Lancashire Heeler Profile

Other Names: Ormskirk Terrier, Ormskirk Heeler, Lancashire Terrier

Country of origin: England

Dog Group Kennel Club: Pastoral

General appearance:

The Lancashire Heeler is a double coat breed. The outer coat is weather-resistant, thick, short, hard, and flat. The hair around the neck is slightly longer. The under coat is fine in texture. This breed sheds seasonally in Spring and Fall. Lancashire Heelers are a small, sturdily built dog. They are slightly longer than they are tall and the front feet turn slightly outwards. Their ears are relatively large and stand erect. Lancashires have rich tan markings on their muzzles, spots on the cheeks and above the eyes, from the knees down, and desirably a thumb mark above the feet. They also have tan on the insides of the legs, underbelly and under the tail.

Colours: Black and tan or liver and tan.

Size:

Bitch          25cm (10") 30cm (12")

Dog            25cm (10") 30cm (12")

Weight:

Bitch         3kg (7lbs) 6kg (13lbs)

Dog            3kg (7lbs) 6kg (13lbs)

Temperament:

This Lancashire Heeler breed is extremely affectionate and loyal. The Lancashire Heeler does best in a home with older considerate children. They do well with dogs and other household pets. Lancashire Heeler's are wary and suspicious of strangers and will alert their family to visitors and danger. The Lancashire Terrier is an easy going breed. They are happy, energetic and love to be with their owners. Some prefer to hunt rabbits and rats rather than herd cattle, but some have a very strong desire to herd. They are alert and pleasant to be around. Although small, they are strong and sturdy.

Movement: Smart and brisk. Natural, free movement

Care and training:

They are relatively easy to groom as their hair is rather short and smooth. A rubber grooming mitt and the occasional comb is all that is necessary to keep this dog tidy. Bathing should be done when necessary.

 With the Lancashire Heeler breed, early socialization and obedience training is recommended. As a herding breed, they must be taught not to nip and herd people. The Lancashire Heeler requires a dominant handler as they have a tendency to be stubborn and difficult. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, and consistency.

Overall Exercise:100 - 120 minutes per day.
The Lancashire Heeler does enjoy exercise and is ideal for active people. They can adapt to living in a town or country setting but must have free space in safe areas to exercise in. If they have access to a garden it must be made escape proof, as they will get out the smallest hole or over the smallest fence.

Feeding requirements: They are relatively easy and cheap to feed. As a rule they are not fussy dogs and will eat anything that is put down to them.

Exercise: Med  

Grooming: Low

Noise: Low 

Personal Protection: Medium

Suitability As Guard Dog: Low

Level of Aggression: Medium

Compatibility With Other Animals: Low

Suitablity for Children: Medium

Often docked? No

Average litter: 2 - 5

Life expectancy (yrs):12 - 14

Health issues: Unknown

History: The Lancashire Terrier originally developed in the country of England. Their history is not well documented, but sources agree they were used as a sporting dog in the field of hunting rabbits, vermin, as well as a cattle and sheep drover. Although small, they were specifically bred to be short in order to avoid the sheep's kicks. A Lancashire Heeler's job was to nip at the ankles of the cattle or sheep to get them where the farmer wanted them to go. Their size and quaintness was perfect for the job. However, the breed still retained much of its terrier background, and much preferred to hunt things like rabbits and vermin rather than herd sheep. It is thought to be a mix of the Yorkshire, Norfolk Heeler, Drover's Cur, and the London Smithfield Collie. All of these breeds have gone extinct in England, but the Lancashire is said to resemble them. The Lancashire Terrier was not always black and tan as it is now.