Lancashire Heeler

The Lancashire Heeler is a very small black-and-tan drover's dog that moved cattle by nipping their heels and killed rats in the barn afterwards.

History

It worked around Ormskirk in Lancashire, droving cattle to market, and probably descends from Welsh Corgis brought north with the herds crossed with Manchester Terriers. It was recognised only in 1981, and remains rare enough that British registries have listed it among the native breeds most at risk.

Temperament

The breed is known for being alert, affectionate and cheerful, with a herding dog's brain in a terrier's body — busy, vocal and inclined to herd whatever is available.

Care and training

It needs more exercise and mental work than its size suggests. The short coat needs almost nothing. Training is easy; the challenge is giving it enough to do.

Health

Known tendencies include primary lens luxation and Collie eye anomaly, both of which the breed's clubs test for, plus patellar luxation. These are known patterns for the breed and a matter for a breeder and a vet; the measured facts are in the panel.