Lancashire Heeler

A compact terrier dog weighing between 9 and 17 pounds, the Lancashire Heeler is slightly longer than tall, and is stocky and solid despite being small. They have a short, weather-resistant coat and large, alert ears. They are friendly and happy dogs, often sporting the “Heeler Smile.”

Lancashire Heeler Breed Overview

The Lancashire Heeler is the smallest of the Heeler breeds and is a smart, outgoing, and high-energy dog. They enjoy being social and are very affectionate with their owners. Despite being small, they are well-built and sturdy. They were first bred in the 17th century, likely from Corgis and Manchester Terriers. Farm dogs for many centuries, they were used to work cattle and chase out small animals, although they became especially beloved for their sunny dispositions and affectionate natures. They are a relatively rare breed, but have gained popularity in recent decades outside their native U.K.  

Lancashire Heeler Facts

• They are the smallest of the Heeler breeds, weighing between 9 and 17 pounds.  
• They often sport the “Heeler Smile.”
• Lancashire Heelers were likely bred from Corgis and Manchester Terriers in the 1600s.
• They are a rare breed, with only a few thousand in existence around the world.
• Lancashire Heelers are sometimes known as Ormskirk Terriers.  
• They come in two colors: black and tan or liver and tan.

How to Care for Your Lancashire Heeler

Here’s what to know about caring for your Lancashire Heeler, including nutrition and feeding, health and wellness, grooming and hygiene, and living with the breed.

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed a Lancashire Heeler

The Lancashire Heeler is a small dog breed, so it’s best to feed them food that’s specifically made for their body. Their diets should be high in quality protein and healthy fats to maintain energy levels and keep everything running the way it should be. They can be prone to weight gain, which can put undue pressure on their joints, so speak with your vet to find out if you need to switch them over to a food that can help with weight management.

How Much to Feed a Lancashire Heeler

Your dog’s food intake should be managed carefully to ensure they do not become obese, which can be hard on their longer bodies and joints. Consult your dog’s bag of food or talk to your vet about how much to feed them. Because the weight of the Lancashire Heeler can vary, use the Purina Feeding Calculator to get an exact amount for your specific dog. It asks you questions about your dog’s age, activity level, and stage of life to give you the exact amount you need.

Treats & Supplements

Treats should be used sparingly to prevent the Lancashire Heeler from becoming overweight. They should not exceed 10% of the dog’s daily caloric intake. Go for low-calorie treats when possible, and try to use treats in conjunction with positive reinforcement training. Supplements can be discussed with your vet, who might tell you to consider things like joint supplements to help with luxating patellas, a joint condition many small dogs have.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

Pet owners should get their Lancashire Heelers on a regular checkup schedule with a vet who can manage vaccine schedules, parasite prevention, and more. Responsible pet owners should also talk to their vet about spaying or neutering their dog. You can also chat with them about a regular dental routine to help prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.

Lancashire Heeler Enrichment & Exercise Needs

Despite having a relatively small body, the Lancashire Heeler is a high-energy dog that likes to be out and about with their family. They love exploring and doing outdoor activities, but also do well with training sessions as they are quick learners and eager to please. Mental and physical stimulation go a long way in making a Lancashire Heeler a happy, well-mannered dog. Try to switch it up by playing games like hide-and-seek or chase, or by getting them involved in dog sports.

Understanding Your Lancashire Heeler’s Behavior

These dogs are very attached to their families, who they adore. If they don’t get enough attention or aren’t sufficiently stimulated, they can default to separation anxiety and undesirable behavior, like excessive barking, chewing, or destroying things. Training sessions and plenty of exercise can help, as can socialization. They might have strong herding instincts due to their breeding, so watch them around smaller children, who they might nip at. Ratting, or chasing small animals, is also in their DNA, so keep an eye on them outside and make sure that you have a secure, fenced-in area for them. They might try to pull a Houdini if they see something they like.

What to Expect as Your Lancashire Heeler Ages

Lancashire Heelers are relatively healthy dogs that can live an average of 12 to 15 years if they are in good health. They might be susceptible to a genetic joint condition called luxating patellas, and they might have a genetic eye disease called Collie eye anomaly, which can cause blindness in some cases. Both of these are something to discuss with your vet. They might also suffer from primary lens luxation, a gene mutation that dislocates the dog’s eye, so be sure to schedule eye exams as well. Talk to your vet about when to switch your Lancashire Heeler to a senior dog food to ensure they are getting vitamins and minerals to support mental clarity, coat health, and joint health.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

These dogs are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their short, dense, and flat coats can be brushed regularly to keep them shiny and healthy. They will shed twice a year, and you’ll need to brush them more frequently during these periods to remove loose and dead hairs. You can bathe them as needed.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

Your dog’s ears should be cleaned regularly with vet-approved wipes, and check them for cuts and scrapes or signs of ear infections. Trim their nails regularly and be sure to follow a dental care plan to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Check their paws, especially after being outside, for cuts and scrapes that could lead to infection, and check their eyes regularly for signs of disease, like tearing.

Anal Gland Care

Sometimes, small dogs cannot express their anal glands fully. You’ll know your dog has an abscess, or blockage, if they are licking excessively, scooting, straining to go to the bathroom, or emitting a foul-smelling odor. A vet can help treat an abscess or similar serious concerns.

Living With a Lancashire Heeler

Living Space

Because they are so small and compact, the Lancashire Heeler can thrive in many different living situations, so long as they are given enough mental and physical stimulation. They can be walked anywhere, and will enjoy playing games, whether indoors or outdoors. If you live in a rural or suburban area, it’s important to have a secure fenced-in area for them. They are known to dig, especially if something like a small animal catches their eye.

Socialization

These pint-sized pups are fairly easygoing and beloved for their fun-loving personalities, but they can benefit from socialization and familiarizing themselves with unfamiliar people and places. They can be reserved around strangers at first, but are wagging welcome wagons once they know someone. They are tolerant of children, although their Heeler instincts could see them nipping at the heels of small children, trying to herd them. They are courageous and tenacious, which can be relentless and exhausting for owners who aren’t used to spicy personalities. Socialization can help with all of these issues.

Climate Considerations

Originally bred in the United Kingdom, the Lancashire Heeler is fairly adaptable to climates thanks to their weather-resistant coat. They are small, so they should be protected from extreme cold or extreme heat. Small dogs lose heat quickly, so a vest or coat can help. In warmer climates, monitor them for heat exhaustion, which can occur because they have such high energy levels.

Potential Challenges

Overall, the Lancashire Heeler is a happy-go-lucky dog that enjoys going along for the ride anywhere their family goes. They need adequate exercise and mental stimulation to turn them into well-mannered, well-behaved dogs. If they don’t receive the stimulation they need, they can become destructive. They were once cattle herders and might nip at the heels of small children, something to keep in mind. They also were bred to be ratters like most terriers, so they love to chase and can be fearless – a fenced-in yard and supervision are key with this breed.

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