All canids and felids worldwide
Planethoster

Lurcher

Lurcher

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.
Origin
 Great Britain
Translation
 Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Lurcher
A bit of a mongrel, the Lurcher is not only a crossbreed, it can also be made up of a variety of different breeds, meaning that Lurchers are one of the most diverse types of dog. Most will be athletically built with sleek, tidy bodies. Their coats can be short or medium, sometimes giving them a scruffy appearance. Virtually any coat color is possible, although many are gray and fawn. Traditionally kept as hunting dogs, some continue to perform this function today. They are fairly easy to train, have a keen sense of smell and seek out a wide range of prey, which can sometimes get them into trouble. Thanks to their benevolent spirit and devoted nature, despite their professional experience, they adapt well to family life.

History of the Lurcher
Lurchers are an interesting crossbreed of dogs that are not officially recognized by any international kennel club, but have been well known and widely used for many years. Theoretically, a Lurcher is made up of any greyhound, including Greyhounds, Salukis and Whippets, crossed with any other active breed, but traditionally it is a mixture of Greyhound and Collie or Terrier. The Lurcher's Greyhound parent is descended from an ancient sighthound that existed several thousand years ago in the Middle East. In days gone by, these dogs were revered as gods and owned only by the elite. Traditionally, these dogs used their sense of sight to hunt over open ground and their incredible speed to deal with their prey: rabbits and hares. The origin of the name Greyhound is not thought to be linked to the color gray; in fact, there are many coat colors, but it can mean blond or shiny dog. Greyhounds have undeniable sporting ability and are still used today as racing dogs. Their docile nature and easygoing personality make them great family pets, with many retired Greyhounds having been adopted by rescue organizations. Mixing a Greyhound with a Collie provides intelligence and a strong work ethic. Many original Lurchers are said to have been used by poachers and hunters. These first crosses are thought to have taken place around the 14th and 15th centuries in the UK. At around the same time, the general population was forbidden to own greyhounds, forcing them to create new crossbreeds, which was not against the law.The Lurcher is a very popular dog breed in Britain, where it is frequently used in competitive dog sports, including dog racing. Internationally, they are less well known.

Appearance of the Lurcher
Given their mixed heritage, Lurchers are a breed of varied appearance. Most are fairly tall and lean, resembling their Greyhound parent. Their long limbs and muscular, deep-chested bodies provide speed and endurance when running. The Lurcher's head and muzzle are long and fairly narrow. Their triangular ears tend to remain semi-erect, with the upper tips turning down, although some have more pendulous ears. Their eyes are not too large, but should be evenly spaced and free from obstructions such as facial fur or skin folds. The Lurcher's tail is often long and thin. Given their mixed origins, there is a wide range of acceptable heights and weights for the Lurcher. As a general rule, they weigh between 27 and 32 kg and measure between 55 and 71 cm. However, weights and heights outside these parameters are not unusual. Coat type and color are also difficult to predict, and while some will have the short, fine coat of their Greyhound parent, others may have a longer, finer coat. Virtually any coat color is permitted, including black, white, fawn, gray, brindle and blue. White markings are a common feature.

Temperament of the Lurcher
As a working dog by nature, the Lurcher has the gentle, loving personality of the Greyhound, making it a charming pet to own. They bond well with their families and are generally very respectful and obedient. Athletes at heart, Lurchers love nothing more than to be free in nature and chase something. They can be quiet house guests, but only once their exercise needs have been met. For most, a rural home with outdoor access is preferable. When it comes to their natural instincts, Lurchers are rarely able to control themselves. Having been bred for centuries to seek out and hunt small prey, this is a task they will perform whenever given the chance. This characteristic means that Lurchers should not be left to fend for themselves in a public place, and many will need muzzles when outdoors. Similarly, they can't really be housed with smaller animals, such as rabbits or gerbils, as their prey drive is too powerful.

Needs and activities of the Lurcher
Lurcher-type dogs seem to be universally active in small movements, just like their Greyhound ancestors. Although they need a place to run a little every day, they tend to be real couch potatoes at home. In addition to running and walking, which should never be done off-leash due to this dog's highly developed prey drive, your Lurcher can enjoy and even excel in activities such as luring and agility training. They also tend to be very quiet compared to many breeds, and even the largest Lurchers can make suitable pets for people with smaller living spaces, provided they have enough activity during the day.

Maintenance of the Lurcher
The Lurcher is generally a fairly easy dog to care for, although this can vary somewhat, depending on the breeds that have been combined to develop your dog. In most cases, bathing will only be necessary a few times a year, and too frequent bathing may even remove the natural oils from this dog's coat, especially if it has inherited a weather-resistant double-layered coat from its parents. Those mixed with dogs such as Bull Terriers retain this short coat in one layer, which can usually be kept clean and healthy with weekly brushing with a rubber curry comb or a soft cloth with a damp towel. Many Lurchers can have a double coat that can sometimes be thicker and require more grooming, and dogs with Wirehaired Terrier influence can have a coat that requires occasional stripping.
Details
Also available: Français (France) Deutsch (Deutschland) Español (España) Nederlands (nl-NL)
Hits: 227

