What is Coursing

Coursing, as defined by Webster’s, is "n (1538) 1: the pursuit of running game with dogs that follow by sight instead of by scent. 2: the act of one that courses" and "vt (15c) 1: to follow close upon: PURSUE 2a: to hunt or pursue (game) with hounds b: to cause (dogs) to run (as after game).."

BorzoiTurning.jpg (185880 bytes)

Which Breeds are Sighthounds

Sighthounds, as the name implies, are dogs in the hound group that hunt by sight as opposed to scent hounds, which hunt by smell. Some sighthound breeds are Afghan Hounds, Basenjis, Borzoi, Greyhounds, Ibizan Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Italian Greyhounds, Pharaoh Hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds, and Whippets.

WhippetsOffTheLine.jpg (137856 bytes)
Whippets Photo by Sighthound Imaging

What is Lure Coursing

Lure Coursing (American Kennel Club and American Sighthound Field Association) re-creates the chase of the hare by the pursuing hound. The "bunny" consists of strips of white plastic attached to a continuous loop line that runs through a series of pulleys to simulate the zigzag path of a rabbit on the run. A motor that runs off of a generator powers the lure.

Borzoi Photo by Diana Altree

Get Involved

The best way to get involved is

Go to an event, with or without your hound, and watch
Sign you hound up for a fun run or practice run
You and your hound are hooked? Enter an event
VOLUNTEER to help. Events are run by volunteers. Join a field crew and make life long friends

Descriptions of positions and duties of a field crew for lure coursing (These descriptions are to be used as guidelines ONLY. They are not sanctioned by any organization. They are intended as a learning guide only.)

Field Clerk

Hunt Master

Inspection Crew - Non-Whippet

Inspection Crew - Whippets