The Lurcher is not strictly speaking 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.

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 has as many uses as types can be crossbred, but often they are used as hunting dogs that can chase and kill their prey. Today most are used for general pest control, typically rabbits, hares, and foxes. They have been successfully used on deer. The only real sporting use of the lurcher is in hare coursing, although most hare coursing dogs are Greyhounds. Lurchers move most effectively over open ground, although different crosses suit different terrains. Lure coursing and dog racing are 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 as family pets.



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