In this blog post, we discuss the Lancashire Heeler, a truly special breed that we absolutely adore. Our own dogs, Luna and Zoë, are Lancashire Heelers.

Origin

The Lancashire Heeler originates from the English county of Lancashire—specifically the town of Ormskirk. For this reason, the breed is sometimes referred to as the Ormskirk Heeler. Since 1981 this dog has been officially recognized as a breed in the UK.

Description

With a height at the withers of approximately 25 to 30 centimeters and a weight of 6 to 9 kilograms, the Lancashire Heeler is the smallest British herding dog. Like the Corgi, they have an elongated body shape and come in black and tan or liver and tan colorations. The breed originated from crosses involving the Welsh Corgi and the Manchester Terrier, among others. They can live to a ripe old age; the average Lancashire Heeler lives 12 to 15 years, often remaining remarkably active even in their senior years.

Function

Originally, they were used for herding livestock, such as cattle. They accomplished this by nipping at the cows’ heels; thanks to their small size and agility, they were adept at ducking and dodging kicks from the cattle. Later, these dogs were also employed to exterminate rats and mice or to hunt rabbits.

Temperament

Despite their small size, they are true working dogs that love engaging in activities with their owners. While small in stature, they possess the personality of a big dog in a small package. It is important to keep this breed active and engaged. They are intelligent, eager-to-learn working dogs that enjoy doing things with their owners. They are excellently suited for activities such as Hoopers, obedience training, and scent detection. If a Lancashire Heeler lacks sufficient challenge and activity, it will make this loudly known. In conclusion: whatever you do, don’t underestimate their size!