Lancashire Heeler
Also known as: Ormskirk Heeler Ormskirk Terrier
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- England
- Other names
- Ormskirk Heeler Ormskirk Terrier
intro
The Lancashire Heeler is a small breed of dog developed for use as a drover and herder of cattle. The Lancashire Heeler is listed by the Kennel Club (UK) as an endangered breed. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2024. [ 1 ]
Health
A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 15.4 years —the highest in the study— for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds . [ 4 ] The three most common serious conditions that can affect Heelers are Collie eye anomaly , primary lens luxation and persistent pupillary membranes . [ 5 ] As well as these eye conditions, dogs of this breed may suffer from Patella luxation . [ 6 ] The Lancashire Heeler is one of the more commonly affected breeds for primary lens luxation which is caused by an autosomal recessive mutation of the ADAMTS17 gene. [ 7 ]
History
It is generally accepted that the Lancashire Heeler is descended from the Welsh Corgi and the Manchester Terrier in England. [ 2 ] [ 8 ] The breed has been known in its home county for over one hundred and fifty years as a general-purpose farm dog, capable of both ratting and herding cattle. [ 8 ] Gwen Mackintosh began to breed Heelers in the early 1960s. Together with other enthusiasts, she established the Lancashire Heeler Club in 1978, with the club setting a breed standard and register . Recognition by The Kennel Club followed in 1981. Mackintosh would continue to serve as the club's president until her death in 1992. [ 8 ] The breed was recognised as a vulnerable native breed by The Kennel Club in 2006, meaning that annual registration figures are 300 or fewer for the breed. [ 9 ] In 2006, 173 Heelers were registered in the UK; by 2007, this number had further decreased to 146. [ 10 ] In 2016, the FCI added the breed to the list of provisionally accepted breeds. [ 11 ] The Lancashire Heeler was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2024, [ 1 ] and made its first appearance at the AKC's National Dog Show that year. [ 3 ]
Description
The dog's coat is harsh and smooth with an undercoat which keeps the dog dry in all weathers. It may have a slight mane around the neck in winter. The dog is usually black and tan, [ 2 ] but liver and tan is also recognised by the Kennel Club . They are slightly longer than height at withers , usually measures between 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) at the shoulder and weighs 13–18 pounds (5.9–8.2 kg) . [ 2 ] In terms of personality, the breed standard used by the American Kennel Club describes them as "courageous, happy," and "affectionate to owner". [ 1 ] When happy, Lancashire Heelers may part their lips to mimic a human smile . [ 3 ]