Type the name of the breed you're looking for below
[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Don't see the breed your're looking for? Click here and let us know!
Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
5 paws - breed exhibits most amount of this characteristic
[fbcomments]
Lancashire Heeler
| Other Names | Ormskirk Heeler, Ormskirk Terrier |
| Country of Origin | Great Britain |
| Weight | 6 - 13 lbs. (3 - 6 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 10 - 12 in. (25 - 31 cm) |
| Coat | The coat is harsh and smooth with an undercoat which keeps the dog dry in all weathers. It may have a slight mane round the neck in winter. |
| Colour | The dog is usually black and tan, but liver and tan is now recognized by the Kennel Club. |
| Litter Size | 2 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 11 - 14 years |
| Origin & History | Precise details of the origin of breed is unknown. However, it is accepted that a type of Welsh Corgi was used to drive livestock to the north west of England from Wales. In the Ormskirk area, a type of black and tan terrier called the Manchester Terrier was introduced which resulted in what is now known as the Lancashire Heeler. The breed has been known in its home county for over a hundred and fifty years as a general purpose farm dog, capable of both ratting and herding cattle. Gwen Mackintosh began to breed Heelers in the early 1960s. Together with other enthusiasts, the Lancashire Heeler Club was formed in 1978, with the club setting a breed standard and register. Recognition by The Kennel Club followed in 1981. Mackintosh would continue to serve as the club's president until her death in 1992. The breed was recognised as a vulnerable native breed by The Kennel Club in 2006, which means that annual registration figures are 300 or less for the breed. In 2006, 173 Heelers were registered in the UK, in 2007 this had decreased further to 146. |
| Personality | The Lancashire Heeler is very alert and friendly with those he knows but may be wary of strangers. An excellent ratter with rabbit catching potential, it has superior strength and broad instinctive abilities. This breed makes a pleasant companion, and does best with older, considerate children. The Lancashire may nip at people’s heels as it has a strong instinct to herd and must be taught not to do it to people. This breed may be difficult to obedience train, but it is trainable. While it has great herding instincts and will make a wonderful herder of cattle, goats and horses, it is rarely used as such. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behavior problems. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals. |
Care Requirements
| Health | The three most common serious conditions that can affect Heelers are Collie eye anomaly, Primary lens luxation and Persistent pupillary membranes. As well as these eye conditions, dogs of this breed may suffer from Patella luxation. |
| Grooming | This breed is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. The coat is seasonably long or short. In the wintertime the coat is plush with a visible mane and in the summer it has a sleek, shiny coat. |
| Exercise | The Lancashire Heeler has a lot of energy and it must be kept busy. It needs to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. |
| Other Considerations | This breed is a good dog for apartment living. It is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard as long as it is properly exercised. This breed will do okay in colder climates as long as it has proper shelter. |
