Lurcher insurance
Discover the benefits of insuring your Lurcher with Agria
Our guide to living with a Lurcher
Living with a Lurcher is a long-term commitment, and understanding their health and wellbeing needs is an important part of responsible ownership. Lurchers are affectionate, gentle companions known for their relaxed nature at home, alongside short bursts of speed and energy outdoors. Like all dogs, they can develop health conditions over their lifetime, including issues such as bloat or injuries linked to their speed and activity levels. These can require ongoing treatment, repeat vet visits or specialist care. Taking out pet insurance early can help protect against unexpected vet bills and ensure your Lurcher gets the care they need throughout their life.
Lurcher quick facts
- Size: Varies – typically 50–71cm (depending on breed mix)
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Weight: 12–35kg, depending on build
- Colours: Wide range – black, brindle, fawn, white, grey, and more, often with a smooth, rough, or broken coat
- Temperament: Calm, affectionate, intelligent
- Common health issues: Bloat, injuries from running, arthritis in later life
- Country of origin: United Kingdom
We're a Which? Best Buy for Dog Insurance 2026
You can trust us with your Lurcher
Agria's Lifetime Premium £20,000 dog policy has been the highest-scoring Best Buy for 3 years. We are also a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime and Lifetime Plus dog insurance products. **
** Which? policy score ratings are based on an analysis of policy cover levels conducted in November 2025. Best Buy providers have a high policy score and a good track record for paying claims.
Where does the Lurcher come from?
The Lurcher isn’t a breed in the traditional sense, it's a type of dog, usually a cross between a Greyhound and another working breed like a Collie, Whippet, or Terrier.
Originally bred in the UK for poaching and hunting, Lurchers were valued for their speed, intelligence, and stealth. The name likely comes from the Romani word "lur," meaning robber or thief - a nod to their history as stealthy hunters.
Today, they’re better known as gentle family pets and loyal companions. Their calm nature and loving temperament make them ideal for a quieter, slower-paced home, though they still love the occasional mad dash.
Lurcher temperament
Affectionate
Lurchers are affectionate, chilled-out, and surprisingly lazy for such fast dogs. They're happiest curled up on the sofa but do enjoy short bursts of exercise, especially off-lead zoomies.
Intelligent
Like Greyhounds, they’re often described as ‘40mph couch potatoes’ - they run fast, but they rest even harder. Lurchers are intelligent and usually very well-mannered in the home.
Gentle
They're gentle with people, love affection, and are usually great with children. However, depending on their mix, they might have a strong prey drive, so early training and careful socialisation are important.
Are Lurchers good pets?
Yes, Lurchers can make great pets. They’re typically affectionate, calm, and loyal. They’re great companions for relaxed households, and many are brilliant with children. They love cuddles, cosy beds, and short bursts of running around.
Are Lurchers good with children?
Yes, Lurchers are generally great with children. They’re calm, tolerant, and affectionate. Just be mindful of very young children around large, leggy dogs, they’re not always aware of their size. They love to be part of a relaxed family and enjoy peaceful environments. Like all dogs, they benefit from early socialisation and supervision during play.
Lurcher size & appearance
Since Lurchers are crossbreeds, their appearance varies widely depending on their parentage. Most have the lean, athletic build of a Greyhound or Whippet, with long legs, deep chests, and narrow waists.
Their coats can be short, rough, or wiry, and they come in every colour and pattern imaginable. What unites them is their graceful, aerodynamic shape and soulful eyes.
Thinking of getting a Lurcher puppy?
What to expect week-by-week from your first year
We've laid out what to expect from your first year with your new puppy with a series of videos and helpful guides, so you can stay on top of your training, keep your pup healthy, and help them settle in to their new life.
Lurcher grooming
Lurchers are typically low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Smooth-coated Lurchers need a quick brush once a week. Rough or broken-coated Lurchers benefit from more regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. They rarely need baths unless they’ve rolled in something gross. Like all dogs, they’ll need regular nail trimming, ear checks, and dental care to stay in good condition.
Do Lurchers shed?
Yes, but usually only a little. Short-haired Lurchers shed minimally, while rough or broken-coated ones may need more brushing. Either way, grooming is fairly low-maintenance.
Are Lurcher dogs hypoallergenic?
No, Lurchers aren’t considered hypoallergenic. While they don’t shed as much as some breeds, they still produce dander and can trigger allergies. People with mild sensitivities may find them easier to live with, especially the short-haired types - but they’re not allergy-free.
