Talk to me about lurchers

[suebou]

The original idea of a lurcher was to be a ‘ pot filler’ ie rabbit catcher. So a cross between something quick ( greyhound, whippet ) and something a bit more trainable ( collie?) was born. Obviously humans then wanted everything possible, hare, deer catchers, bit bigger, bit faster, better coat, bit ‘harder’ so everything running dog crossed with everything else became the wonderful world of lurchers. Over the last forty years I’ve had deerhound crosses, collie crosses, staffy crosses, etc ( I’m very old and usually have at least two!) Salukis are not renowned for trainability so are not always popular as a first cross, depending on what else is there…..
I’ve never had one that was difficult, but sometimes they’ve had to be managed, ie food thieves made us clean up properly! All been lovely, some cleverer than others.
There’s loads in rescues atm, as almost always. I’ve just homed an 8 month old whippet/ bedlington, which I’ve always wanted….so far he’s very cool!
My only advice is don’t walk them on a harness, they are exceptionally easy to lead train and you are much more likely to cause shoulder injuries from them being allowed to ‘pull’ into a harness- sits back for endless harness fans to tell me how wrong I am!

 

[Jenko109]

I don't wholly disagree on the harness front when walking at a heel, BUT they have sensitive necks, so like any dog really, if you have them on a lunge line or similar during recall training, in those scenarios I would personally have a harness on.

 

[Clodagh]

I had a saluki x lurcher dumped by coursers. I got her from the pound. She was the most efficient killer of anything she could catch but when not chasing things she was the most loving, beautiful, friendly dog.
She could escape from anywhere to be with me. Had terrible FOMO at all times. However, if there was a sunny sofa or human bed to be found and I wasn’t doing anything interesting there she would be.
I loved her, my husband not so much.

 

[#jackofallmasterofnone]

Another big +1 for the lurcher. Mine is just a joy in every way. Mine is a whippet / bedlington and I suspect a sniff of collie somewhere down the line. Petit and fully grown at 12.5 kgs. Super social and great with other dogs and all people. Currently lives with a small very fiesty terrier and really balances the terrier out. He is smart and playful - off lead has to be managed a little in terms of where and when he can have a proper run but honestly that’s a small thing for me and always worth the extra effort to be able to see him running at full speed it’s just amazing to watch.

 

[skinnydipper]

My only advice is don’t walk them on a harness, they are exceptionally easy to lead train and you are much more likely to cause shoulder injuries from them being allowed to ‘pull’ into a harness- sits back for endless harness fans to tell me how wrong I am!

Well that depends how you train them to walk on a loose lead.

Using a check chain, as I believe you said you do, wouldn't do a sighthound's delicate neck much good.

 

[skinnydipper]

and part of me is thinking about lurchery/whippety sort of dogs.

I think we've got it sorted for you, OP.

You need a sighthound, preferably two. Don't leave any food on the worktop and throw away your electric blanket.

 

[SkylarkAscending]

I wouldn’t have another lurcher if you paid me all the money in the world I’ve had several over the years and they have been totally different in personality and characteristics depending on the mix of breeds that went into them (people call absolutely anything a lurcher, most are mixed breeds at best)

I adored Talisker - he was a rescue, those people who have been on HHO a LONG time will remember him - he was incredibly challenging when I got him (needed a general anaesthetic to clip his claws, could not be shut in one room) as he had been abused but he was also incredibly rewarding

Amy (who I got from Cayla on here) was a perfect dog in every single way, she never ever put a foot wrong, she was wonderful

Millie was beautiful, neurotic, aggressive and the most difficult dog I have ever owned bar none. She was a rescue, picked up as a stray in the street, I think she was bred as a working dog…. she was a nightmare, I persevered for about 5 years before her aggression towards my other dogs got too much and I had to have her PTS

In my view it’s impossible to say “lurchers are ok” or “lurchers are not” because they are all so different.

Greyhounds incidentally are calm, relaxed, easy to be around, flexible and just plain wonderful - and they are pretty much mostly the same

You can see why I fell for Millie…..

 

[sarah.oxford]

I know 2 very well that are both collie/greyhound crosses.
They are like chalk and cheese.
One is much more collie in personality. Ball obsessed, huge personality.
The other is much more like a greyhound. No interest in toys, much more laid back. Actually quite aloof which is not like most lurchers, I don't think. Huge prey drive, has killed numerous deer.
They are similar coat types, size and build but they couldn't be more different.

