What is lure coursing?
Lure coursing is a high-energy sport that simulates a traditional hare hunt, allowing dogs to chase a mechanically operated lure across an open field. The sport was designed as a safer and more controlled way to test their natural coursing abilities.
How lure coursing works
The lure moves unpredictably, testing a dog's agility, speed, and ability to follow fast-moving targets. The lure—typically a set of plastic bags tied to a nylon cord—is pulled along a system of pulleys, creating an unpredictable path that mimics real prey movement. The course can range from 650 to 1000 meters, depending on the event location.
Best breeds for lure coursing
Lure coursing is open to all breeds and mixed breeds registered with Dogs Australia. The competition is divided into two streams: one for ANKC-registered sighthounds, including Afghan Hounds, Greyhounds, Whippets, Borzois, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and a second for non-sighthound breeds, known as the Coursing Ability Test (CAT). All dogs must be at least 15 months old before they can compete, and they must first pass two qualifying events.
