Not recognized by the FCI
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History
The Lurcher is a Podenco type dog of English origin whose name derives from «lur» what does thief mean in gypsy language. Always it has been acknowledged as the dog of the poachers so occasionally is called Poacher’s Dog (dog of fugitive).
As a result of its appearance (hairy and scruffy) It is not admitted in competitions but for many it is a dog to enhance. In general, it can be said that the Lurcher is a cross between a Sighthound and working dog, What gives rise to many opportunities: English Greyhound and Golden Retriever; Whippet and Border Collie.
Physical characteristics
The Lurcher It is a hybrid dog similar to a Greyhound with short fur, medium long or long or straight hair in all colors.
The type of layer will be variable and will depend on the crosses made. Then, the types of fur can be: short and smooth like the Sighthounds, a bit long and thick as of the Boxer, or rough and hard as the of the Border Terrier, for example.
Character and skills
In case you want a Lurcher with more features than Sighthound what of working dog it is usually crossed for the second time with a dog Greyhound type. With this you get a dog faster than a working dog, but with the strength of this. The character of Lurcher is derived from the best of its parents and, some, They define it as quiet and affectionate.
The temperament, also variable, It will depend on the influence of ancestors, but as with all dogs, temperament will be modified by the socialization of the puppy and received education.
In general, the objective of the different crossing was to create a hound with more intelligence, an animal cunning and appropriate for the original purpose of the hound: hunting poaching rabbits, hares and birds. With the time, have gone underway several crossing, always pursuing the objective of improving the speed and intelligence.
The Lurcher he is a versatile dog, It has various uses that depend on the different crossing to which have been subjected, but they are usually used as hunting dogs with different styles. most of Lurcher today it is used for general pest control, Rabbit, hares and foxes, although some of the larger types have been successfully used for hunting large game such as wild boar and deer.
Insisting on the use of the can has much to do with the objective of the Hunter and the cross from which is derived, It is good to take this post to remind you that unfortunately, some breeders - no ethical- in the search for the "perfect dog" they usually kill or abandon everything Lurcher that does not fit your needs, because he is not a good hunter or has a physical or behavioral problem.
The Lurcher, It has also proved to be very good in canine sports, such as obedience and agility, where they are becoming increasingly popular due to its speed and willingness to please.
Because the Lurcher is not a pure breed they are not recognized by any canine club. But, North America has recently created the “Lurcher and Longdog Association” to serve as a registration body for dogs Lurcher and Longdog in the United States and Canada.
Beyond the different objectives of the crossing, What is certain is that the Lurcher It is an excellent companion dog that adapts very well to home life., and it is very grateful to received love, She loves to be with people but it needs vigorous walks outdoors, like all dog.