 

[suebou]

Well that depends how you train them to walk on a loose lead.

Using a check chain, as I believe you said you do, wouldn't do a sighthound's delicate neck much good.

Skinny dipper, I can’t see that there would be a need for a check chain on a lurcher( possibly a fully grown bull x, in some circumstances) I teach them on a half check greyhound/whippet collar, depending on size and usually just us a gun dog slip from then on.
And pedantically, don’t forget that they way genetics work, they won’t all have a delicate neck but thank you for your reminder.
The one I have been given has never been told no, he is a very sweet dog, but the lack of discipline has led him to think the humans bed is his to control…..his owners were reluctant to say no, or get off, and it’s led to growling and possibly a snap. All totally unnecessary.

 

[skinnydipper]

but the lack of discipline has led him to think the humans bed is his to control…..his owners were reluctant to say no, or get off, and it’s led to growling and possibly a snap. All totally unnecessary.

Resource guarding has nothing to do with "lack of discipline".

 

[Unicorn]

I think we've got it sorted for you, OP.

You need a sighthound, preferably two. Don't leave any food on the worktop and throw away your electric blanket.

There we go! Problem solved

In my view it’s impossible to say “lurchers are ok” or “lurchers are not” because they are all so different.

This is very true, and I guess it's the same for all breeds, everyone is an individual.

But this thread has given me some wonderful insights and it's very, very much appreciated. (and apologies for not being able to reply to everyone individually).

Now we need the 'can someone help me find...' thread! Or maybe just skip straight to the welcome thread!

 

[Jenko109]

I have no idea what your criteria is, no idea where you're based and indeed this is a greyhound and not a lurcher.

But my god. My heart just aches.

 

[SkylarkAscending]

Skinny dipper, I can’t see that there would be a need for a check chain on a lurcher( possibly a fully grown bull x, in some circumstances) I teach them on a half check greyhound/whippet collar, depending on size and usually just us a gun dog slip from then on.
And pedantically, don’t forget that they way genetics work, they won’t all have a delicate neck but thank you for your reminder.
The one I have been given has never been told no, he is a very sweet dog, but the lack of discipline has led him to think the humans bed is his to control…..his owners were reluctant to say no, or get off, and it’s led to growling and possibly a snap. All totally unnecessary.

Maybe I’m too old school (probably for AAD!) but years ago I used a check chain on my original lurcher - bought as a pup, he was wildul, very strong large (40+ kilos) and determined! He had clear but not unfair parameters from day one, I’ve had dogs all my life and I’m nobody’s fool, but he still pushed the boundaries every step of the way and more.

He turned out as a gorgeous soppy date who was totally adorable, so I guess it didn’t traumatise him

 

[SkylarkAscending]

I have no idea what your criteria is, no idea where you're based and indeed this is a greyhound and not a lurcher.

But my god. My heart just aches.

Adopt That Boy Please….. before I do….

 

[pistolpete]

I love mine dearly but don’t think I’d get a second. I’d be tempted by a retired greyhound though.

 

[splashgirl45]

If I could cope with 4 dogs I would get another small lurcher, I have been tempted quite a few times recently but have managed to control myself. I’m sure mine would love another lurcher to run with but my terrier has a good try to keep up by cutting the corners

 

[Clodagh]

I loved my Sash, in those days we had all sorts of odd lots and she was a star.
Spottherisk’s little Rew is a delight. They just aren’t much fun to cuddle, too boney! But he is the most delightful companion, just enough not whippet to save him from terminal depression.

 

[I'm Dun]

I loved my Sash, in those days we had all sorts of odd lots and she was a star.
Spottherisk’s little Rew is a delight. They just aren’t much fun to cuddle, too boney! But he is the most delightful companion, just enough not whippet to save him from terminal depression.

I'm going to bring mine over one day so you can see that they are actually jolly, happy little souls

 

[Jenko109]

Not much fun to cuddle!?

There is nothing quite like spooning a whippet, all wrapped up under the duvet.

 

[pistolpete]

Well my 22kg Lurcher is like a hot water bottle in my bed every night!

