Lurcher
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Connect with certified breeders who have Lurcher puppies available.
Find Lurcher BreedersGet to Know Lurchers
- Not a True Breed, but a Type: A Lurcher is a cross, traditionally between a sighthound (like Greyhound or Whippet) and a working breed (like Collie or Terrier), designed to combine speed and intelligence for hunting. They are bred for function, not uniform appearance, so coat, size, and color vary widely.
- Superb Hunting Skills: Lurchers were originally bred for poaching and coursing small game. Their combination of speed, endurance, and intelligence makes them excellent at tracking and chasing prey.
- Gentle Companion Dogs: Despite their hunting background, Lurchers are affectionate, gentle, and deeply loyal to their families, often forming strong bonds with children and other pets.
- Versatile & Adaptable: Lurchers excel in a variety of activities, including lure coursing, agility, obedience, and even therapy work, demonstrating their intelligence and athletic versatility.
- Quiet & Observant: Unlike many terriers or hounds, Lurchers are often reserved and quiet indoors, preferring to observe before reacting. This makes them calm housemates despite their high outdoor energy
Breed History
The Lurcher originated in the British Isles, developed as a hunting dog for poachers who needed a quiet, fast, and intelligent dog that could track, chase, and retrieve game. By crossing sighthounds with working breeds, hunters created a dog that combined speed with problem-solving ability and endurance. Lurchers were never formally recognized as a breed but were highly valued for their working ability and versatility. Today, they are cherished both as companions and as participants in sporting activities like coursing and agility.
Personality and Behaviour
- Affectionate & Loyal: Lurchers are devoted to their families and thrive on human companionship, often forming deep bonds with multiple household members.
- High Energy Outdoors, Calm Indoors: They enjoy running, playing, and mental challenges outside but are typically quiet and relaxed indoors when given sufficient daily exercise.
- Intelligent & Observant: They think independently and can problem-solve effectively, so early training and consistent guidance are essential to encourage positive behaviour.
Care
- Exercise: High daily exercise, including safe off-leash running or long walks, is critical to satisfy their speed and stamina needs.
- Training: Early socialization and positive reinforcement work best; firm but gentle guidance helps manage independent thinking.
- Grooming: Coat care depends on parentage. Smooth coats need minimal brushing, while wiry or long coats benefit from regular grooming to prevent tangles.
Lurcher Summary
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GroomingHow Much Does It Cost to Own a Lurcher Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Lurcher is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Lurcher
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Lurcher puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Lurcher, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Lurcher is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
