Lancashire HeelerCharacteristics, history, training and care
Lancashire Heeler. · Svenska Mässan from Sweden / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Cropped and resized.
The Lancashire Heeler is a small, strong and energetic English dog, black or liver with tan markings. It is a cattle-driving dog, but it also has a terrier's instinct for hunting rabbits and rats. The standard describes it as courageous, cheerful and affectionate with its owner.
Quick facts
| Common name | Lancashire Heeler |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | England |
| Official recognition | FCI, provisionally accepted (group 1, sheepdogs; standard no. 360); AKC, since 2024 |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | ideally 30 cm at the withers |
| Size (females) | ideally 25 cm at the withers |
| Weight | 4–7.7 kg, according to the AKC |
| Coat type | Short, hard, flat, weather-resistant, with a fine undercoat |
| Common colours | Black and tan, liver and tan |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | Yes, with daily exercise |
| Temperament | Courageous, cheerful, affectionate, intelligent |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | Very good, according to the AKC |
| Good with other animals | Very good with other dogs, according to the AKC; terrier instinct |
| Genetic predispositions | Primary lens luxation |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The FCI standard says the origin of the breed is not clear, but it has been suggested that, when cattle were driven from Wales by corgis to the slaughterhouses around Ormskirk, the “Welsh heeler” met the Manchester Terrier, with the expected results. The breed has been found and bred in that area for many generations.
The AKC says that in 2003 the breed was placed on the Kennel Club's list of vulnerable breeds because of the small number of dogs. Wikipedia says the AKC recognised it in 2024.
How the breed developed
- Many generations – The dogs drive cattle around Ormskirk.
- 2003 – The Kennel Club places it on its list of vulnerable breeds.
- 2006 – Primary lens luxation is discovered in the breed.
- 2024 – The AKC recognises the breed.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★★ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★★ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★★ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★★☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★★ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★★☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★☆☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★★ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good guard dog | ★★★★☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★★ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
The standard describes it as a small, powerful, sturdily built, alert and energetic worker. The body is about 2.5 cm longer than the height at the withers.
General appearance
The skull is flat and wide between the ears. The coat has a fine undercoat covered by short, dense, hard, flat, weather-resistant hair, slightly longer on the neck. A long or overly wavy coat is undesirable.
| Feature | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Height at the withers | males: ideally 30 cm; females: ideally 25 cm |
| Weight | 4–7.7 kg (AKC) |
| Coat | Short, hard, flat |
| Body | Slightly longer than tall |
| Use | Cattle driving, ratting |
The accepted colours are black and tan and liver and tan, with tan markings on the cheeks and often above the eyes.
Training and socialisation
The AKC says it is intelligent and learns quickly, but it can have a will of its own, so training must be gentle but firm. It is alert, affectionate with its owners and always ready to go.
It is sometimes wary of strangers, but once introduced it greets them happily with “kisses”. The AKC says it has a “heeler smile”: when it is pleased, it draws its lips back, as in a human smile.
Tips for effective training
- Be gentle but firm. It can have a will of its own.
- Introduce your guests. Then it becomes very friendly.
- Keep its mind busy. It needs mental stimulation.
- Be careful around rodents. It has a terrier's instinct.
Activity needs and lifestyle
The AKC says it enjoys exercise, people and mental stimulation. Play in a fenced yard, walks several times a day and indoor games keep it happy.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Walks | several times a day | High energy |
| Play in a fenced yard | daily | Uses up energy |
| Indoor games | daily | Mental stimulation |
Tips for a balanced life
- It can also live in an apartment.
- Do not leave it alone for long.
- Keep it on the lead near small animals.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The AKC says the short, hard, dense, waterproof coat needs very little care: a light brush and an occasional bath. The nails should be trimmed as needed, and the ears checked regularly.
Common health problems
The AKC says it is a generally healthy breed that lives well beyond 10 years. In 2006 a hereditary eye disease was discovered:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Primary lens luxation | The lens of the eye moves out of position | Red, painful, cloudy eye; poor vision |
Other care
- Ask for eye tests on the parents and puppies.
- Check the ears regularly.
- Trim the nails as needed.
Diet and nutrition
The AKC says some dogs gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kg | 320 kcal | 360 kcal | 80–103 g |
| 6 kg | 430 kcal | 480 kcal | 110–140 g |
| 7.7 kg | 520 kcal | 580 kcal | 130–170 g |
- Give it its food in two meals a day.
- Treats count towards the daily portion.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- The “heeler smile”. When it is pleased, it draws its lips back, as in a smile.
- Corgi plus terrier. It is thought to come from Welsh cattle dogs and the Manchester Terrier.
- A dog for cattle and rabbits. It drives cattle, but also hunts rabbits and rats.
- A vulnerable breed. The Kennel Club placed it on its list of vulnerable breeds in 2003.
- Chatty. The AKC describes it as always cheerful and “chatty”.
Frequently asked questions
What is it used for?
It drives cattle and catches rabbits and rats; today it is also a companion dog.
How big does it get?
Ideally, males measure 30 cm and females 25 cm; the AKC gives 4–7.7 kg.
Is it good with children?
The AKC gives it the top score for getting on with children.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 12–15 years.
