Collie / Lurcher cross, experiences please

[1leggedwobbler]

We have been looking for a family dog for ages & I came across a lovely Collie / Lurcher cross today. She is currently happily fostered with other dogs & a 3yr old so no concerns there but she hasnt been around cats or hens. I have 6 hens in a large fenced off bit of the garden & 3 cats. Any advice? TIA

[ct1977]

Hi we have a collie and a lurcher. Both live with guinea pigs and rabbits. It has to be said I do not trust the lurcher with the "fluffies" due to her high prey drive. But she fully respects the boundaries we set and never tries to break into the runs. So if your chickens are in a GOOD run properly designed you should be fine with training and common sense.

Cats now that depends on them and the dogs temperament but if you take care you should be ok.

Just a word of warning lurchers are generally neurotic and collies can be highly strung so good training and exercise is essential. Good luck.

[vjg13]

We have 2 lurchers, a cat and 3 hens. I would never let the hens out whilst the dogs are around and they are in a secure run. One of the dogs is ok with cats, the other is definitely not and the cat goes straight upstairs when he comes in, obviously dogs not allowed.

[kitsmummy]

My parent's lurcher is the most laid back, no prey drive dog whatsoever. Can the dog be cat tested or come to yours for a trial?

[1leggedwobbler]

Thanks for the replies. I met the dog, she was gorgeous but I'm also sure she would do anything to get at the hens. They are fenced in with a 4.5ft fence & I reckon she would be able to get over it with a bit of effort. I have reluctantly said no to the dog. The search for a dog to fit our family continues....

[SunnyL]

We had a whippet cross collie. He was the best dog in the ENTIRE universe! Being part collie he wasn't fast enough to catch most squirrels and rabbits so gave up quite quickly. Also the collie in him made him very human orientated which was great for recalls, obedience and agility. I'm thinking about getting a similar type of dog for my next pooch because he really was that fabulous.

[vjg13]

I think dogs and hens are risky whatever the breed, my friend's springer killed one of hers despite always being ok with them previously.