Lurcher training
- 1
Be gentle and consistent
Lurchers are smart and eager to please, especially if training is gentle, consistent, and positive. However, they can be sensitive and easily spooked, so harsh training methods don’t work.
- 2
Start early
Start training early with socialisation, basic commands, and recall especially important due to their potential prey drive. Keep training fun, short, and rewarding, and they’ll respond well.
- 3
Keep them active
Lurchers need around 60 - 90 minutes of exercise per day, depending on age and energy level. They love a good sprint in a secure field, followed by a long nap.
- 4
Provide stimulation
Most aren’t hyperactive and don’t need constant walking. But they do enjoy playtime, walks where they can have a good sniff, and occasional off-lead runs in safe areas. Mental stimulation - like scent games or enrichment toys - helps too.
How fast can a Lurcher run?
Lurchers are seriously fast. Many can run at speeds of 35 to 40mph, especially if they have Greyhound or Whippet in them. They’re built for sprinting - not long-distance running.
How long do Lurchers sleep?
Lurchers love their sleep. Most adult Lurchers will snooze for 16 to 18 hours a day, especially after a good walk. They're proper lounge lizards.
Lurcher health issues
Lurchers are generally healthy and robust, but like all dogs, they can develop health issues over time. Some conditions may need ongoing treatment, repeat vet visits, tests, or specialist care, which can become expensive without the right cover. Understanding the health risks Lurchers may inherit from sighthound or working breed ancestry can help you plan ahead and choose the right insurance.
Bloat (gastric torsion)
Lurchers can be prone to bloat, a serious and potentially life‑threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and may twist, cutting off blood supply. Emergency surgery and immediate veterinary treatment are often required to save the dog’s life.
Injuries
Their athletic build and high‑speed running can lead to sprains, knocks, or other injuries, particularly on rough ground. Depending on the injury, treatment may include X‑rays, pain management, repeated check‑ups, and possibly specialist care.
Arthritis
Older Lurchers may develop arthritis or joint issues. Long‑term management, pain relief, regular monitoring, and physiotherapy can all be part of ongoing care.
Regular veterinary care, sensible exercise, and a proper diet all support long‑term health. However, even well‑cared‑for dogs can develop conditions later in life, which is why many owners choose to insure their Lurcher early, before any issues arise.
Common conditions for the Lurcher
Many common health conditions in Lurchers need ongoing care rather than a one-off treatment. This can mean repeat vet visits, tests, or specialist care, which can add up over time.
Lifetime dog insurance is worth considering if you want peace of mind and help with long-term costs.
Here are the top 5 most commonly-claimed health conditions for the Lurcher, based on Agria pet insurance claims data for 2025.
- 1
Osteoarthritis (osteoarthrosis, degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- 2
Pruritis finding
- 3
Seizure disorder
- 4
Wound
- 5
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (Dry eye)
Having insurance in place early can help ensure these kinds of conditions are covered throughout your Lurcher’s life, without the worry of unexpected vet bills for ongoing or repeat care.
What we love most about Lurchers
Couch potato energy
They love lounging as much as they love running - ideal for people who enjoy balance.
Gentle temperament
Sweet-natured and sensitive, Lurchers are deeply affectionate without being overly clingy.
Unique charm
No two Lurchers are quite the same. Their mix of breeds makes them quirky, beautiful, and full of personality.
Things to consider before getting a Lurcher
Lurchers make fantastic pets, but they’re not for everyone. Here are a few things to consider.
- 1
Prey drive varies
Some Lurchers can’t live with cats or small animals, depending on their mix and upbringing.
- 2
They feel the cold
Their lean build means they get chilly quickly - coats, soft beds, and warm homes are a must.
- 3
Not always off-lead safe
Unless they’ve got solid recall and a low prey drive, it’s best to keep them in secure areas.
If you’re after a calm, loving, and slightly silly companion with occasional bursts of speed, a Lurcher might be your perfect match.
Stuck on what to call your Lurcher puppy?
Looking for name ideas? Check out the most popular puppy names our customers chose for their Lurcher in 2024!
Top 2 names based on Agria Pet Insurance policies purchased for Lurcher's in 2024
Milo
Ralf
For more name inspiration, discover our top puppy names of 2025.
Lurcher insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Lurcher's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'best pet insurance overall' from The Telegraph.
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance and Royal Kennel Club Pet Insurance claims received between January 2025 and December 2025.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Lurcher FAQs
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