Lancashire Heeler
- Height at the withers
- 25 to 30 cm
- Weight
- 4 to 8 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Lancashire, England
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- apartment living, with regular outings
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A small, sturdy herding dog with short legs and a low-set build. It has a short, weather-resistant black and tan double coat, a fox-like expression and an alert temperament.
History and origins
Developed in Lancashire, England, as a versatile farm dog to drive cattle by nipping at their heels and to hunt rats. It is thought to come from crosses between the Welsh Corgi and the Manchester Terrier. The FCI has recognized it only provisionally, since 2016.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Primary lens luxation
- Collie eye anomaly
- Persistent pupillary membranes
- Patellar luxation
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short double coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Lancashire Heeler FAQ
How big does the Lancashire Heeler get?
The Lancashire Heeler stands 25 to 30 cm at the withers and weighs 4 to 8 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the Lancashire Heeler shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Lancashire Heeler live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Lancashire Heeler need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Lancashire Heeler good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Lancashire Heeler live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are primary lens luxation and Collie eye anomaly.
