Lancashire Heeler

The history of the Lancashire Heeler is a subject of debate, but the most widely accepted theory links its emergence to the cattle markets of Ormskirk, Lancashire. For centuries, Welsh farmers drove their cattle to English markets, accompanied by small black-and-tan dogs, the ancestors of modern Corgis. It is believed that within Lancashire, these dogs were crossed with the local Manchester Terrier. The result of this union was a versatile farm dog—compact, hardy, and capable of both herding cattle and hunting vermin.

These dogs were known as the “Ormskirk Heeler” and were prized for their “heeling” instinct—they would nip at the cows’ heels to get them moving, but were low enough to the ground to avoid being kicked. Despite its long history as a working dog, the breed was on the verge of extinction by the mid-20th century. A revival began in the 1960s, thanks to an enthusiast named Gwen Mackintosh. She started a dedicated breeding programme using dogs that resembled the breed’s ancestors, notably the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and Manchester Terriers. Thanks to her efforts, the Lancashire Heeler Club was formed in 1978. The breed standard was officially recognised by The Kennel Club in the UK in 1981, and in 2016, the breed received provisional recognition from the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

The Lancashire Heeler is a small yet sturdy and muscular dog, always alert and energetic. Its appearance reflects its dual purpose as both a herder and a terrier.

1. General Appearance: A small, powerful, robustly built dog. The body is slightly longer than the height at the withers (by about 2.5 cm).
2. Head: Proportional to the body, with a flat skull. The muzzle tapers towards the nose. The stop (the transition from forehead to muzzle) is moderate.
3. Eyes: Almond-shaped, medium-sized, and dark in colour. In liver-coloured dogs, they may be light brown. The expression is intelligent and alert.
4. Ears: Erect or almost erect. They are large in proportion to the head. When the dog is alert, the ears are held upright.
5. Body: A strong topline, with a well-developed chest and sprung ribs.
6. Tail: Set high and left in its natural state. It may have a slight curve but does not form a ring over the back.
7. Limbs: Short, with strong bones. The paws are small and neat.
8. Coat: A double coat. The undercoat is soft and dense, providing protection from the weather. The topcoat is short, dense, and smooth. A slight “collar” may form on the neck. The coat becomes thicker in winter.
9. Colour: The two main variations are black and tan and liver and tan. The rich tan markings are found on the muzzle, cheeks, chest, inner side of the legs, and under the tail.

The Lancashire Heeler’s character is a unique blend of herding dog and terrier traits. They are intelligent, loyal, and eager to please like a herding dog, yet possess the courage, tenacity, and occasional stubbornness characteristic of terriers. Their signature “Heeler smile,” where the dog lifts its lips, never fails to bring a sense of joy and happiness to those around them. This little livewire is a universal favourite and always finds itself at the centre of attention!

Heelers are very family-oriented and form strong bonds with their owners. They can be somewhat wary of strangers, which makes them excellent watchdogs—they will always announce the arrival of visitors with a loud bark. Early socialisation is key to preventing this trait from developing into excessive suspicion. They generally get along well with children, especially if they grow up together, but their herding instinct may manifest in attempts to “herd” small children by nipping gently at their heels. This needs to be managed from an early age. They can live happily with other pets, including cats, if properly socialised. However, their hunting instinct can be strong towards rodents.

The Lancashire Heeler is a relatively low-maintenance breed in terms of grooming. They adapt well to living in a city flat as well as a private house with a garden, provided their activity needs are met.

Coat Care

Their short double coat does not require complicated grooming. A weekly brush with a stiff bristle brush or a rubber grooming mitt will help remove dead hair and keep the coat clean. Bathe a Heeler only when necessary to avoid stripping the skin’s natural protective layer. The breed has a seasonal moult in spring and autumn. During this time, you will need to brush the dog more frequently, perhaps daily. Thanks to their dense undercoat, Heelers tolerate cool and damp weather well.

Physical Activity

This is a very energetic breed. They need at least 60 minutes of active walks per day. This cannot be a calm stroll on a lead. Heelers love to run, play fetch, chase a frisbee, and perform various tasks. They need not only physical but also mental stimulation. Engaging in dog sports like agility, flyball, obedience, or even herding trials is an excellent outlet for their energy. A similar level of energy is also found in the Boykin Spaniel, which also requires an active lifestyle.

Training and raising a Lancashire Heeler should begin from the first day the puppy arrives in your home. Thanks to their high intelligence, they quickly grasp new commands and enjoy learning. However, their “terrier side” can manifest as stubbornness.

Key Aspects of Training:

• Positive Reinforcement: Heelers respond best to methods based on praise, treats, and games. Harsh methods can provoke resistance.
• Consistency: All family members must follow the same rules. This helps to avoid confusing the dog.
• Early Socialisation: It is crucial to introduce the puppy to different people, animals, sounds, and situations. This will help raise a confident and well-balanced dog.
• Barking Control: Teach your dog the “Quiet!” command from an early age, as they are prone to barking.
• Controlling the Herding Instinct: Immediately stop any attempts to “herd” people or animals by redirecting their attention to a toy.

Incredible devotion, sincere love, and unquestioning obedience are the traits of the Lancashire Heeler that, with the right approach to training, become the hallmark of the breed.

• The “Heeler Smile”: This is a unique trait of the breed. When a Heeler is happy or excited, it may lift its lips, baring its teeth in a grimace that strongly resembles a smile. This is not a sign of aggression.
• A Rare Breed: The Lancashire Heeler is on the UK’s Vulnerable Native Breeds list. This means the number of registered puppies is very low, and the breed requires protection.
• The All-Round Worker: Historically, Heelers not only herded cattle but were also excellent rat-catchers on farms, showcasing their terrier heritage.
• A Companion for Horses: Thanks to their courage and agility, Heelers often became companions for horses in stables.

Is the Lancashire Heeler suitable for a first-time owner?

Yes, but with some caveats. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, but their stubbornness and high energy require consistency and a willingness to dedicate time to training. A novice owner should be prepared for this challenge or enrol in training classes. For comparison, breeds like the Biewer Terrier are often considered easier for beginners due to their calmer temperament.

Do Lancashire Heelers shed a lot?

They have a moderate seasonal moult twice a year. There will be more hair during this period, but at other times, grooming is minimal. This is not a hypoallergenic breed.

Can they live in a flat?

Yes, their compact size allows them to be comfortable in a flat. However, the key condition is providing a sufficient level of daily physical and mental activity outside the home.

Do Heelers get along well with children and other animals?

Usually, yes. They are gentle with children from their own family, but you need to watch their herding instinct. With other dogs and cats, they get along well with early socialisation. However, small pets like hamsters or guinea pigs may become the target of their hunting instinct.