Lancashire Heeler Dog Breed

Lancashire Heelers are working dogs primarily known for herding cattle and removing pets (rabbits, rats) from properties. The most widely held theory on their origin is that Welsh Corgis driving cattle to Northern England mated with local Manchester Terriers-- thus holding onto the herding instincts of the Corgi and ratting instincts of a Terrier. The breed is quite rare with around 5,000 registered individuals worldwide and, outside of their home country, they are mostly just kept as companions. Due to their versatility, they are suitable as a family companion or individual farmer, hunter or just simply an active person. A fenced yard is recommended since they need plenty of outdoor activity each day. Consider the following Lancashire Heeler facts:

PROS

• Herds cattle
• Removes vermin such as rats and rabbits
• Can be trained as a hunting partner and retriever
• Can be trained as a therapy dog
• Affectionate and lively
• Pretty trainable with a firm owner
• Great for families
• Friendly towards friendly strangers
• Alert watchdog
• Good with other dogs
• Low maintenance grooming
• Can participate in moderate exercise with you

CONS

• If bored or lonely can become a nuisance
• Terrier stubbornness may be hard to train for a first time owner
• Moderate barking
• Not hypoallergenic
• Needs daily outdoor exercise, yard preferred
• Should be kept leashed when outside enclosed areas
• May have prey drive towards cats and other small, furry pets

This page will bring you the 101 on Lancashire Heeler dogs, with info regarding their intelligence, activity needs, and personality. Don't let the small size fool you (10-12 inches at the shoulder), these sturdily built working dogs are capable or more than ridding your property of rats and rabbits. They are, actually, primarily cattle dogs! Notable physical features include dark, wide-set eyes, alert or erect ears and a tail carried curved over the back. The double-layer coat consists of a fine undercoat and a short, thick, hard outer coat that is usually black and tan or liver and tan; tan spots are on cheeks and usually above eyes, on muzzle, lower legs and under the tail.

1. Intelligence- This breed needs a firm, consistent owner that can handle her high intelligence and channel it into a job. They excel in herding, ratting, hunting, retrieving and even therapy work. An under stimulated Lancashire Heeler may exhibit nuisance Terrier traits like excess barking, digging and escaping.

2. Kids, Strangers, Pets- These dogs make great family companions and are affectionate with their owners. Although constantly alert, they are usually friendly towards strangers on neutral territory (that aren't trespassing on their property). Lancashires will get along with other dogs but will need early socialization to live peacefully with cat's, even then this can't guarantee the safety of small pets.

3. Exercise- Although small these canines are very lively and are accustomed to working. In the absence of a job, they need at least an hour of daily outdoor exercise. A fenced yard is ideal.

If there was one word that summed up the Lancashire Heeler personality it would be 'versatile'. They make good companions, unlike some herding breeds. They are very alert, lively and playful making affectionate companions for families. Although primarily classified as a herding dog, they are equally as good ratters and can also function as a gundog, retriever and even a service dog for the disabled! All this intelligence calls for a firm and patient trainer/owner that your Lancashire can look to for leadership.

They don't shy away from being vocal and are great watchdogs since they are protective of their "pack" and property. Although they will tolerate (and even show friendliness) towards strangers on the street, they do not play around with trespassers on their turf.

Lancashire Heelers are pretty healthy--most live between 12-15 years and some more! They are prone to a handful of eye and respiratory issues as well as a common joint disorder. Regular eye testing is recommended and some breeders offer proof of a passing test for the parents of the litter. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the following diseases and disorders:

• Primary Lens Luxation
• Collie Eye Anomaly
• Hereditary Cataract (early developing)
• Persistent Pupillary Membrane
• Tracheal Collapse
• Reverse Sneezing
• Patellar Luxation