Lure coursing

Lure coursing is a sport for dogs that involves chasing a mechanically operated lure. The AKC and AFSA (American Field Sighthound Association) are the 2 main sanctioning bodies in the US. Participation is limited to pure bred sighthounds. This group would include: greyhounds, Italian Greyhounds, Afghan hounds, Borzois, Irish Wolfhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, whippets, Salukis, Basenjis, Ibizan Hounds, Pharoh Hounds and Sloughis. In general the best coursers are Salukis, Afghan Hounds and whippets.

The lure course is usually laid out in a fenced field and is between 600 and 1000 yards long. Dogs are coursed by breed and in groups of 3 if 3 dogs are available for the run. Dogs are not judged purely on speed, but on "follow" and keeness. Simply chasing the dog in front is not considered good performance.

Since chasing things comes naturally to the sighthound breeds, the dogs generally really enjoy the sport. It is also quite entertaining for the spectators.