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Home » Whippet Lurchers – What Makes a Whippet a Lurcher?

Whippet Lurchers – What Makes a Whippet a Lurcher?

August 12, 2022 by Paul 19 Comments

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The term “Lurcher” sounds a little bit sinister perhaps, a little like a lurker: I’ll come onto this! The reality is that Lurchers are not sinister at all really. In this post I’ll explain what they are and provide examples of Whippet Lurchers to support the explanation.

This is ultimately a blog about Whippets after all!

Table of Contents
  • What is a Lurcher?
    • What Are Whippet Lurchers?
  • Why Are Lurchers Called Lurchers?
  • Is Lurcher a Dirty Word?
    • The Difference Between Purebreds, Crossbreds, Lurchers and Mutts
  • Are Whippet Lurchers Healthy?
  • Examples of Whippet Lurchers
  • Summary
  • Related Posts

What is a Lurcher?

A Guide to Whippet Lurchers

A Lurcher is a dog that has at least one parent from the Sighthound family and the other a working dog. Lurchers are effectively mixed breed dogs, with a foot in the Sighthound group.

Dogs with parents from different breeds within the Sighthound group are known as Longdogs, though some people might also consider them Lurchers.

Historically, going back to 14th Century England, Lurchers were deliberately bred by the peasant class for poaching and hunting. In the late 1300s, ownership of any dog considered a hunting breed was forbidden to all but the landed gentry and the wealthy.

This meant you could only own a dog like a Greyhound if you weren’t from a noble or a wealthy background. If you were from a poor background and owned a hunting hound you would have been considered a poacher, which was illegal.

Lurchers then became popular as a way to own a hunting dog that was difficult to class as such.

Interestingly, the law restricting ownership of hunting dogs in England was not lifted until 1831! This may explain why in some quarters there is disdain for Lurchers (including Whippet Lurchers) to this day, which I’ll come onto later in this article.

What Are Whippet Lurchers?

To clarify, Whippet Lurchers are the offspring of a Whippet crossed with any other dog, but most usually a terrier or working / herding dog. Hence you might find a whippet crossed with breeds such as any of the following to make a Lurcher:

  • Bedlington Terrier
  • Borzoi
  • Border Collie
  • Catahoula
  • Collie
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • German Shepherd
  • Greyhound
  • Irish Wolfhound
  • Jack Russell Terrier
  • Labrador
  • Pitbull Terrier
  • Retriever
  • Saluki

N.B. There are many other breeds that can be crossed to make a Whippet Lurcher.

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Why Are Lurchers Called Lurchers?

There are a couple of ideas around the meaning of Lurcher and where the term comes from.

Firstly, I made a joke above about Lurchers sounding like lurkers…. this joke isn’t far from the truth! The word “lurch” is a variant of the word “lurk”.  Lurking is an old english word, probably originating in the 16th century, and has a few meanings.

Lurking according to its old English root can mean hiding or staying in a place in a secretive way. However, it can also mean stealing.

Perhaps the association was that Lurchers were canny, furtive and good thiefs… therefore, good dogs for poaching!

Secondly, there is also an association with the Romani word “lur”, which apparently means “thief”. Since Lurchers were popular among Romani peoples, it’s possible that this played a role in the name.


Is Lurcher a Dirty Word?

Some people don’t like Lurchers at all, especially those who have strong feelings about protecting the genetic line of purebred dogs.

There is a belief that purebred dogs are more healthy than mixed breeds, and that crosses between breeds result in physically inferior dogs prone to health problems. 

Some people feel that creating “designer dogs” to suit a market driven fashion is simply wrong as it doesn’t take into account the health of the dog itself.

At the same time, there is an argument that crossing breeds has the opposite effect. Some believe that cross-breeding makes a dog less likely to inherit breed-specific health issues, which may be more likely when breeding dogs from the same genetic pool.

The views about dog mixes is polarising and has led some to branding all crosses (including Lurchers) as “mutts”, but there are differences between crossbreeds, Lurchers and mutts or mongrels.

The Difference Between Purebreds, Crossbreds, Lurchers and Mutts

A purebred dog is the progeny of two parents of the same breed, such as a Whippet for example. However, just because a dog is purebred it doesn’t mean it’s a pedigree. For a dog to be pedigree it must be purebred and have parents formally registered by a recognised body such as the AKC or the UK Kennel Club.

Now we move on to crossbreeds. As I’ve already mentioned, some people see crossbred dogs as mutts or mongrels, which suggests accidental breeding. The truth is that crossbred dogs are most often intentionally bred to create a desirable mix.

Crossbreed dogs are the progeny of two purebred dogs of different breeds. Hence you might find a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel crossed with a Bichon Frise or a Border Collie mixed with a Springer Spaniel.

Some crossbreeding is undoubtedly driven by market demand. Hence we see certain crossbreeds growing in popularity, especially “doodle” type dogs, where one of the parents is a Poodle like Labradoodles or Cockapoos.

Lurchers are really crossbreeds too… but with the condition that one of the purebred parents is a Sighthound… as with Whippet Lurchers.

