Dog Walkin’ Wellington
Meet the Lurcher
By Barbara Phillippi
What kind of dog is THAT? Meet Sarah Bailey and her “Lurcher,” Lucy.
I tail gated at a polo match recently, an event that attracts polo aficionados and dog lovers alike. Along the sidelines, beside tables of piled with hors d’oeuvres and champagne bottles, are plenty of pampered dogs. Jack Russell Terriers, fluffy lap dogs, attractive mutts. As spectators pass by, they smile, say “hi,” and sometimes comment on the animals, but when they see Sarah Bailey’s dog, Lucy, they just have to ask, “What kind of dog is THAT?”
Lucy is a Lurcher, a non-pure breed that originated in the British Isles and Ireland as early as the 16th century. Its peculiar breed name has nothing to do with its gait, or manner of moving, but is said to have originated from the French word “lur,” meaning “thief.” History tells us that gypsies bred this dog to poach, or “course,” rabbits and hare, and for unofficial racing.
The original Lurchers were Greyhound/Collie crossbreeds, although any cross between a sighthound and either a terrier or member of the pastoral group of dogs is considered to be a Lurcher. Sight hounds are dogs that “sight” their quarry and give chase; the Greyhound, Saluki, Irish Wolfhound, Deer Hound, Afghan Hound, Whippet, and Borzoi are examples. These hunters differ from “scent” hounds, which rely on a keen sense of smell to track the object of a hunt.
During the Middle Ages, it is said that only the nobility was allowed to possess purebred sighthounds. Since Lurchers were considered mutts, and to have no value, it was acceptable for the common man to possess such dogs. They were then widely used to put food on the family table, by poaching the estates of those who looked askance at them.
During the Middle Ages, it is said that only the nobility was allowed to possess purebred sighthounds. Since Lurchers were considered mutts, and to have no value, it was acceptable for the common man to possess such dogs, which were widely used to put food on the family table by poaching the estates of those who looked askance at them.
Lurchers come in many colors, and two coat types, long and short hair, and range in size from 22 – 28”, weighing between 50 – 70 pounds. Because of diverse cross breeding, there is no “purebred” Lurcher, or official Lurcher registry. The nature of the cross must result in a dog that retains sight dog characteristics: legs long and straight, deep chest for lung capacity ensuring endurance, high-set wire haired ears, small, alert, dark round eyes and tight feet.
Sarah, who is English, represents an equine pharmaceutical company, and travels across the map to areas like Wellington, where major horse related events take place. Lucy, acquired as a six week old pup in Kentucky, usually goes with her. She’s a Greyhound/Deer Hound, cross, usually laid back, obedient, and likes everyone.
Lurchers and other sight hounds compete in “lure coursing” events. Coursing tries to stimulate the hound’s natural instincts for chasing down game. The “lure,” (a bunch of plastic strips, animal skin, even a plastic bag) is tied to a rope, and pulled around spindles and pulleys in an open field by a washing machine engine (or other small engine). The course pattern is irregular, and somewhat similar to the way a hare might run from a pursuer during a chase. Lucy is a champion, having won a coursing event at a prestigious hunt in Virginia. She’s also a conformation ribbon winner.
Most of us would think that Lucy is a rather unique, and rare, breed, but Sarah has friends, and knows people, who also have Lurchers. She’s lived in the US for about 20 yrs, and says that “Most of the owners I know are European. In the British Isles, they are popular, and a popular cross is between a sight hound and a Bedlington Terrier. Once people are familiar with Lurchers, they really want one,” she says enthusiastically.
Lurchers like plenty of exercise, and have terrific “prey drive.” A prey-driven dog will chase with a great deal of focus on the object it is pursuing, and a definite goal of attaining access to its target. Most dogs are “chase driven,” and will also chase, but usually not with the same intensity or absolute drive to reach its target as the end goal.
Today, the Lurcher in America is still considered a type of dog rather than a breed in its own right. But these dogs are highly regarded not only for their original purpose, but because their excellent temperament makes them ideal family pets, and companion dogs. If you see Sarah and Lucy around Wellington, or on the sidelines at polo, stop and say “Hi!” They’re accustomed to the comments and admiration.
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“In a perfect world, every dog would have a home, and every home would have a dog.”
Over a lifetime, Barbara Phillippi has had mostly “normal” dogs – a few German Shepherds and a bunch of wonderful “mutts,” each with its own wonderful, quirky, qualities. For many years, she taught 4-H dog obedience courses, under the authorization of Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension Services. That terrific program teaches the basics of dog behavior, of every breed, to young dog owners. Today she lives in Wellington with three Jack Russell Terriers – Woody, Gracie, and Buck. “These guys showed me a learning curve that I never knew existed!”