What's a lurcher?

If you read books set in Ireland or Great Britain, you may have seen mention of dogs called lurchers and wondered what they were. Lurchers are cross-breeds made up of any sighthound (a dog like a greyhound, which hunts by speed and sight rather than scent) and another breed such as a border collie or terrier. The goal in breeding these active dogs was to create a dog that was fast, smart and hardworking. Some crosses were designed for greater tenacity or better scenting ability. Lurchers, which are known for being silent and sneaky when hunting, were nicknamed "the poacher's dog."