The Lancashire Heeler is without doubt one of the new pups on the block. Nicely, formally, anyway. Regardless of being round for hundreds of years, the American Kennel Membership (AKC) acknowledged them as an official breed in 2024. It is a uncommon pup in America, however with numbers anticipated to extend, we thought we must always present our readers with a Lancashire Heeler breed information.
The Lancashire Heeler is perhaps small and cute, however don’t let this idiot you. This little pooch could be a menace in case you don’t meet their wants. I take a look at their historical past, how that impacts their persona, and what you possibly can count on from them as a household pet. From their excessive train must their easy grooming necessities, we cowl every part it’s good to know. Let’s dive in.
Weight9-17 kilos
Peak10-12 inches
Lifespan12-15 years
ColoursBlack with tan markings or liver with tan markings
Historical past
The Lancashire Heeler goes again to the seventeenth century. Their precise origin is unknown, however they’re regarded as associated to the Corgi due to their comparable persona and physique form. Some historians imagine additionally they have Manchester Terrier blood working via their veins. Farmers employed the Lancashire Heeler to drive inventory to market in northern Wales throughout the border to the Lancashire market.
This little pooch was widespread in Ormskirk, an space west of Lancashire. That is why you may hear breed fanciers check with this pup because the Ormskirk Heeler. In addition to an ankle-nipping cattle herder, this small-sized pooch was incredible at ratting and maintaining different vermin away. Their terrier-like traits imply they’re additionally known as the Ormskirk Terrier.
The UK’s Kennel Membership acknowledged them as an official breed in 1981. Sadly, because of low inhabitants numbers within the UK, they have been listed as a susceptible native breed in 2003. Based on the AKC, there are solely round 5,000 Lancashire Heelers worldwide. Solely round 400 dwell in America, making them one of many nation’s rarest pups. However due to their latest official recognition, numbers are anticipated to extend.
Temperament
Lancashire Heelers are big bundles of power packed right into a small body. Though it’s unclear if they’ve terrier family members, they undoubtedly have a terrier persona. Their prey drive is excessive, they usually chase every part. From cats to squirrels, toys, and rats, nothing will get previous this little pup. Combining their alertness with their love of chattering, you possibly can count on a incredible watchdog.
Lancashire Heelers are all the time prepared for journey. Whether or not exploring the neighborhood or engaged on a ranch, they wish to be saved busy. Which additionally means they’re tonnes of enjoyable. They’re very clever and really fast to study new tips and duties given to them. For those who’re on the lookout for a compact and intelligent canine, you possibly can’t get significantly better than this pooch.
One of many breed’s greatest traits is their love for his or her household. Lancashire Heelers adore their people and wish to spend each waking second with them. They’re extremely affectionate with everybody of their household unit, together with kids and different canine pets. However they’re suspicious of outsiders and anybody who enters their property and brave in the event that they sense hazard.
Measurement & Look
Lancashire Heelers are small canines that normally weigh between 9 and 17 kilos and measure between 10 and 12 inches tall. Females are sometimes smaller than males. Though small, they’re highly effective pups due to their sturdy and muscular body. Their comparatively lengthy and low physique, brief legs, and broad paws imply they’re generally mistaken for Doxie mixes.
Lancashire Heelers have the distinctive “Heeler Smile” attribute, which describes how they draw their agency lips mimicking a human smile. Their smile, darkish, almond-shaped eyes, and alert ears give them their irresistible canine attraction. If you wish to present your Lancashire Terrier within the present ring, they have to conform to the principles of their breed normal.
Coat & Colours
The Lancashire Heeler has a double coat with a effective undercoat and a thick, weather-resistant topcoat. Their coat is flat and brief, making it comparatively easy to take care of. These Heelers have barely longer hair round their neck, which is extra prevalent in males. Their coat is clean to the contact.
Most Lancashire Heelers have a primarily black coat with just a few tan markings. These tan markings seem on their cheeks, usually above their eyes, on their chest, beneath their tail, and from their knees downwards. Some Lancashire Heelers inherit the dilute shade gene, giving them a liver and tan coat shade as a substitute. Their eyes and different options, like paws and nails, are all the time black. Except they’ve a liver coat, the place they could have lighter options to match their coat.
Train & Dwelling Situations
Lancashire Heelers are medium to high-energy pups, however they’re one of the vital energetic canines in contrast with these of an analogous measurement. They want round 45 to 60 minutes of train each day, with out fail. Nonetheless, they’d fortunately go on for hours when you have the time. Combining their excessive power with their have to be saved busy, the Lancashire Heeler isn’t suited to the averagely lively household.
Based on the United States Lancashire Heeler Membership (USLHC), “this breed comes with baggage and may turn out to be a menace if not managed appropriately.” This daring assertion tells potential households that they have to analysis this breed totally earlier than welcoming one into their dwelling. The Lancashire Heeler wants a selected kind of household that may meet their wants.
Lancashire Heelers can dwell in residences, giant estates, or something in between. What they do want is a safe dwelling the place they can’t escape. Their curiosity and excessive prey drive imply they are going to escape if given the prospect. These Heelers are nice with dog-savvy children and may dwell with different canines if socialized. However these Heelers aren’t your best option for dwelling with cats or different small furries.
Coaching
Coaching a Lancashire Heeler could be difficult, however it’s not unimaginable. These pups are clever and really eager to please their masters, which may make them extremely obedient companions. However additionally they have an impartial streak that may make them equally cussed. The trick with coaching a Heeler is to make periods enjoyable and brief. In any other case, you lose their consideration. Coaching have to be constant, too.
