Lancashire Heeler Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Lancashire Heeler?

Lancashire heelers are said to have originated in the 17th century in West Lancashire. They were bred for herding livestock from the Northern Wales market to the Lancashire Market.

They have been developed from the Welsh Corgi and the Manchester Terrier. The Manchester Terrier was a black and tan dog with short legs, which is where this breed may have inherited its build.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) registered the breed in 1981.

Who are Lancashire Heeler dogs best for?

Although they are small dogs is small, they are not the ideal dog for apartment living. This breed enjoys the outdoors and is much better suited in homes with a yard, provided they are fenced in, as they are known to be little escape artists!

They are best suited for active people as this breed loves the outdoors. Having your Lancashire Heeler by your side while doing fun outdoor activities will make them very happy as they are known to get attached to their family members very quickly.

The Lancashire heeler gets along well with big families, especially with children of school-going age. They make great playmates and are very affectionate.

Novice dog owners should not worry about owning this breed as they are easy to train. You may have to deal with their stubborn personalities, but that is part of their charm.

How much grooming does a Lancashire Heeler need?

The Lancashire heeler has basic grooming needs and does not require much from its owners. Brushing and bathing them regularly is all these little pups need to stay fresh and clean.

Their coat colours are usually black and tan or liver and tan, which may have been inherited from their ancestor breed, the Manchester Terrier. They have almond-shaped eyes and are known to show you their cute little smile.

Their coarse shiny coat must be brushed at least a few times a month and frequently during shedding season. Brush them with a firm bristle brush to eliminate excess hair and distribute oils evenly.

Bath them only when necessary or at least a few times a year to ensure they are clean and have no odour. Be sure to add nail cutting and ear cleaning to their grooming routine.

They have both dirt and weather-resistant coat, which means they are suitable for living in any climate.

Do Lancashire Heeler bark much?

The Lancashire heeler is known to bark, especially when wary of strangers, other dogs, and animals.

Their bark, generally geared towards strangers, could make them good at guarding the home. Although, this should not be the main reason to have them. Their bark is hardly ever aggressive but should be monitored if they display aggressive tendencies.

Socialising them early is a great way to avoid unwanted behaviour, especially in older dogs.

Do Lancashire Heeler bite?

The Lancashire heeler got its name from biting the heels of the livestock it was herding. This inherited behaviour has somewhat been passed on throughout the generations of this breed.

Biting for this breed is not necessarily aggressive and is more of a habit. Lancashire heeler puppies are significantly more likely to bite or nibble excessively.

In this case, puppies should start obedience training as soon as possible to learn to control this behaviour so that it does not turn into a serious problem when they are older.

What is the temperament & personality of a Lancashire Heeler?

The Lancashire heeler is very affectionate and loyal, making them excellent companion dogs to their family.

They engage well with children, provided both the child and the dog have been adequately socialised in their spaces. They prefer to be outdoors than inside and get quite bored if not given enough exercise.

Lancashire heelers are intelligent dogs who need a ton of mental stimulation. If this is lacking, they can start to exhibit disruptive behaviour, which is not ideal for anyone. They are known to be quite demanding attention, so for them to thrive, they should be raised by owners willing to spend loads of time with them.

Lancashire heelers love dog sports and are the ideal dog to be entered into competitions. They thrive in these task-based environments and will be happy to be able to spend as much time with their owners as possible.

This dog breed is more prone to develop separation anxiety than other dogs. If you are a busy individual, owning this dog may not be the best idea.

What is the weight & size of a Lancashire Heeler?

The Lancashire heeler is one of the many small breeds. They have short legs, most likely inherited from the Manchester Corgi, which is their ancestor breed.

The average height for the male of this breed is 25 - 30 cm. With the female at an average height of 20 - 30 cm.

The average weight of the male and female of this breed is 4 - 18 kg.

How much training does a Lancashire Heeler need?

Lancashire heelers are an easy breed to train. It is a highly intelligent dog but is also quite stubborn. Training this breed should be done at a young age to learn right from wrong.

The Lancashire heeler does exceptionally well in agility, show dog, competition training, and even herding trials.

They become pretty attached to their owners and very much enjoy task-based exercises. As they are inherently working dogs, they are born to take orders. Positive reinforcement training is the best technique for these little dogs.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Lancashire Heeler?

According to the American Kennel Club, Lancashire heelers are generally healthy but can be predisposed to health problems. If you suspect that your dog may be affected by a health condition, you should immediately take them to a vet.

Do not limit your dog's health to just physical. Dogs can suffer from mental illness too. Mental health is just as important for dogs as it is for humans.

If you are adopting or purchasing your dog from a breeder or a dog shelter, ask whether they have checked your dog for any dog problems first.

A reputable breeder should always provide you with a medical history for your dog and its parents.

Here are some of the health conditions this breed may be affected by:

• Collie eye anomaly - This condition affects dogs from birth and has symptoms of cloudy eyes, sunken eyes, or smaller eyes than usual.

• Primary lens luxation - This condition can cause the dislocation of the lens and can lead to blindness.

• Patella Luxation - This condition is when the kneecap is not correctly located in its intended position.

• Persistent pupillary membranes - This condition can be detected from birth and can cause cataracts on the eye or lead to vision loss.

What is the lifespan of a Lancashire Heeler?

The life expectancy of Lancashire heelers depends on their overall health. A healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise and mental stimulation will add to its overall health.

The average life expectancy for this breed is 9 - 14 years.

How much should you feed a Lancashire Heeler?

Your dog should be fed regular meals daily. A healthy diet is a must to ensure that your dog gets its required amount of nutrients to stay healthy and strong.

The amount that each individual dog is fed and what they are fed should be determined by how much they weigh and whether they have any food allergies.

Consult with your vet on the appropriate amount and dietary requirements for your dog.

An adult Lancashire heeler is a small breed and should be fed high-quality dry dog food. A Lancashire heeler puppy should be fed four bowls per day.

They should be fed twice a day from six months to one year old., At one year old, they should be provided with every 24 hours or two small bowls of food per day.

What is the price of a Lancashire Heeler in Australia?

Expect to pay in the region of $600-800 for a Lancashire Heeler puppy in Australia.