In Pursuit of Lure Coursing

Lure coursing is a fast-paced chase sport that was developed as an alternative to hare coursing. Rather than chasing a live animal, dogs chase an artificial lure across a field, competing for best time. Sometimes, obstacles are involved in the race.

While traditionally limited to sighthounds such as Greyhounds, Pharaoh hounds, Whippets, and Rhodesian ridgebacks, all-breed lure coursing groups are becoming more common.

Dogs are coursed together by breed in “braces” of two dogs or “trios” of three. Races begin and the lure is started when the huntmaster cries “Tally-Ho!” to signal the release of the dogs. Dogs are judged on speed, endurance, agility and their ability to follow or pursue the lure.