ALLEMAND
ESPAGNOL
FRANÇAIS
ITALIEN
NÉERLANDAIS
PORTUGAISLancashire heeler
Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog lancashire heeler!
Here, you will find all the useful information about lancashire heeler. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.
Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.
Overall description of the breed
The origins of the Lancashire Heeler are deeply rooted in history, although their true origin remains a mystery. The earliest records of this breed date back to the early 17th century in the United Kingdom. It is believed to be the result of a cross between the Welsh Corgi Pembroke, a Welsh herding dog, and the Manchester Terrier, a terrier originating from the city of Manchester in England.
At the time, these dogs were primarily used for herding cattle in Wales, with the mission of guiding them to the slaughterhouses in Ormskirk, in the Lancashire region of England. The Lancashire Heeler perfectly embodies the essence of British breeds and has been officially recognized since 1981 by the Kennel Club in England (KC).
However, despite its popularity in the United Kingdom, it was only provisionally registered by the International Canine Federation, with the official recognition occurring on May 30, 2016. It is classified in Group 1 for herding and cattle dogs, with the exception of Swiss cattle dogs.
Despite its small size, the Lancashire Heeler should not be underestimated. It possesses a sturdy structure and a resilient morphology. Its body is compact and harmonious, brimming with energy. Its height is less than its length, giving it a rectangular silhouette. It has a broad yet shallow chest, with arched ribs and a cylindrical body. Its back is straight and short, featuring a robust hindquarters and straight limbs. Its short legs provide it with a low center of gravity, making it quick and responsive.
Its head resembles that of a fox, with a broad skull, a proportionate muzzle, pointed in shape, and ears proudly erect. Its tail is of medium length, thick, hanging at rest and held straight in motion. Its coat is short, dense, and soft to the touch, and it can have two color variations: black and tan or chocolate (brown, liver) and tan.
As for its temperament, the Lancashire Heeler is a small, dynamic dog, attentive to its surroundings and affectionate towards its family. It generally has a docile temperament, although it can sometimes display tenacity, especially when it's urged to stop its outdoor activities.
It's full of energy and requires regular exercise to thrive, whether through long forest walks, agility sessions, or playtime. It excels in these areas. However, it may encounter difficulties getting along with other dogs and animals, emphasizing the importance of socialization from a young age to improve this aspect of its behavior.
The Lancashire Heeler is jovial, endearing, and a true prankster. It loves sharing playful moments with its family and never misses an opportunity to be the clown. As a herding dog, it watches over its own and can be a good guardian, displaying wariness towards strangers, although once introduced, it becomes a pleasant host.
Being an excellent hunter, it may occasionally tend to escape during walks if not kept on a leash. Recall training is essential to control its predator instincts, and it's recommended to ensure a secure environment during outings. Intelligent, loyal, and willing, the Lancashire Heeler is a charming small dog that is well-suited for active individuals and families.
It typically weighs between 2.5 and 7 kg (5.5 to 15.5 lb) and measures between 25 cm to 31 cm (10" to 12").
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Origins
The Lancashire Heeler, originating from Lancashire County in England, is an ancient breed developed primarily to assist with farm work. Also known as the "Ormskirk Terrier", this herding dog is a result of crossing Welsh Corgis with local Terriers. Its small size and agility make it an excellent working dog, capable of efficiently herding livestock. Historically, it was also used for ratting, thanks to its hunting instinct and tireless energy.
History
The Lancashire Heeler breed has a rich history dating back several centuries. Initially, these dogs were essential on Lancashire farms, where they helped manage livestock and protect crops from pests. Over the years, the breed's popularity has fluctuated, but thanks to the efforts of breed enthusiasts, it has been preserved and recognized by various canine clubs. In 1981, the British Kennel Club officially recognized the Lancashire Heeler, ensuring its survival and international recognition.
Standard
The breed standard for the Lancashire Heeler calls for a small, robust, and well-proportioned dog. Its head is wedge-shaped with erect and alert ears. The eyes are oval and bright, expressing keen intelligence. The tail, often curled over the back, is a distinctive feature. Its coat is short, smooth, and dense, with a weather-resistant undercoat. Typical colors include black and tan, although other shades may sometimes appear.
Physical characteristics
Physically, the Lancashire Heeler is a compact and muscular dog, measuring about 25 to 30 cm at the withers for a weight of 5 to 7 kg. Its small size should not deceive about its strength and endurance. Its short and dense coat protects it well against the elements, and its short but powerful legs allow it to move with agility and speed. The upright ears and bright eyes testify to its always alert nature, ready to act at any moment.
Character
The Lancashire Heeler is known for its lively, intelligent, and loyal character. It is energetic, always ready to participate in an activity, whether it be work or play. This dog is also known for its great adaptability, being able to live in both rural and urban environments, as long as it gets enough exercise. Protective and affectionate towards its family, it can be reserved with strangers. Its herding instinct can make it stubborn at times, but with proper training, it becomes a loyal and obedient companion.
Life expectancy
The Lancashire Heeler has a relatively long life expectancy for a dog of its size, often between 12 and 15 years. Some individuals can even live beyond this average due to good genetics and proper care. Owners must ensure to provide balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and veterinary visits to ensure a long and healthy life. This longevity makes the Lancashire Heeler a long-term companion for families and breed enthusiasts.
