The Training of Lurchers. What Every Owner Needs to Know
- Paws Academy
- Jul 1
- 5 min read
Lurchers are a wonderful mixture of sighthound elegance and working dog grit. Often a cross between greyhounds, collies, terriers or herding breeds, they inherit a blend of traits that make them fast, sharp and affectionate. They are not a designer breed but a functional partnership between breeds, shaped by human need for hunting, coursing or farm work.
They are sleek and athletic, with the instincts to chase, scent and explore. At the same time many Lurchers adopt a softer, companionable nature that fits home life. But they are not passive or low maintenance. Their lifestyle needs are real, and their training requires awareness, respect and guidance.
This Breed Brief explores what life with a Lurcher is really like. From temperament and exercise to training style and care, here is what every owner should know before embracing this unique breed mix.
What is a Lurcher Really Like?
A Lurcher carries both speed and smarts. They are slimmer and more agile than a typical herding dog, but often more tactile and responsive than a straight sighthound. This combination makes them a delight for many owners, but it also adds layers of complexity.
They can be reserved around strangers or in new environments, yet fiercely loyal and open with the people they trust. Many form strong bonds with one person and enjoy quiet, calm interaction as much as active time outdoors.
Because of their varied heritage, temperaments differ widely. A Lurcher with collie parentage might be more inclined to trainability, concentration and herd‑focus, while one with terrier lineage may show tenacity, chase instinct or a deeper prey drive.
That unpredictability is both a benefit and a challenge. Each dog has a unique personality to discover, which makes training rewarding but requires a flexible, responsive approach.
Temperament and Behaviour
Lurchers are generally affectionate, intelligent and moderately energetic. They rarely demand the high drive of a pure working or racing line, but they are never lazy dogs.
Their sighthound side brings speed, attentiveness and a love of far sighted chasing. They often freeze and stare at movement in the distance, or bolt at the slightest scent of rabbit or bird. This instinct is normal and powerful.
Their working dog influence adds mental strength and a willingness to engage. They may enjoy training sessions, problem solving and interactive games. They are not content to just lounge all day. They prefer to know what is going on and be involved.
Many Lurchers are emotionally sensitive. They dislike harsh handling or loud corrections, and they respond best to calm, supportive training. A confident, kind handler prepares them to thrive.
Training a Lurcher
Training a Lurcher should begin early and be consistent throughout life. Clear boundaries, respectful handling and structured routines give them confidence and build trust.
Focus training, loose lead walking, recall and calm settling are essential foundation skills. Because of their chase instinct, recall demands early attention and reinforcement. Work on this in low distraction environments first, using high‑value rewards and gradually adding challenge.
Many Lurchers enjoy scent work, simple agility, trick training or hide and seek games. These build mental resilience and help channel drive into pleasing experiences.
Avoid repetitive long drills. Their intelligence craves variety, and short, engaging sessions work best. Always end on a positive note, before they lose interest.
A calm but playful energy serves them well. They respond better to encouragement than correction. Harsh or loud techniques can shut a Lurcher down emotionally.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Lurchers benefit from balanced exercise, combining regular walking and sprinting with mental tasks. A few structured outings per day, mixed with quiet time at home, helps them settle.
They usually enjoy short bursts of speed in safely enclosed outdoor spaces. Always ensure secure fencing. Their prey drive can override recall before you know it.
Mental work matters as much as physical effort. Food puzzles, scent trails, short training games, and simple obedience challenges keep their minds sharp.
Without enough stimulation, they can become restless or anxious. Some may bark or chew, some may dwell on their own energy. It is not about tiring them out, but giving their mind variety and direction.
Grooming and Coat Considerations
Lurchers often inherit a short or medium coat from their sighthound side, though some develop thicker fur or feathering. Most are low to moderate shedders and easy to groom.
Weekly brushing, occasional baths, ear and dental care help keep them healthy. Check for ticks after outdoor time, especially in damp or woodland areas.
Because they may have thin skin or little fur over their joints, watch for discomfort in cold weather or from hard surfaces. Soft bedding is a good investment.
Living with a Lurcher
Lurchers fit many lifestyles, but they thrive best in homes where they feel included and engaged. They need structured time, predictable routines and opportunities to do what they were bred to do.
They often settle well in homes with families or owners who can provide variety in their days. Loneliness or under‑engagement can lead to problems like fence running, barking or anxious pacing.
They are usually gentle and tolerant with children, though supervision is always wise, especially if body language is subtle or energy high.
Early socialisation with people, dogs and new situations builds confidence. Without it they may be cautious or reactive, especially around cars or wildlife. Patience and structure work better than forcing exposure.
Who is a Lurcher Best For?
Lurchers are ideal for owners who appreciate balance. They are neither full‑on working dogs nor strictly companion animals. This makes them flexible, but only if the owner is adaptable too.
They are good for first time owners who are committed, informed and ready to learn. But they are also a brilliant second breed for experienced dog people who recognise that training takes attention as well as affection.
They are not suited to a totally passive home. They do not need full agility training, but they do need clear direction, mental variety and moments of purposeful engagement each day.
Health and Care Considerations
Lurchers are generally healthy, thanks to their mix of breeds. Common concerns include soft tissue injury from sprinting, prey chase accidents, and breed‑specific issues carried over from parental lines.
Choose a reputable breeder or rescue, ask about health testing, and look for evidence of physical resilience and good temperament in the parents.
Routine vet checks, weight management, dental care and soft surface rest prevent many issues. Use harnesses rather than collars where possible to protect their throat when excited.
Summary. Is a Lurcher Right for You?
Lurchers are unique dogs full of heart, speed and affection. They need people who understand their instincts, respect their need for mental engagement and support them with kindness.
They are not lap dogs, but they are quietly attentive and wonderful companions when guided with care. For the right home, they are deeply loyal, intelligent and endlessly interesting dogs.
At Paws Academy, we love working with Lurchers and their owners to build confident, kind partnerships.
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