Finally we come to mutts, which some people consider all crossbreed mixes to be. In general, mutts are often dogs that have many different breeds in their family history, whose parents were not purebred dogs.

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Are Whippet Lurchers Healthy?

There is much disagreement about whether purebred dogs or cross breeds are more healthy.

Most purebred dogs are predisposed to certain genetic conditions. For example, while a healthy breed with a good lifespan, Whippet health conditions can include Mitral Valve disease and Canine von Willebrand’s Disease.

People who argue for crossbreeding say that mixed breed dogs will not have such a genetic predisposition to breed-specific illnesses since they are mixed from a much wider gene pool.

Those against crossbreeding say the opposite and believe that crossbreeds may be more predisposed to a wider variety of health conditions and illnesses than purebred dogs ever could be.

Others still argue that there is little difference in the predisposition to illnesses of either purebred or crossbred dogs.

In terms of my research, there seems to be no definitive proof to show that Whippet Lurchers are more unhealthy than purebred Whippets.

Of course many people will disagree with this. Others won’t.

Feeding Dogs by Dr Conor Brady Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog by Wendy Volhard The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook by Betsy Brevitz

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Examples of Whippet Lurchers

I’ve written extensively about Whippet mixes and you can find many examples of Whippet Lurchers on this blog.

If you don’t have time to read some of my other posts, the following list is by no means exhaustive, but it should at least provide examples showing the variety within the Whippet Lurcher world:

  • Basenppet (Whippet Basenji)
  • Bedlington Whippet (Whippet Bedlington Terrier)
  • Cocker Spannet (Whippet Cocker Spaniel)
  • Collie Whip ( Whippet Border Collie)
  • Fox Whip (Whippet American Foxhound)
  • German Whippet (Whippet German Shepherd)
  • Golden Whippet (Whippet Golden Retriever)
  • Jackawhip (Whippet Jack Russell Terrier)
  • Miniature Ausseippet (Whippet Australian Shepherd)
  • Pit Whippet (Whippet Pit Bull)
  • Vizsla Whip (Whippet Vizsla)
  • Whelpie (Whippet Australian Kelpie)
  • Whipador (Whippet Labrador)
  • Whipbeagle (Whippet Beagle)
  • Whiphund (Whippet Dachshund)
  • Whipperman (Whippet Doberman)
  • Whipoint (Whippet Shorthaired Pointer)
  • Whipoodle (Whippet Poodle)
  • Whippet Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Whippoula (Whippet Catahoula)

Summary

Whippet Lurchers are crossbred dogs that have at least one Sighthound as a parent. They are not purebred dogs, even if both parents are purebred.

Many people consider any Lurcher to be a mutt and believe breeders of such dogs are only “in it for the money”. However, reputable breeders of crossbreeds do care about their dogs.

Of course, if you’re considering buying a puppy, you should be extremely selective about the breeder, regardless of whether it’s a purebred or a Whippet Lurcher.


Do you have a Whippet Lurcher… or any Lurcher actually? Perhaps you have a question. I’d love to hear about your dog or answer your questions in the comment section at the bottom of this page.


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Whippet Mixes / Lurchers
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Filed Under: Whippet Cross Breeds

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tracey Rennison says

    January 4, 2023 at 3:25 pm

    We have 2 purebred whippet boys, Henry, a beautiful blue, and Alfie ,a white+ brindle. They are 10 and 8 years old respectively. Last year we re-homed Teddybear, a 4 month old bag of nerves, had been tied up on an allotment, hardly fed and, I’m pretty sure, beaten too. We were told he was a Bedlington whippet, a sandy colour with a shaggy coat.

    Well….. he grew…..and grew…. and then grew a bit more!!! He’s totally come out of his shell now, he has the most wonderful temperament and he is loved beyond belief!! He’s about the height of a greyhound but has a look of a wolfhound. I think we may have been duped slightly into taking him on as some folks can’t manage or don’t have space for a huge dog.

    However we wouldn’t be without him, all 3 dogs get on so well together and when I think back to that terrified little pup in the photos we were shown I’m so proud of the dog he is now. He still has issues around some strangers (mainly men) but he loves his holidays to Scotland, a good romp around our local secure field, and most importantly his bed.

    Reply
    • paulf says

      January 16, 2023 at 5:43 pm

      Oh Tracy… I love a story with a happy ending. Some people are monsters aren’t they but I’m so pleased Teddybear has now found a loving home.

      Reply
  2. Elaine Dryburgh says

    December 8, 2022 at 10:00 pm

    I havea 10 year old “lurcher” a mix of whippet, collie, German shepherd, staffie looks like a whippet on steroids lol. But a gorgeous blue boy who brings fun and joy into my life daily.

    Reply
    • paulf says

      December 10, 2022 at 10:44 am

      He sounds absolutely lovely Elaine!

      Reply
  3. Balbir Sahota says

    December 4, 2022 at 10:04 pm

    I have a lurcher who is a cross between greyhound and saluki he is always chewing up anything and everything and he only listens to command when food is involved! I love him!

