Lurchers are not a breed of dog, but a term for a sighthound mix. Most often one parent is a sighthound and the other is not. (Fun fact, a cross between two different sighthounds is referred to as a Longdog.) Lurchers were originally bred for their phenomenal hunting skills. The keen eye and speed of a sighthound coupled with the intelligence of a herding dog or the tenacity of a terrier made them valuable hunting partners. However, it didn’t take humans long to realize that Lurchers also made fantastic companion dogs and they are continuing to grow in popularity across performance sports and companion breeding programs. The added sighthound tends to “dial down” extra drive and energy, and the “other” breed adds a splash of zest to the more docile sighthound nature.

And while they are not a specific breed, Lurchers do share similar physical traits and some behavior attributes. The one defining characteristic that is true across all lurchers is their long-legged appearance. Most are easy-going and easy to keep at home, thanks to their sighthound attributes. Depending on the cross, temperament traits will vary by breeding. When looking for a lurcher, it is especially important to note the temperament and personalities of the dogs an individual breeder uses in their program and what that breeder’s program goal is.