Longdog: crosses within the sighthound family

Key facts

Evesham definition

Cross between two or more sighthounds [source]

Example given

Greyhound and Borzoi [source]

Community example

Sussex Longdog Association, founded in 1979 [source]

A narrower definition within running-dog terminology

Evesham Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue distinguishes a Longdog, described as a cross between two or more sighthounds, from a Lurcher involving a sighthound and another breed. It gives Greyhound and Borzoi as an example of the former. Dogs Trust’s Lurcher definition supplies the broader comparison, naming sighthounds crossed with dogs such as Collies or Terriers. These are practical type definitions used by organisations working with the dogs. They do not identify a single closed studbook or guarantee that every speaker uses the words with exactly the same boundary.

A type name cannot supply missing parentage

The Longdog category can describe several combinations of sighthound ancestry and does not state whether the dog is a first cross or the product of later generations. Known parents and original records therefore add information beyond the label. A Greyhound–Borzoi example is not a required recipe, and appearance alone cannot establish that exact relationship. Retain the known breeds, generations and uncertainty as separate facts. That makes a historical description, rescue record or owner profile useful without silently converting a broad running-dog term into an invented registered breed.

Contemporary associations use related names broadly

The South of England Agricultural Society describes the Sussex Longdog Association, founded in 1979 by Lurcher enthusiasts, presenting Greyhounds, Whippets and Lurchers at its show. This is a concrete example of a community name covering several related populations, rather than a claim that every dog attending is genetically a Longdog under the narrower definition. It also shows why the terms should be read in context: an association title, an event category and a description of ancestry answer different questions. Recording that context preserves the history of the running-dog community while allowing an individual animal’s identity and experience to be assessed on their own evidence.

Common questions

Sources & further reading

References for this guide. Rules and services can change; check the responsible organisation for current details.

• Evesham rescue: Longdog and Lurcher definitions (opens in a new tab)
• Dogs Trust: Lurcher definition (opens in a new tab)
• South of England Agricultural Society: Longdog Association context (opens in a new tab)

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