 

[honetpot]

I love lurchers, I have had two, one a rescue and one from a puppy, but I wouldn't have another. Although completey different breeding they are completely self involved, and compared to all the other dogs I have had just not a people pleasers.When they decide to run off they are just oblivious to you and anything else, then they take up the whole of the sofa and ignore you for the rest of the day.
I supposed what really made me realise was when my last one died and the replacement was a caste off dachshound whose hunting insticts are very much like a lurcher,its focused and fast on very short legs when hunting, but it actually wants to please you and be with you. Lurchers are like the worst boyfriend ever.

 

[splashgirl45]

You must have been unlucky as all the the lurchers I’ve had are very cuddly and want to be with me when at home . Agree if they are very prey driven they do ignore you at the time but mine were fine indoors and never aloof

 

[Clodagh]

I love lurchers, I have had two, one a rescue and one from a puppy, but I wouldn't have another. Although completey different breeding they are completely self involved, and compared to all the other dogs I have had just not a people pleasers.When they decide to run off they are just oblivious to you and anything else, then they take up the whole of the sofa and ignore you for the rest of the day.
I supposed what really made me realise was when my last one died and the replacement was a caste off dachshound whose hunting insticts are very much like a lurcher,its focused and fast on very short legs when hunting, but it actually wants to please you and be with you. Lurchers are like the worst boyfriend ever.

I think Sash suited me as I don’t like needy dogs. Accepting that many people do. I’d rather my dog was asleep on the sofa than following me all the time. Sash did only aim to please herself though, I give you that.

 

[honetpot]

I think Sash suited me as I don’t like needy dogs. Accepting that many people do. I’d rather my dog was asleep on the sofa than following me all the time. Sash did only aim to please herself though, I give you that.

I had mine when the children were young and they were great for ignoring mayhem, but unless its food, or exercise they could not be bothered if you were breathing. I had a colliex that had lots of probelms, but you were the centre of her world, same with a rottieX, and the labdoodle is just joyful and sat at my feet.

 

[JoannaC]

I do miss my Lurcher, she was the sweetest gentlest dog who everyone loved. She was a bugger when she was young for chasing deer but her recall was actually excellent as long as you called her before she started the chase. As long as she had a walk in the morning and evening she happily slept away the day but did like to be on a sofa or a bed. Not sure exactly the cross but we were told greyhound/saluki but then I met someone out walking who was adamant she had pit bull in her. She was just like a small greyhound really, she was also fine with cats.

 

[Teaselmeg]

Lurchers are lovely, I've had several, but never any with Saluki in them

My current two are chalk and cheese and I've never had one like my younger boy. He is totally focused on movement and has no interest in anything he doesn't fancy, not helped by being attacked as a young dog, but agility just doesn't float his boat. My older girl is my dog of a life time, she came from the Dogs Trust and is just fabulous.

There are loads in rescue, so you can find the one that suits you

 

[skinnydipper]

Having recently lost my beloved Elliedog, I’m realising that my house is all wrong without a dog in it.

At the moment I’m at the thinking stage, and spending a lot of time looking at rescues. Part of me is thinking of GSDs (Ellie was GSD x Rottie) , and part of me is thinking about lurchery/whippety sort of dogs. This is mostly based on the fact that the few I’ve met have been very sweet. But… I know very little about them and what they’re like to live with.

I've also noticed quite a lot of people saying to steer clear of salukis and saluki crosses, but I'm not sure why.

I know it’s all very much down to the individual dog, but you all know so much and give such helpful advice, and I'm thinking myself round in circles!

https://www.facebook.com/LurcherLink/posts/pfbid02wDQmkVunHYmWZ76EWzkbJFQZkRfQLVpkcxTXPxZQew1hXzkqt36xXmggfrZP3BxSl

 

[Jenko109]

https://www.facebook.com/LurcherLink/posts/pfbid02wDQmkVunHYmWZ76EWzkbJFQZkRfQLVpkcxTXPxZQew1hXzkqt36xXmggfrZP3BxSl

I saw this chap.

He reminds me of my whippet. I want to kiss his face.

 

[I'm Dun]

Mine had those floppy, folded over ears as a puppy

 

[Unicorn]

Hmmm....you'd all done a great job of persuading me, and I was absolutely sure my next dog was going to be a lurcher.

But it turns out I can't resist when someone wafts a German Shepherd in front of me!!