The Lancashire Heeler is a small breed of dog developed for use as a drover and herder of cattle. The Lancashire Heeler is alert, friendly, energetic, intelligent, playful and a pleasant companion. Personality can range from lazy and playful to energenic and talkative. It is actually a very strong dog that likes to participate in all kinds of activities, and can carry a ball or object the size of themselves. The Lancashire Heeler is friendly towards its owners and passers-by on the street but may be aggressive towards an unknown character on their territory, such as the Mail Carrier.
Precise details of the origin of breed is unknown. However, it is accepted that a type of Welsh Corgi was used to drive livestock to the north west of England from Wales. In the Ormskirk area, a type of black and tan terrier called the Manchester Terrier was introduced which resulted in what is now known as the Lancashire Heeler. The breed has been known in its home county for over a hundred and fifty years as a general purpose farm dog, capable of both ratting and herding cattle.
Gwen Mackintosh began to breed Heelers in the early 1960s. Together with other enthusiasts, the Lancashire Heeler Club was formed 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.
Lancashire Heelers can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, Rally obedience, showmanship, flyball, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Lancashire Heelers exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.
Lancashire Heeler Videos