Exercise and activity needs
The Lancashire Heeler has considerable exercise needs despite its small size. It requires daily walks and enjoys stimulating activities such as ball games, agility, or long hikes. Its working instinct drives it to be active and remain mentally stimulated. Obedience games and interactive puzzles can also help satisfy its need for mental stimulation. Without sufficient activity, it may become destructive or develop undesirable behaviors.
Recommended diet
To maintain Lancashire Heeler in good health, a balanced and high-quality diet is essential. High-end kibbles, rich in protein and low in fat, are often recommended. It is important to control portions to prevent overweight, given the small size of this breed. Treats should be given in moderation and used primarily as rewards during training. A diet tailored to its age, weight, and activity level will contribute to its longevity and vitality.
Training and obedience
The Lancashire Heeler's education should be firm but positive, using methods based on reward and motivation. This intelligent and lively dog responds well to short and varied training sessions that maintain its interest. Socialization from a young age is crucial to prevent any shyness or aggression towards strangers and other animals. Puppy training classes can be beneficial for learning basic commands and promoting sociable and obedient behavior.
Behavior with children
The Lancashire Heeler is generally good with children, especially if properly socialized from a young age. Its playful and energetic nature makes it an excellent playmate. However, due to its small size, it is important to supervise interactions with young children to prevent any accidental injuries. Children should also be educated on how to interact respectfully with the dog, to ensure a harmonious and safe cohabitation.
Compatibility with Other Animals
The Lancashire Heeler can live with other pets if socialized properly from a young age. However, its herding and hunting instincts may lead to chasing behaviors, especially with small animals like cats or rodents. With gradual introduction and proper supervision, it can learn to accept and peacefully coexist with other animals. Patience and consistent training are key to ensuring good interspecific compatibility.
Grooming needs
Grooming a Lancashire Heeler is relatively simple due to its short and dense coat. A weekly brushing is usually sufficient to remove dead hair and keep the coat clean and shiny. During shedding periods, more frequent brushing may be necessary to manage excess hair. Basic care also includes checking and cleaning ears, trimming nails, and brushing teeth to prevent dental problems. An occasional bath is sufficient to maintain hygiene.
Health
The Lancashire Heeler is generally a robust breed with few major health problems. However, like all breeds, it can be prone to certain hereditary conditions. Common issues include luxating patellas and some eye diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy. Genetic screening tests are recommended for breeders to minimize these risks. Regular veterinary visits and careful monitoring of its health can help detect and treat any condition quickly.
Average price
The average price of a Lancashire Heeler puppy can vary depending on several factors, including lineage, breeder reputation, and health tests performed. Generally, a puppy of this breed can cost between 800 and 1500 euros. In the United States, the price often ranges between 900 and 1700 dollars. It is important to choose a reputable breeder who conducts rigorous health tests to ensure that the puppy is healthy and well-socialized, thus justifying the higher initial cost.
Expenses
Annual expenses for a Lancashire Heeler include food, veterinary care, grooming, and accessories. On average, these costs can amount to around 800 to 1200 euros per year in Europe, which is between 900 and 1300 dollars in the United States. This includes quality food, regular veterinary visits, vaccines, parasite treatments, and possibly pet health insurance. Expenses may vary depending on the dog's individual health and local prices.
Name ideas
For a Lancashire Heeler, names like Max, Bella, and Duke can reflect their noble and active nature. Max means "the greatest", ideal for a dog with a big heart. Bella, "beautiful" in Italian, suits a graceful female. Duke evokes nobility and dignity, perfect for a proud dog. Luna, meaning "moon", can be given to a dog with a mysterious and serene character. Scout, for an explorer, and Finn, meaning "fine" or "blonde", are also appropriate. Names can reflect physical or personality traits, bringing a unique personal touch to each dog.
Legislation and regulation
The Lancashire Heeler is not subject to any specific restrictions in most countries.
Official recognition
The Lancashire Heeler is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under the number 360 in group 1 (sheepdogs and cattledogs). In addition to the FCI, it is also recognized by other global registers, such as the Kennel Club British (KC), the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). The official breed club in its country of origin is the Lancashire Heeler Club in the United Kingdom, which plays a crucial role in promoting and preserving the breed.
Pedigrees
The available pedigrees for the Lancashire Heeler allow to trace the lineage and heritage of each dog, ensuring the purity of the breed. These documents detail the ancestors over several generations, providing information on championship titles, health tests, and specific characteristics. Responsible breeders usually provide a pedigree to new owners, which can be registered with major dog clubs such as the Kennel Club in the UK or the American Kennel Club in the US.
Destination and usage
Originally used as a working dog on farms, the Lancashire Heeler is now an excellent family companion and an active participant in canine sports. Its versatility allows it to shine in activities such as agility, flyball, and obedience. Its natural herding instinct also makes it a good candidate for working with livestock. As a pet, it is appreciated for its loyalty, liveliness, and ability to adapt to different lifestyles, whether urban or rural.
Prohibitions
The Lancashire Heeler is not subject to any specific restrictions in countries where it is recognized. Unlike some breeds classified as dangerous, it is freely held and bred without any particular restrictions. It is always recommended to check local laws regarding dog ownership to ensure compliance. In some countries, regulations may include general requirements such as registration, vaccination, and compliance with public conduct rules.
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