One other essential coaching side for the Lancashire Heeler is sufficient socialization as a pet. They danger changing into overly fearful or anxious in the event that they aren’t blended with different canines and people and have new experiences as pups. This could result in behavioral issues. For those who wrestle with something training-related, contemplate contacting an expert coach similar to Doggy Dan.
Well being
The Lancashire Heeler is a comparatively wholesome canine breed that enjoys a protracted lifespan of 12 to fifteen years. Each canine is totally different, and that is a mean expectation. However some dwell longer, and sadly, some much less. Preserve your Heeler wholesome by feeding them a high-quality food regimen, offering an lively way of life, and looking for veterinary assist whenever you suspect one thing isn’t fairly proper.
It may be overwhelming to consider the potential well being points on your Lancashire Heeler. Pet insurance coverage is offered to assist in giving you peace of thoughts. It could assist pay for a portion of surprising vet bills which can be included in your coverage. We encourage you to study all in regards to the greatest pet insurance coverage.
Eye Situations
There are two predominant eye considerations to pay attention to. The primary is main lens luxation (PLL), and the opposite is collie eye anomaly (CEA). Each are hereditary circumstances that may finally result in full imaginative and prescient loss if left untreated. So, breeders should display their canines for these considerations. Ask your breeder for a certificates exhibiting the mother and father have handed an OFA or CERF examination throughout the 12 months earlier than breeding.
Diet
The Lancashire Heeler is a small canine, which implies they eat a smaller quantity than the average-sized canine. That is nice information on your pockets. How a lot you feed them is dependent upon varied components, similar to their age, measurement, power ranges, kind of food regimen, and extra. Comply with the feeding directions for a customized strategy. Some contemporary greens make nice wholesome snacks for doggos.
All the time select a high-quality food regimen that meets the requirements of the Affiliation of American Management Feed Officers (AAFCO). This must be on the meals packaging or advert. Canines want a balanced food regimen of excellent high quality protein, wholesome fat and carbohydrates, fiber, and nutritional vitamins and minerals. Why not contemplate a high-quality contemporary meals service like Ollie?
Grooming
Grooming a Lancashire Heeler is comparatively easy, due to their brief coat. They’ve a double coat that sheds all year long and is slightly heavier in the course of the shedding seasons. However their small measurement means you haven’t received as a lot hair to cope with in comparison with a Labrador. A delicate bristle brush is right for the Heeler’s weekly grooming. In the course of the shedding seasons, a de-shedding device helps take away useless hair.
As Lancashire Heelers are energetic, adventurous, and like to play in muddy puddles, they’ll get dirtier than your common doggo. You must solely bathe and shampoo your pup each three months to maintain their pores and skin and hair in the very best situation. However you might need to clean your Heeler down extra continuously than this if they’re tremendous messy. You will need to additionally brush their tooth a number of instances every week to maintain periodontal ailments at bay.
Breeders & Pet Prices
Lancashire Heelers are uncommon canines, so you might need to journey far relying in your location. Nonetheless, discovering a respected breeder is essential if you wish to buy a wholesome purebred Heeler. In any other case, you danger a pet from unscreened mother and father that hasn’t been taken care of, a mistreated pup, or any blended breed that resembles a Heeler.
The typical value of a wholesome pet from a accountable breeder is between $1,000 and $1,200. Though some breeders supply cheaper pet costs, this may be extra expensive in the long term. Do not forget that that is simply the pet value. You will need to additionally think about different prices, similar to guaranteeing your own home is escape-proof and buying every part they want. You may additionally want to contemplate pet strolling providers to fulfill their train wants or a Halo collar.
Rescue & Shelters
Because the Lancashire Heeler is a scarce breed, it is vitally unlikely for hopeful adopters to search out one in a rescue shelter. Nonetheless, head to your native rescue shelters and converse to the employees who could know of 1 needing a house. The USLHC is dedicated to the betterment of the breed, they usually may have the ability to supply details about Lancashire Heeler rescue. However on the time of writing, the breed is so uncommon that no official rescue organizations can be found for the Heeler.
As A Household Pet
- Lancashire Heelers are small canines that may dwell in small properties.
- They want a really lively household to fulfill their medium to high-energy wants.
- Coaching could be difficult, so expertise and persistence are wanted.
- Lancashire Heelers are numerous enjoyable and like to play.
- They adore their people and hit it off with dog-savvy kids and different canines.
- These pups are very affectionate however suspicious of strangers.
- Lancashire Heelers make incredible watchdogs.
Curious About Different Small Terriers & Heelers?
The Lancashire Heeler could make an unimaginable companion for the fitting household. There’s a lot to consider and analysis, particularly for a high-energy, workaholic breed like this one. Take a look at our suggestions for attempting your Lancashire at agility coaching, which is bound to maintain them entertained. For those who love tiny terriers, why not try our information on small-size canines? Or head over to our Australian Cattle Canine web page, the place you could find extra data on these equally good-looking Heelers.
Why Belief Love Your Canine?
Emma is a canine proprietor with over 20 years of expertise. She has additionally labored as an expert canine walker and sitter for a few years, caring for numerous canine breeds with totally different wants. Emma dedicates many hours to researching the newest pet care, well being, meals, and coaching developments to maintain her two greatest buddies and different doggy shoppers as completely satisfied and wholesome as attainable. She works alongside an expert and skilled staff to carry the very best, most correct, and up-to-date data to our readers.
