Greyhound vs. Lurcher — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 15, 2024
Greyhounds are a purebred dog breed known for their speed and racing prowess, while Lurchers are crossbred dogs combining Greyhound traits with those of other breeds, typically for enhanced hunting ability.
Difference Between Greyhound and Lurcher
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Greyhounds are a distinct breed recognized for their streamlined physique and rapid acceleration, making them popular in dog racing. In contrast, Lurchers are not a specific breed but a type of dog resulting from the crossbreeding of Greyhounds with other breeds like terriers or collies, aiming to blend speed with additional traits such as endurance or intelligence.
Greyhounds typically exhibit a short, smooth coat and maintain a more uniform appearance across individuals due to their purebred status. On the other hand, Lurchers show a wider variety of coat types and colors, reflecting their mixed-breed heritage which can include long-haired breeds or those with different patterning.
Known for their calm and affectionate nature, Greyhounds make excellent pets, particularly noted for their loyalty and ease around humans. Lurchers, while also often affectionate, can have more varied temperaments and energy levels depending on their non-Greyhound lineage, which might include more energetic or work-oriented breeds.
In competitive contexts, Greyhounds are primarily associated with racing and coursing, sports that showcase their speed and agility. Whereas Lurchers are traditionally used for hunting small game due to their stealth and mixed skill sets, making them versatile in different types of field sports.
Greyhounds are generally easier to find through breeders and rescue organizations dedicated to their specific breed. Lurchers, being crossbreeds, are more commonly found through general shelters or rescue groups that cater to a variety of dogs, including mixed breeds.
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Comparison Chart
Breed Type
Purebred
Crossbred (typically part Greyhound)
Primary Use
Racing and companion
Hunting and companion
Coat Type
Short and smooth
Varies widely (smooth, rough, long, etc.)
Temperament
Generally calm and gentle
Varies, often more energetic
Appearance
Highly uniform in build and color
More varied in size, build, and color
Compare with Definitions
Greyhound
Often adopted as a pet after retiring from racing.
Many retired racing Greyhounds are adopted and adapt well to home life.
Lurcher
Less uniform in appearance compared to purebred dogs.
Lurchers display a wide range of sizes and builds, making each one unique.
Greyhound
A breed of tall, slender dog noted for its speed.
The Greyhound raced past the other dogs with remarkable speed.
Lurcher
Exhibits a variety of coat types and colors.
This Lurcher has a rough coat that protects it from the underbrush.
Greyhound
Known for its gentle and affectionate temperament.
The Greyhound curled up next to its owner, enjoying the calm afternoon.
Lurcher
Prized for its ability in hunting small game.
The Lurcher moved stealthily through the brush, tracking the scent of rabbits.
Greyhound
A dog bred and trained primarily for racing.
At the track, Greyhounds are often seen sprinting at full pace.
Lurcher
Can vary widely in temperament and energy.
Lurchers can be more demanding of exercise than purebred Greyhounds.
Greyhound
Requires minimal grooming due to its short coat.
The Greyhound's coat remains sleek with just occasional brushing.
Lurcher
A crossbreed dog that mixes Greyhound with other breeds, often terriers or collies.
The Lurcher combined the speed of a Greyhound with the intelligence of a Border Collie.
Greyhound
The Greyhound is a breed of dog, a sighthound which has been bred for coursing game and greyhound racing. It is also referred to as an English Greyhound.
Lurcher
The lurcher is a cross-bred dog, the result of mating a sighthound with a dog of another type, most commonly a herding dog or a terrier. Historically a poacher's dog, lurchers in modern times are kept as pets, hunting dogs and in racing.
Greyhound
A dog of a tall slender breed having a narrow head and a smooth coat. It was originally bred to hunt fast prey and is often used for racing.
Lurcher
Chiefly British A crossbred dog formerly used chiefly by hunters and poachers.
Greyhound
A lean breed of dog used in hunting and racing.
Lurcher
(Archaic) A sneak thief.
Greyhound
A highball cocktail of vodka and grapefruit juice.
Lurcher
(obsolete) One who lurks or lies in wait; one who watches in order to rob or betray; a poacher.
