Lurcher

[maggie01]

My daughter has just bought a Lurcher puppy. I have not seen him yet but occasionally my husband takes our two shih-tzus round there with him. One of my shih-tzu's are quite small and I am wondering if she would be safe as I believe Lurchers hunt rabbits etc. Sorry if I sound a bit dim but I don't know anything about Lurchers.

[lankeela]

Lurchers are predominantly sight hounds and would only chase something that they see running. However even greyhounds would not go after a small dog if introduced in a controlled environment and they get to know that the other one is also a dog.

As to a lurcher puppy, it will probably want to lick and play with your Shiddy, and I would have no hesitation in letting them meet.

[maggie01]

Thanks! It would be nice if they all got on. Will give it a go after the puppy has had his jabs.

[Carakeel]

Hi maggie01, I have a little shih-tzu and he walks on the Burrows near our house that has about 50 horses and hundreds of sheep running free. He meets all sorts of dogs there and has never had any problem with any of the lurchers we meet. So I don't think you will have much of a problem. Quite often it is the smaller dogs who take charge in a house hold of mixed sized dogs. I had Irish Wolfhounds in the past, a St. Bernard and an Irish Setter. All of these were really great with small dogs. Congratulations on your puppy maggie01. I know I am always saying this, but when your pup is old enough, please do take it to puppy classes (preferably clicker classes). You will end up with a gently trained, well behaved dog that will be a joy to live with. Best wishes. :o)

[Carakeel]

sorry maggie01, I meant your daughter's pup of course.

[lankeela]

Makes a change to have someone sensible post on here maggie!

Sounds like your dogs and the new puppy will have a whale of a time.

[maggie01]

I have been to see him this morning (without my dogs) and he is lovely. His name is Jake. The children love him. He was running around for about 10 mins and then went back to bed.

[divegirl]

Hi Maggie, glad you like him...lol At the end of the day he is a puppy and as such is for your daughter to train. I am sure that if your dogs are introduced to him in a proper manner [maybe on neutral ground] there will be no problems....if anything you are more likely to find Jake scared of your two!!!

Good luck and have fun

Lisa x