    Reply
    • paulf says

      December 4, 2022 at 10:53 pm

      I can imagine he’s lovely Balbir!

      Reply
  4. Debra Moessinger says

    November 22, 2022 at 3:06 am

    Hi we have a Whippet Red Australian Cattle mix, he looks like a slightly sturdy Whippet. He is a velcro dog, fast stealthy and bossy. He is maybe the best dog we have ever had but he was come upon by chance are rare in rural north Queensland. Only wish I had not had him desexed or I would have kept his pup. Maybe for the best as I would not have parted with a pup of his. He is just really sensitive.

    Reply
    • paulf says

      November 22, 2022 at 11:03 am

      Wow… what an interesting mix Debra! I’ll bet he’s amazing.

      Reply
  5. Ray Winfield says

    November 15, 2022 at 10:53 pm

    Hi just found your site by pure luck, or mixed luck if we are discussing cross breed dogs.

    I have a golden, rough coated Lurcher Deerhound, (according to the rescue centre I adopted him from). But there’s the problem. He is about the height of a Greyhound but unlike the average Deerhound which is skinny as a rake, my boy is broader and very strong, he can, and has dragged me down in the past when suddenly seeing a cat or being approached by a yappy dog.

    Are the animal DNA labs any good? I don’t care what mix he has, he’s my best friend and I adore him. Any ideas please?

    Reply
    • paulf says

      November 17, 2022 at 9:33 pm

      Hi Ray… and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I can’t speak from experience about DNA tests to determine the various ingredients in the mix, so to speak, so I couldn’t recommend one myself. I’d be interested to hear from you if you ever decide to go down that route, so please keep me posted.

      Reply
  6. Julian says

    November 9, 2022 at 5:56 pm

    I have a 3/4 whippet, 1/4 bedlington. She looks pretty much like a whippet including the coat. Her back legs are turned out a bit, but the terrier comes through in her character. Very feisty, and absolutely adorable.

    Reply
    • paulf says

      November 9, 2022 at 10:47 pm

      I love the sound of her Julian.. and I’ll bet she really IS adorable!

      Reply
  7. Dr Dore says

    October 23, 2022 at 4:22 pm

    We had a Whippet x Jack Russell. We rescued her as an adult. We had her for 16 years, so she was 17+ yrs. Both breeds have a good longevity.
    We currently have a 10yr old Whippet x Greyhound AND a 5yr old Greyhound x Saluki x Whippet x American Staffy. Both rescues from Ireland.
    Our Greyhound retired at 5yrs 3mo. We adopted her. She’s now 12yrs 6mo and just diagnosed with Lymphoma 😓

    Reply
  8. BD says

    September 15, 2022 at 2:36 pm

    I have a Greyhound / Deer Hound Lurcher (actually a Longdog) who is just shy of 13yrs old. She is the best dog I have ever had. I have owned over 12 German Shepherds, a Dobie, a Sheltie, 2 Silken Windhounds (Whippet / Borzoi) and a purebred Borzoi in my lifetime.

    “Frosty” is sweet to ALL dogs, loving and affectionate to ALL people, doesn’t bark, greets you with a smile and a hearty tail wag (more like a whip – Ouch) and is a FANTASTIC athlete. She’s extremely healthy but because her skin is thin, she can get nasty sores when running through bushes. That’s the only negative thing I can say about her.

    My Silken Windhounds are fantastic as well, but not nearly as intelligent or out going as Frosty. They are more wary of new places, people and dogs. But, they sure are beautiful to look at and fun to own!

    All 3 of my lurchers (Longdogs) are easy to care for. They just need to run for a few mins every day, then they are fine sacking out on the couch on snoozing on your lap.

    Reply
    • paulf says

      September 15, 2022 at 5:41 pm

      Hi BD… and thanks for telling us about Frosty and all the other dogs you have / have had! It’s always great to hear from other dog owners and learn about their experiences.

      Reply
  9. Valerie says

    September 11, 2022 at 8:08 pm

    I now have a Greyhound rescue which the rescue place registered as a Greyhound. My previous dog was also a Greyhound rescue but the rescue place registered her as a crossbreed. My pet plan insurance is now 3 times what it was for the previous dog. Just wondering whether you have any view on this anomaly. I look forward to hearing from you. Valerie

    Reply
    • paulf says

      September 12, 2022 at 6:29 am

      Hi Valerie. I’m really not sure to be honest. I always understood that crossbreeds were less expensive to insure than purebred dogs. It might be worth asking your insurance company?

      Reply
    • Sheila Beshears says

      October 21, 2022 at 2:13 pm

      For years I called my dog Mickie James a lab cross but this last year’s I started rethinking this she has a thin look about her like whippet and she is a very sweet dog but she does not like people rubbing her ears or for people putting their face down into here space. She will soon be 13 in December. Is this common for the whippet breed

      Reply
      • paulf says

        October 21, 2022 at 8:04 pm

        Hi Sheila… I couldn’t say for sure but my Whippet doesn’t seem to like us putting our faces near to hers. It’s okay for her to do that to us though… I guess it’s on her terms!

        Reply

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