Lure Coursing

Lure coursing is a humane sport which 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.

No wagering is involved; the dogs run for fun and the occasional ribbon or trophy. Coursing is not merely a race. Hounds are judged not only on speed, but also on enthusiasm during the course, agility in making turns, how accurately they follow the path of the lure, and their endurance in completing the course. The maximum point score is 100 and is an average of score by 2 judges.

The sport of Lure Coursing gives the Irish Wolfhound (and other sighthound) owners the luxury of seeing what their hound were bred for. The hounds run, turn and twist in a simulation of the actions their ancestors used to catch live game. It adds to the bond between human and hound just as it did ages ago when they hunted together for food and survival.