For owners
Members
Lure coursing was developed in the USA in the 1970s. The original purpose of lure coursing was to assess and preserve the coursing skills of Sighthounds in a safe way without using any live game. By following an artificial lure, Sighthounds can demonstrate their natural ability to work using their sight.
The course pattern is irregular and varies at each event. Plastic bags are pulled around on a nylon string course propelled by a hand-controlled motor.
Participation in lure coursing is open for all breeds. There are two streams, one for Sighthounds and one for all other dogs.
Sighthound fanciers have participated in lure coursing for many decades. The sport was formally recognised by Dogs Australia in 2015, formerly known as the Australia National Kennel Council (ANKC).
What natural instinct does lure coursing bring out?
Lure coursing brings out the instinct to chase. Triggered by movement, the dogs will follow a plastic lure similar to the way dogs will chase a ball when it is thrown.
Lure coursing is available in all states and the ACT.
Dogs Australia member bodies have the most up to date information about lure coursing with most member bodies having an all-breeds sports club that runs events. Breed clubs also run events.
If you have a Sighthound and enjoy watching them discover and use their instincts and abilities, or if you have other dogs that enjoy a hard chase in a safe and controlled environment, lure coursing is a great option.
Sighthound stream breeds are the Afghan Hound, Azawakh, Borzoi, Greyhound, Ibizan Hound, Irish Wolfhound, Pharaoh Hound, Saluki, Deerhound, Sloughi, Whippet, and Italian Greyhound. Basenjis and Rhodesian Ridgebacks also compete in the Sighthound Stream.
Lure coursing is also a fun sport for breeds that are high energy, independent and have hunting instincts, like terriers. Dogs need to be sound, very fit, and agile to participate.
To find out more please visit your local state or territory website:
Dogs Australia is a not-for-profit organisation advocating for the preservation of purebred dogs through ethical breeding.
It champions the highest standard of animal welfare through education and fostering dog-loving communities.
Internationally recognised and established in 1958 as the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC),
the organisation promotes responsible dog ownership; maintains the ORCHID* heritable canine diseases database;
funds research into canine diseases; and supports state and territory-based member bodies.
Dogs Australia promotes breed conformation shows and community sports for dogs that fulfil a breed’s natural instincts.
