Greyhound vs Lurcher
Greyhound and lurcher are closely related dogs but that relationship does not justify for any characteristic of especially lurchers. One of them is a breed while the other is not. In lurchers, the requirement of the breeder or the buyer determines the parents, and the main difference between lurcher and greyhound could be their pedigree.
Greyhound
Greyhound is also known as the English greyhound, which is a breed of Sighthound. Greyhounds were believed to be descended from ancient Egyptian or Persian dog breeds, but the modern DNA analyses have rejected those suppositions.
Greyhounds are tall and slim in general appearance, but the deep chest, distinctively small waist, powerful and extra-long limbs, and the flexible backbone like a bow are the most important features about greyhounds. Usually the male greyhounds are taller and heavier than the female greyhounds. The standard heights at withers are 68 – 71 centimetres and 71 – 76 centimetres in females and males respectively. Despite their heights give a picture of tall dogs, greyhounds are not heavy, but the maximum standard weight is 40 kilograms for a male. The ability to bend their backbone like a bow enables them to stretch themselves for a large stride, which is accompanied with a powerful and long pair of legs. Therefore, greyhounds are able to run as fast as 70 kilometres per hour (20 metres per second); it is incredible to know that this speed is reached within six strides. They have a large heart that pumps a lot of blood into the organs so that these dogs can keep their agility at a high level. Despite their athleticism, greyhounds are not aggressive but very friendly with the owner as well as with others. They are available in any colouration and can live about 10 – 15 years.
Lurcher
Lurcher is rather a type of dog than a breed. It is believed that lurchers were originated in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is a generally accepted fact that a Lurcher is a cross between any Sighthound and (usually a greyhound) a Terrier or a Pastoral dog type. Based on the requirement of the breeder, the parents can be variable. Their general characteristics are highly variable because the breed standards cannot be laid out.
The size of a lurcher varies from a Belington terrier to a Deerhound. However, as greyhounds usually being one of the parents, lurchers may also be of their size. Lurcher has a double coat with the inner coat being smooth and thick in the winter, but this could be subjected to vary depending on the parents. Their temperaments can also be highly variable depending on the parents. This highly versatile dog is mostly used as a hunting dog, but some people prefer them as pets or show dogs.
What is the difference between Greyhound and Lurcher?
• Greyhound is a pure breed of dogs but Lurcher is not. In fact, greyhound is a registered dog breed in all the kennel clubs, whereas lurcher is registered only at the Lurcher and Longdog Association of North America.
• Greyhounds are large bodied, but lurchers are either large or small.
• Despite the fact that lurcher has a greyhound parent, the temperaments and other characteristics can be highly variable between the two dogs.
Read More:
1. Difference Between Greyhound and Whippet
2. Difference Between English Greyhound and Italian Greyhound