The Lancashire Heeler is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originated in England. They typically weigh between 30-40 pounds and stand between 14-15.5 inches tall at the shoulder.
This breed is known for its intelligence and energy level, requiring regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They are also highly trainable, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
One of the most distinctive features of the Lancashire Heeler is its unique appearance, with a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming.
Physical Characteristics
The Lancashire Heeler's coat is quite remarkable, as it's harsh and smooth with an undercoat that keeps them dry in all weathers.
Their coat can also develop a slight mane around the neck in winter.
They're usually black and tan, but liver and tan is now recognized by the Kennel Club.
The dog is slightly longer than height at withers, typically measuring between 10–12 inches at the shoulder.
They weigh between 13–18 pounds (5.9–8.2 kg).
Their ears can be either tipped or erect.
Breed Overview
The Lancashire Heeler is a happy combination of breeds, inheriting the distinguishing thumbs marks on the front legs from the Manchester Terrier.
They were originally bred to herd cattle from Wales to the markets in the Ormskirk area, and were known as the Ormskirk Heeler or the Ormskirk Terrier long before recognition from The Kennel Club.
This breed is lively, intelligent, and long-lived, making them a wonderful addition to many families.
About This Breed
The Lancashire Heeler is a happy combination of breeds, inheriting the distinguishing thumbs marks on the front legs from the Manchester Terrier and the lowness to ground and heeling instinct from the Welsh Corgi.
This breed was popular in the Ormskirk area long before recognition from The Kennel Club and was known as the Ormskirk Heeler or the Ormskirk Terrier.
Lively and intelligent, the Lancashire Heeler is a great family dog that has gained popularity due to its long lifespan.
Its origins date back to the time when cattle were herded from Wales to the markets in the Ormskirk area, a testament to its strong herding instincts.
Training
Training is essential for Lancashire Heelers, as they can go through stubborn streaks if they don't receive proper guidance from an early age.
Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly trainable, but they need to be socialized properly to become friendly around strangers.
Lancashire Heelers are naturally a bit wary, so training and socialization are necessary to help them feel more at ease.
Because they love their people so much, they often will listen to you to please you, which makes them smart enough to do just about everything.
Early training can help prevent stubbornness and ensure a well-behaved companion.
Breed Information
The Lancashire Heeler is a breed that's thought to have originated from a cross between the Welsh Corgi and the Manchester Terrier.
This mix of breeds has resulted in a happy combination of characteristics, including the distinctive thumbs marks on the front legs from the Manchester Terrier.
The breed is also known for its lowness to ground and heeling instinct, inherited from the Corgi, which makes it well-suited for herding cattle.
Lively and intelligent, the Lancashire Heeler has gained popularity as a family dog and is known to be long-lived.
Information and Pictures
The breed's origins date back to the 19th century in England.
The breed was developed from a mix of various terrier breeds, including the Old English Black and Tan Terrier and the Black and Tan Viard.
They are known for their distinctive black and tan coat.
Their short, compact body makes them well-suited for hunting small game.
They are energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for families and hunters alike.
They are generally good with children, but can be wary of strangers.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance pet.
Temperament & Intelligence
The Lancashire Heeler is a happy and lively breed, inheriting the best traits from its parent breeds.
They love their people and are very loyal, making them a great companion for families. They're generally well-behaved and happy, but can be a bit stubborn due to their terrier nature.
They're not the friendliest dogs and can be wary of strangers, but they're not aggressive in the least. They're devoted to their family and are very good with children.
Lancashire Heelers usually get along great with other dogs and cats, but may try to "herd" them, which can cause problems. They do fine in apartments as long as they get plenty of exercise.
Their small size means young children need to be supervised when interacting with them to avoid hurting them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Lancashire heelers rare?
Yes, Lancashire Heelers are a rare breed, with only around 5,000 worldwide. They are one of the lesser-known breeds, making them a unique and special companion for dog enthusiasts.
Do Lancashire heelers shed a lot?
Lancashire Heelers shed moderately, with a significant amount of shedding twice a year when they lose their undercoat. However, their short, dense coats are generally low maintenance.
What breeds make up Lancashire heelers?
Lancashire Heelers are believed to be a cross between Welsh Corgis and the black and tan Manchester Terrier. This unique ancestry is thought to have originated from popular breeds of the time.
Sources
- "Lancashire Heeler Breed Feature" (lancashireheelers.org)
- "Health of the Lancashire Heeler" (lancashireheelers.org)
- "Meet the newest breed to join the American Kennel Club, a little dog with a big smile" (apnews.com)
- Lancashire Heeler | Breeds A to Z (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- Lancashire Heeler Dog Breed Informations and Pictures (petguide.com)
- The Purebred Lancashire Heeler - Dog Breed Info (dogbreedinfo.com)
- Lancashire Heeler | Dog Breed Info (hepper.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com
