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Lurcher Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Lurcher so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
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Lurcher dog profile picture
OriginUnited Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom
Other Names
What other names does the Lurcher have?
Poacher's DogLong Haired Lurcher
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed

Lurcher Size and Weight

Size
Is a Lurcher small, medium or large dog?

How big do Lurcher get?

What is the average size of a Lurcher?

Large
Weight
How much does the Lurcher weigh? How much should a Lurcher weight? What is the normal weight of a Lurcher? How much does a full-grown Lurcher weight?
60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Lurcher?
65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Lurcher? Lurcher height:
22-28 inches (55-71 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Lurcher?
25 inches (63 cm)

Lurcher Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Lurcher puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Lurcher in the United States? How much money is a Lurcher?

Where to buy a Lurcher with a good pedigree?

$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the Lurcher, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Lurcher for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Lurcher gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Lurcher? How many Lurcher are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

Lurcher Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Lurcher? Is the Lurcher breed dumb or smart?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Lurcher obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Lurcher ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Lurcher dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Lurcher?
Lurcher dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Lurcher good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Lurcher dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Lurcher dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Lurcher dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Lurcher dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Lurcher Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Lurcher have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
FunnyLovingAffectionate
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Lurcher sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Lurcher dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Lurcher a good family dog?
High: Lurcher dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Poacher's Dog need? Lurcher social needs:
Lurcher dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Lurcher to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Lurcher roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Lurcher is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Lurcher have high prey drive?
Lurcher dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Lurcher dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Lurcher Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Lurchers, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Lurcher dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Poacher's Dog bark?
Average: The Lurcher barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Lurcher good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Lurcher in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Lurcher breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Lurcher indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Lurcher Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Lurcher dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Lurcher be left alone? How long can you leave a Lurcher alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Lurcher Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Lurcher has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Lurcher? How much bite force does a Lurcher have? How strong is a Lurcher bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Lurcher bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Lurcher measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Lurcher is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Lurcher bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Lurcher bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Lurcher puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Lurcher, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Lurcher bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Lurcher can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Lurcher bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Poacher's Dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Lurcher? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Lurcher has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Lurcher do?
Lurcher dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Lurcher dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Lurcher Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Lurcher dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Lurcher is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Lurcher breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Lurcher breed? Most common health risks of Lurcher:
Bloat
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Lurcher breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Lurcher see the vet?
Average
The Lurcher should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Lurcher dogs live? How old can a Lurcher be? What is the age limit of the Lurcher? How many years can the oldest Lurcher live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Lurcher?

How long is the lifespan of a Lurcher?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of Lurcher: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.

Lurcher Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Lurcher have? What is the activity level of the Lurcher?
Lurcher dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Lurcher need? How much exercise do Lurcher dogs require per day?

Do Lurcher dogs need a lot of exercises?

Lurcher dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Lurcher breed need?
Lurcher dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Lurcher Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Lurcher need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Lurcher breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Lurcher? How much food should I feed my Lurcher?
2.5 to 3.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Lurcher risk for obesity:
Low to Average: The Lurcher has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Lurcher weight regularly.

Lurcher Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Lurcher have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
ThickSmoothStraight
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Lurcher coats?
Any
Grooming
How to groom the Lurcher and how often? How often should I take my Lurcher to the groomer?
Average: The Lurcher requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Lurcher, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Lurcher dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Poacher's Dog? Do Lurcher dogs shed a lot?
Lurcher dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Lurcher need a bath? How often should you give a Lurcher a bath? Can I bathe my Lurcher every day?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Lurcher breed hypoallergenic?
No
Lurcher dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Low 🔽

The Lurcher has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Lurcher drool?
The Lurcher is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. If you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, the Lurcher could be a good choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool less than others, just like the Lurcher.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Lurcher Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Lurcher dogs get along with other pets? Are Lurcher dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Lurcher dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Lurcher temperament with other people:
Lurcher dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Lurcher dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Lurcher temperament with children:
Lurcher dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Lurcher dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Lurcher breed live with a cat?
Lurcher dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Lurcher good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Lurcher dogs get along with other dogs?
Lurcher dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Lurcher is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Lurcher breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Lurcher breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Lurcher dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Lurcher dogs good office canines? Do Lurcher dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Lurcher is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Lurcher dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Poacher's Dog temperament with senior people? Are Lurcher dogs good for elderly owners?
Lurchers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Lurcher As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Lurcher be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Lurcher is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Lurcher be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Lurcher be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Lurcher is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Lurcher be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Lurcher is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Lurcher be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Lurcher is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Lurcher be a boat dog?

Not really

Lurcher breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Lurcher be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Lurcher is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Lurcher dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Lurcher Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Lurcher pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Lurcher breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Lurcher: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Lurcher have in a litter? How many puppies can the Lurcher breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Lurcher have? How many puppies can a Lurcher give birth to?
3-5 puppies

Lurcher Recognition

AKC Group
Is Lurcher recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Lurcher recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Lurcher breed?
Dog Registry of America Inc.

Lurcher Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Drooling Tendency: The Lurcher is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
  • Stinkiness: The Lurcher has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The Lurcher has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Ability: Lurcher dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Mouthiness: Lurcher dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Child Friendly: Lurcher dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Lurchers are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Lurcher dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Hypoallergenic: Lurcher dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Lurcher breed.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Lurcher is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Dog Friendly: Lurcher dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Lurcher is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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