcher Club is popular and hosts many events. Lurcher competitions are also popular with visitors at many rural events. In Germany there are probably just too few Lurcher. In England, he is valued as a house and family dog in many and you hardly meets a Briton who knows no Lurcher. Here in Germany, this dog is not so well known, even in the greyhound scene. Maybe you do not want to recognize him there. After all, it’s just a greyhound bastard who may not be very welcome among purebred dogs. But I also like it wrong …
I often talk to my duke about what breed he’s from (most people think he’s a little, a bit too „fat“ greyhound). I just grin and explain that he’s a mix, just a lurcher!
Lurcher at dogshome.org