In a nutshell: Perfect as a pet, but for agility?'

Description: A Lurcher is defined as a cross between a greyhound or whippet with a working breed. They are regularly crossed with various other breeds to build in the requirements of the 'finished product.'

Temperament: In general, they are loyal, very good-natured and laid back to the pressures of life. They like people but love their comfort - a good run, a decent meal and a nice settee, or an armchair will do at a push. Give them an open fire for the winter nights and life is perfect for a Lurcher.

Ideally a lurcher will: point, retrieve, crosswork fields to flush, course and, in fact, do all the disciplines of the working breeds, but in a way that is silent and quick which is why they are the favourite dogs of poachers and gypsies.

It is a game of chance really, what part of what breed ends up inside the Lurcher’s head!

Advantages as an agility dog:

• With their lean body and long legs, they can do courses at breakneck speed.

Disadvantages as an agility dog:

• Can be unpredictable, depending on the day, weather, venue etc.
• Let them see a rabbit or hare and watch them disappear over the horizon ½ a mile away.
• They do not take to harshness in any way so training methods need to be motivational and rewarding.

Rating out of ten: They are truly an ideal dog to own and if agility is to their liking what a great life can be had by dog and owner alike.

Dogs that have done well in agility:- There are currently some very good Lurchers in training that are gaining very good wins in high classes. With training methods improving all the time, Lurchers will always be in the reckoning.

Alexandra Triggs and Wolf in Sheep's Clothing - a combination of 13 year old handler (with her first own-trained dog) and young Jake who's nearly 3 years! Won out of Elementary at their third show and this season knocking on the door of Novice with a couple of second  places! Also have qualified for the ABC Semi 2006, and are currently collecting more points for the new Lurcher League!

Jake is very loving and enjoys a cuddle with his young mum, but is raring to go when shown an agility course even if he does have a few mad moments occasionally!

What is it like to live with? The Lurcher makes the perfect pet. Forgot to mention that Lurchers can be a food thieves - biscuits, sweets and for some strange reason, ½lb of butter have been known to disappear!