No comments

The latest updated breeds

Recognized cat breeds
  • Ojos azules

    Ojos azules

    Ojos azules Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Ojos azules is a breed of cat native to the United States. This cat is characterized by its blue or odd-colored eyes, regardless of coat color. A brief historical overview The history of the Ojos Azules began in the early 1980s with the discovery in New Mexico of Cornflower, a tortoiseshell...
  • Ocicat

    Ocicat

    Ocicat Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Ocicat is a breed of cat native to the United States. This medium-sized cat is characterized by its mottled fawn coat, reminiscent of the Ocelot. A brief historical overview The Ocicat was created in 1964 in the United States by a breeder, Mrs. Virginia Daly. She wanted to breed Siamese tabby...
  • Norvégien

    Norvégien

    Norvégien Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Norvégien, also known as the Norwegian Forest Cat or Norsk skogkatt, is a semi-long-haired cat breed from Norway. This large cat is characterized by its very thick semi-long-haired coat and its wild look. A brief historical overview Cats are thought to have arrived from southern Europe and were...
  • Nebelung

    Nebelung

    Nebelung Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Nebelung is a cat breed originally from Russia. This cat is the semi-long-haired variety of the Russian Blue, whose genetic characteristics it shares. A brief historical overview The instability of the early 20th century was very difficult for many breeds, some of which almost disappeared. Such is...
  • Munchkin

    Munchkin

    Munchkin Translation Francis Vandzersteen Origin This cat is characterized by its very short legs, hence its nickname of “basset cat”. This cat is characterized by its very short legs, hence its nickname of “basset cat”. Standard For a cat to be recognized as a Munchkin, it must conform to the breed standard. If certain criteria are not met, the...
  • Mau égyptien

    Mau égyptien

    Mau égyptien Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Egyptian Mau is a cat breed originally from Egypt. Developed from 1953 in Italy and then in the United States by a Russian princess. A brief historical overview Nathalie Troubetzkoï was a Russian princess exiled in the palace of the Egyptian ambassador to Italy during the Second World War. A...
  • Mau arabe

    Mau arabe

    Mau arabe Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Mau arabe is a cat breed from the Arabian Peninsula. This medium-sized cat is characterized by its ancestral origins. A brief historical overview The Mau arabe is a natural breed, but was only recognized in 2009. These cats have occupied the Arabian Peninsula for thousands of years, living in...
  • Manx

    Manx

    Manx Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Manx is a breed of cat originating from the Isle of Man (British Isles). This cat is characterized by its lack of tail. A brief historical overview The Manx cat (kayt Manninagh or stubbin in Manx), also known as the Isle of Man cat, originated, as its name suggests, on the British Isle of Man.The...
  • Mandarin

    Mandarin

    Mandarin Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Mandarin, also known as the Oriental longhair and Javanese, is a breed of cat native to the United States. This cat is the semi-longhair variety of the Oriental. A brief historical overview The history of the Mandarin begins with that of the Oriental. In fact, the Mandarin is a semi-long-haired...
  • Maine coon

    Maine coon

    Maine coon Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Maine coon is a longhaired cat breed from the state of Maine in the United States. This rustic-looking cat is characterized by its large size, plumed tail, square muzzle, plumed ears and long coat. A brief historical overview The Maine Coon is probably one of North America's oldest natural...
  • LaPerm

    LaPerm

    LaPerm Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The LaPerm is a cat breed originally from the United States. This medium-sized cat is characterized by its curly coat. A brief historical overview The breed was created in 1982 in the U.S. state of Oregon by a woman named Linda Koehl. The curly hair is due to a natural mutation in the genes of one of...
  • Korat

    Korat

    Korat Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Korat is a breed of cat native to Thailand. This small cat is characterized by its blue coat and green eyes. A brief historical overview The Tamra Meow, or Book of Cat Poems, is a richly illustrated Thai collection of verses written between 1350 and 1767, describing seventeen different cats, some...
  • Khao Manee

    Khao Manee

    Khao Manee Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Khao Manee is a breed of cat native to Thailand. This cat is characterized by its white shorthair coat. Its eyes can be yellow, blue or mint. Standard Official recognition of the Khao Manee is underway, notably through TICA and GCCF. It has been possible to register adult and juvenile Khao...
  • Himalayen

    Himalayen

    Himalayen Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Himalayen, also known as the colorpoint or colorpoint (US), is a cat breed originating in the United States. In some European countries, this breed does not exist and is considered a coat of the Persian. A brief historical overview The Himalayen is a colorpoint Persian. These Persians are...
  • Highland Fold

    Highland Fold

    Highland Fold Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Highland Fold is a breed of cat originally from Scotland. The name Highland Fold is given to the shorthair variety. A brief historical overview The first known specimen of a cat with folded ears is Susie, a cat living on a farm north of Dundee in Scotland. She was discovered in 1961 by...
  • Scottish Fold

    Scottish Fold

    Scottish Fold Translation Francis Vandersteen Origin The Scottish Fold is a breed of cat originally from Scotland. The name Scottish Fold is given to the shorthair variety. A brief historical overview The first known specimen of a cat with folded ears is Susie, a cat living on a farm north of Dundee in Scotland. She was discovered in 1961 by...