Greyhound
(dated) A swift steamer, especially an ocean steamer.
Lurcher
A type of crossbreed dog ― a cross between a sighthound and any other breed or the offspring of such crosses.
Greyhound
(of fish) To leap rapidly across the surface of the water.
Lurcher
A large nymphalid butterfly, Yoma sabina, of Australia and Asia.
Greyhound
A slender, graceful breed of dogs, remarkable for keen sight and swiftness. It is one of the oldest varieties known, and is figured on the Egyptian monuments.
Lurcher
(obsolete) A glutton; a voracious eater
Greyhound
A swift steamer, esp. an ocean steamer.
Lurcher
One that lurches or lies in wait; one who watches to pilfer, or to betray or entrap; one who lurks; a lurker; a poacher.
Greyhound
A tall slender dog of an ancient breed noted for swiftness and keen sight; used as a racing dog
Lurcher
One of a mongrel breed of dogs said to have been a cross between the sheep dog, greyhound, and spaniel. It hunts game silently, by scent, and is often used by poachers.
Lurcher
A glutton; a gormandizer.
Lurcher
Someone waiting in concealment
Common Curiosities
What is the typical lifespan of a Greyhound compared to a Lurcher?
Both Greyhounds and Lurchers typically have lifespans ranging from 10 to 14 years, though this can vary based on health and breed mix in Lurchers.
How are Greyhounds and Lurchers with children?
Greyhounds generally do well with children due to their gentle nature. Lurchers can also be great with kids but may need careful introduction and supervision, depending on their mixed traits.
What are the exercise needs of a Greyhound versus a Lurcher?
Both breeds require regular exercise, but Lurchers may need more varied and vigorous activity depending on their mix, especially if they include breeds with higher energy levels.
Is the grooming requirement the same for Greyhounds and Lurchers?
Greyhounds require minimal grooming due to their short coat, while Lurchers' grooming needs vary widely depending on the type of coat they inherit from their non-Greyhound parent.
Are Lurchers recognized by major kennel clubs?
Lurchers are not recognized as a breed by major kennel clubs due to their mixed-breed status, unlike Greyhounds, which are a recognized breed.
How do Greyhounds and Lurchers typically behave around other pets?
Greyhounds are usually friendly but may have a high prey drive. Lurchers' behavior can be less predictable and may depend on what other breeds they are mixed with.
What role do Greyhounds and Lurchers play in rescue organizations?
Many Greyhounds are rescued post-racing and rehomed as pets. Lurchers, being commonly crossbred, are often found in rescues and shelters needing homes just as much, sometimes even more so due to overbreeding and abandonment.
What is the origin of the Greyhound breed?
Greyhounds are one of the oldest dog breeds, originally bred for hunting and later popularized for racing, with a history dating back thousands of years.
What training challenges might owners face with Greyhounds compared to Lurchers?
Greyhounds may need training to manage their prey drive, while Lurchers might require more comprehensive training depending on their intelligence and energy from other breeds.
How does the hunting instinct of a Greyhound compare to that of a Lurcher?
Both have strong hunting instincts; however, Lurchers may have more tuned hunting abilities, especially if crossed with breeds known for their tracking or retrieving skills.
Are there any specific health concerns associated with Greyhounds or Lurchers?
Greyhounds can have breed-specific issues like osteosarcoma and heart conditions, while Lurchers may inherit health concerns from both Greyhound and other breed lines.
Can Greyhounds and Lurchers live comfortably in an apartment?
Greyhounds are surprisingly good apartment dogs due to their low energy indoors, while Lurchers can be as well, though their suitability largely depends on the individual dog's energy level and size.
What should potential owners consider before adopting a Greyhound or Lurcher?
Potential owners should consider the exercise needs, space requirements, and the dog's past experiences (especially for rescued animals), as these factors significantly impact their integration into new homes.
How has the role of Lurchers evolved in recent years?
Traditionally used for poaching and hunting, Lurchers have become increasingly popular as companion animals, appreciated for their unique traits and versatility.
Are Greyhounds faster than Lurchers?
Greyhounds are among the fastest dog breeds, while Lurchers may be slightly slower depending on their mix but still possess significant speed.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
