Lurcher — breed guide
A sighthound crossed with a working breed — collie, terrier or Bedlington, traditionally. Enormously calm in the house with a prey drive that ends recall.
At a glance
- Group
- mixed
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 18–32 kg (40–71 lb)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Smooth, broken or rough; varies entirely by cross
Living with a Lurcher
- Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
- Almost no grooming.
- Light shedding.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Very quiet.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Not a safe bet with cats — this is prey drive rather than a training problem.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Needs a coat in the cold.
Temperament
Quiet · Gentle · Lazy indoors · Instantly fast
Health to watch
- Anaesthesia sensitivity
- Bloat (GDV)
- Tail and toe injuries
- Dental disease
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Did you know
Lurchers were historically the poacher's dog: fast enough to take a hare, plain enough not to look like a nobleman's greyhound.
Questions people ask
Is a Lurcher good with kids?
Generally yes. Lurchers are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Lurcher good with cats?
Usually not. This is prey drive rather than a training problem — a cat that runs can trigger it in a dog that is otherwise impeccably behaved.
How much exercise does a Lurcher need?
A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.
Can a Lurcher handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Lurcher's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.