Overview
A limer, or lymer , was a kind of dog, a scenthound, used on a leash in medieval times to find large game before it was hunted down by the pack. It was sometimes known as a lyam hound/dog or lime-hound, from the Middle English word lyam, meaning 'leash'. The French cognate limier has sometimes been used for the dogs in English as well. The type is not to be confused with the bandog, which was also a dog controlled by a leash, typically a chain, but was a watchdog or guard dog.
Every pet is one of a kind. This guide covers what's typical for the breed, but your own dog or cat will have their own personality, quirks and needs — think of it as a friendly starting point, not the final word. Whenever you'd like advice tailored to your companion, the team at
OC Pets is always happy to help.
Sources (reused under open licences, with thanks):
Wikipedia — “Limer” (CC BY-SA 4.0) ·
Wikidata (CC0) ·
image (Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) · Compiled by OC Pets Veterinary Clinic, updated 15-06-2026.
