The Lancashire Heeler is the 201st breed recognized by the American Kennel Club. They are the newest addition to the Herding Group and they were allowed to begin competing in January of 2024. The process of adding the Lancashire Heeler to the Miscellaneous class began in 2017. In April 2023, the announcement was made that the breed would be eligible to compete beginning in 2024.
Lancashire Heeler History
Lancashire Heelers are small dogs, but don’t let that fool you. They are mighty herding dog with the heart, soul, and brain of a heeler. On average, they weigh between nine and 17 pounds and stand about 11 inches tall. The breed has served as working farm dogs for hundreds of years in Northwest England. They get their name from the county of Lancashire. The dogs are also known as Ormskirk Terriers, and they are very common in the Ormskirk area of West Lancashire. The breed is thought to have originated from Welsh Corgis that traveled north with the cattle herds, then cross-bred with the Manchester Terrier.
Characteristics of the Lancashire Heeler
The coat of a Lancashire Heeler is short, dense, and flat. It is usually black and tan in color, but its coat may be liver and tan. The breed does not require much grooming, just an occasional bath, regular trims, and light brushing from time to time. It’s a generally healthy breed and usually lives between 12 to 15 years of age. They may be more susceptible to some types of eye conditions and patella luxation, which necessitates they undergo continuous monitoring and testing for these conditions.
The Working-Class Breed
At first glance, the Lancashire Heeler looks like a lap dog. But the breed is an active working dog that requires both mental stimulation and exercise. They do enjoy a lot of attention, but they are very eager to learn. The breed excels at herding and does well in dog sports. Their higher intelligence makes them great at obedience training and their size and build are perfect for many activities including those that require agility. The Lancashire Heeler has a playful spirit and they are affectionate, which makes them a good fit for many families. However, it is important to socialize them as they can be a bit wary of strangers.
Caring for a Lancashire Heeler
Just like other dog breeds, the Lancashire Heeler needs some considerations to ensure their contentment and overall well-being. Firstly, they must have adequate exercise. The breed is highly energetic and agile. Like most dogs, they need daily walks, but they’ll need more than that, such as letting them have plenty of playtime in the backyard, or engaging in dog sports to make sure they stay fit. Secondly, the breed is very intelligent, which will take a bit more effort to ensure they have enough mental stimulation. You’ll want to include puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive games to keep them from becoming bored.
Needs of the Lancashire Heeler
They will also need socialization. You’ll want to start early on exposing them to various situations, people, places, and settings so that they will become well-adjusted and friendly with both people and other dogs. The breed also needs adequate training. Training should focus on using positive reinforcement strategies, since the breed is generally eager to please.
Feeding and Nutrition
Providing proper nutrition plays an essential role in helping maintain the health and well-being of any furry family member. Make sure to discuss a balanced diet with the vet so that they get feedings that are suitable for their size, age, and activity level. Make sure to ask the vet how to prevent over-feeding, as the Lancashire Heeler is prone to becoming overweight. Your vet can offer professional advice on the types of foods or formulas that are right for your pup.
Personality of the Lancashire Heeler
Lancashire Heelers are known for their distinctive, charming personalities. They may be small in size, but their hearts are huge, and they have tons of energy. While they are relatively easy to train, they can be a bit stubborn from time to time. The breed is also known to be loyal and affectionate toward their humans and they form strong bonds with the ones they love. They seek attention and physical affection, which makes them exceptional companion dogs who thrive on human interaction.
Let Us Fit Your Lancashire Heeler with a Custom Harness!
Dogs vary in size and build; it can be difficult to get the right size harness for them. This is why you’ll find 25 fully adjustable harness sizes at BrilliantK9. We want to make sure your dog gets the right fit. Most harnesses are only available in 5 or 6 sizes and boasts that one-size-fits-most. However, the last thing a dog parent wants is for a harness to rub a raw spot or create a sore because of ill fitting. At BrilliantK9, we’ll choose the right size for your Lancashire Heeler, or other breed. Contact us today, and let us make sure you get the right harness for your dog.