Family-friendly dogs that will be a friend for life (Lurchers)

Member Name: BumpyBump

Product:	Lurchers
Date:	16/09/09 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Docile, friendly & trustworthy

Disadvantages: They often have problems with their back legs in later life

My family and I took in a Lurcher from the RSPCA 15 years ago. He had been abused by his owner for four years before being taken in by the RSPCA, however they were forced to return him to his owner for legal reasons (the law is mad). Not content with being back home he ran away and headed straight back to the RSCPA Centre (some 6 miles away). How he knew how to get there is anyone's guess but it just demonstrates the intelligence of these dogs. So we took him in, a skinny little wretch, and never looked back.

At first he would scavenge for food so you could never leave anything within reach. I'll never forget the time we came home and he'd had a thorough go-through of the vegetable rack and taken a bite out of every single potato. But once he realised that he would be getting fed regularly he soon stopped the scavenging. He was absolutely desperate for love and affection to begin with and would jump up whenever you came home so that his feet were resting on your shoulders, and you couldn't sit down without the bony beast clambering up to sit on your lap (not easy considering the size of him). But he was a brilliant dog. Friendly, loyal, good fun to watch running.

I have known met people since then that own Lurchers or Greyhounds and everyone has agreed with me that they are the best dogs you can get. They make great family pets (you can trust them with your children) and, despite what people think, they actually don't need much walking (one big walk a day is sufficient) so they're dead easy to care for. They love company so they're not good for people who are never in and some are even good with cats (although this does depend from dog to dog). The dogs' homes are always packed full of them as well so you'll always have plenty to choose from.

Summary: I'd never consider having any dog other than a Lurcher/Greyhound. You will get a friend for life.