Lurcher Characteristics: The steadfast and companionable Lurcher is a breed of large dog is a Hybrid / Mix crossbreed, bred from a Greyhound and a Terrier or a variety of other mixes. The Lurcher, is characterized by its varying appearance due to crossbreeding between a sighthound and a terrier or member of the hunting or working dog group. The goal of crossing the breeds was to combine the characteristics of a sighthound breed with the scenting ability, physical attributes, agility, intelligence or perseverance traits of another dog breed. The resulting personality traits of a "Lurcher" often exhibit a calm, affable and loyal nature. The temperament of the Lurcher can be described as Quiet, Tenacious, Affectionate. The coat type of the Lurcher is described as varied coat type depending on hereditary traits in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Lurcher demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog, Hunting Dog (Sighthound) and is known by its nick name the "Poacher's dog". The origin of the Lurcher dog breed was in Ireland where it was developed in the mid to late 1900's. Fast Facts about the Lurcher: The following facts provide fast information about the Lurcher breed. Size: Large *** Breed Group: Hybrid / Mix: Greyhound / Terrier *** Nick name: "Poacher's dog" *** Origin: Ireland *** Male Height: 27 to 30 inches *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 35 to 100 pounds *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: varied coat type depending on hereditary traits *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 4 to 10 puppies *** Health Problems: Gastric torsion, Foot injuries *** Lifespan: 10 to 15 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Lurcher Dog Type - Hybrid / Mix (Unrecognized as a breed): Greyhound / Terrier: The Lurcher is one of the many types of dogs described as a Hybrid / Mix, bred often from the Greyhound and the Terrier. The Lurcher is not a pure breed, it is also often a cross between a sighthound, such as greyhound or whippet, a retriever, a terrier such as the patterdale or a sheepdog such as the Border collie. Other names for the Lurcher: The Lurcher is known by the nickname of the "Poacher's dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Greybull Pit, Doberman Greyhound and Malinois Greyhound. Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Lurcher" derives from an old English word meaning a person who lurks or prowls, such as a poacher. The crossbreed dogs became known as 'Lurchers' and were commonly known as the "Poacher's dog". Lurcher History and Origin: The country of origin of the Lurcher breed was in Ireland during the mid to late 1900's. It was originally bred as a Hunting Dog and were famously used by poachers for catching rabbits and hunting other small game. Due to its Greyhound ancestry the Lurcher was well equipped to be used in the Hare coursing blood sport which involved the dog chasing turning and killing the hare, rather than just catching the animal. The dogs were starved beforehand so the hares were often ripped to shreds when they were caught. One of the earliest descriptions of the Lurcher was in the book "House Dogs and Sporting Dogs", published in 1861 by John Meyrick, who described the breed as "a cross between the Greyhound and the sheepdog". Merrick also stated that "It was formerly the custom to cut his tail off, that he might pass muster as a sheepdog". For nearly 700 years it was illegal under English law for a commoner to own any kind of hunting dog. Sheepdogs were allowed because of the herding nature of their use and under the old English Excise Laws the shepherd's dog was exempt from taxation when without a tail, proving that the animal was a working dog, not a hunter. The Lurcher, with its considerable speed, intelligence and a good nose therefore became the favored dogs of poachers - a hunting dog disguised as a sheepdog. . Lurcher Modern History: The modern history of the Lurcher moved on and the breed is now used as a tolerant family pet that is good with children. Lurcher Height: The Lurcher breed is classified as a large sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 27 to 30 inches. The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Lurcher Weight: Not surprisingly for a large sized dog, the weight of a male dog is 35 to 100 pounds. The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male. Lurcher Coat Type: The coat type is described as varied coat type depending on hereditary traits. Lurcher Coat Colors: The coat colors of the Lurcher dog breed consist of a whole assorted of any colors. Lurcher Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The grooming needs of the Lurcher is categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy, tangle-free coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited grooming needs of the Lurcher are considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming where brushing and combing, is concerned. Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Lurcher Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 4 to 10 puppies. Lurcher puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Lurcher puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Lurcher Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Steadfast, Quiet, Tenacious, Affectionate and Companionable. Lurcher Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Lurcher requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a strong, fluid, easy gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Lurcher Diet: A fully grown Lurcher should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Lurcher Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Lurcher breed include Gastric torsion, Foot injuries. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Lurcher dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Lurcher Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Lurcher breed is 10 to 15 years. Lurcher Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Lurcher breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Lurcher names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Sammy *** Cody *** Jackson *** Zeus *** Baxter *** Gus *** Diesel *** Marley *** Rocco *** Rufus. Lurcher Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Lurcher names are Maddie *** Princess *** Layla *** Roxie *** Nala *** Izzy *** Marley *** Jasmine *** Millie *** Dakota. Fast Facts about the Lurcher: The following facts provide fast information about the Lurcher . Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Type: Hybrid / Mix: Greyhound / Terrier *** Size: Large *** Country of Origin: Ireland *** History / Date: mid to late 1900's *** Male Lurcher Height: 27 to 30 inches *** Male Lurcher Weight: 35 to 100 pounds *** Coat Type: varied coat type depending on hereditary traits *** Litter Size: 4 to 10 puppies *** Lurcher Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Lurcher Lifespan: 10 to 15 years *** | 