Lurcher

The lurcher is a type of dog originating in Ireland and parts of Great Britain. Brian Plummer identifies the Norfolk Lurcher as the predecessor of the modern lurcher. While not a pure breed, it is generally a cross between a sighthound and any other breed, usually a pastoral dog or terrier, dependent on the attributes desired by the breeder; originally stealth and cunning. Collie crosses are popular, given the working instinct of a sheepdog when mated with a sighthound gives a dog of great intelligence plus speed - prerequisites for the hunter/poacher. In the USA midwest, crosses with large scent hounds are fairly common.