Lancashire Heeler
Alert Apartment-friendly Cattle herding, Ratting, Driving cattle to market. Clever Friendly Great with kids High energy dog Intelligent Sheds a lot

Lancashire Heeler

Height 10 - 12 in (25 - 30 cm)
Weight 6 - 13 lbs (3 - 6 kg)
Lifespan 12 – 15 years
Origin Unknown

Is a Lancashire Heeler Right For You?

Answer these quick questions to find out:


Do you need a dog that’s comfortable living in an apartment?

Will the dog need to thrive in small living spaces?

Will the dog need to stay alone at home for long hours?

Are you looking for a dog suited for urban life?

Are you okay with a dog that sheds heavily?

Breed Characteristics

The consensus from multiple sources indicates that Lancashire Heelers require minimal grooming, typically around once a week, with occasional baths. Their short, dense, waterproof coat does not need extensive maintenance.

How much grooming does Lancashire Heeler need?

Low High
Based on the consensus from the sources, Lancashire Heelers require a significant amount of exercise, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours a day, with options including playtime in a fenced yard, walks, and engaging activities. Some owners even provide up to 8 hours of exercise per day. The general recommendation falls within the 30-60 minutes range, making the exercise needs of Lancashire Heelers relatively high.

How much exercise does Lancashire Heeler need?

Low High
Based on the consensus from multiple sources highlighting Lancashire Heelers' intelligence, eagerness to please, and ease of training, with only a few mentions of potential challenges that can be overcome with proper training methods.

Is Lancashire Heeler easy to train?

Low High
Based on the consensus from multiple sources praising Lancashire Heelers for being highly intelligent, quick to learn, trainable, and having a strong work ethic, the rating of 5 (Very High) is chosen.

How intelligent is Lancashire Heeler?

Low High
The Lancashire Heeler is described as talkative and can vocalize a lot, including barking. While they may not bark constantly, they may do so when bored or anxious. Some individuals may bark more if wary of strangers. Overall, the consensus suggests a tendency towards frequent vocalizations.

Does Lancashire Heeler bark a lot?

Low High
The Lancashire Heeler is described as having an intelligent, mischievous, and sometimes stubborn temperament, with an independent streak that can lead to stubbornness. Consistent training is essential due to their strong-willed personality. While they are affectionate and loyal, their independence and stubbornness are highlighted in multiple sources.

Is Lancashire Heeler stubborn or independent?

Low High
The consensus from the sources indicates that Lancashire Heelers require at least 30-60 minutes of daily exercise, with some sources suggesting up to 2 hours. The majority of sources emphasize the need for regular walks, playtime, and mental stimulation to keep the breed happy and healthy.

How much playtime does a Lancashire Heeler need daily?

Low High
The Lancashire Heeler is an active breed that enjoys exercise and mental stimulation. While they can adapt to living in different settings, they do require daily exercise and activities to stay physically and mentally healthy. The sources emphasize the importance of walks, interactive play, and mental challenges to keep them satisfied at home, indicating that they may not be suited for staying indoors with limited walks.

Can Lancashire Heeler stay indoors with limited walks?

Low High
The Lancashire Heeler is described as friendly and affectionate, but also protective and sometimes less welcoming to strangers. Multiple sources mention their protective instinct and effectiveness as watchdogs, indicating a medium to high level of protectiveness.

Is Lancashire Heeler protective or territorial?

Low High
The Lancashire Heeler is consistently described as extremely affectionate, loyal, friendly, and smart towards its family in multiple sources. It is highlighted as a breed that craves companionship and can make an excellent family pet.

Is Lancashire Heeler affectionate with family?

Low High

Health Wellness

Is Lancashire Heeler prone to allergies?

The Lancashire Heeler breed is not hypoallergenic due to their short shedding coat that can contribute to allergens in the home. Regular grooming is recommended to manage shedding, but potential owners with allergies should spend time with a Lancashire Heeler before bringing one home. Some Lancashire Heelers are prone to allergies, and it is important to seek veterinary care promptly if allergies flare up. Additionally, the breed may be prone to obesity, so portion control is crucial. Lancashire Heelers have a lifespan of 12-15 years and are generally healthy, although they may be susceptible to a few inheritable conditions such as patellar luxation and eye issues.


Is Lancashire Heeler a hypoallergenic breed?

The Lancashire Heeler is not a hypoallergenic breed, as they have a short coat that sheds and can contribute to allergens in the home. They are a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-15 years, and they require minimal daily grooming. Lancashire Heelers are described as chatty, vocal, and alert dogs that may require training to live with other pets. They are medium to high energy dogs that are intelligent, quick to learn new tasks, and have a lot of heart. While there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs, Lancashire Heelers are not considered to be less allergenic for people with dog allergies.


What are common health issues in Lancashire Heeler?

Common health issues in Lancashire Heelers include primary lens luxation, collie eye anomaly, patellar luxation, hereditary cataract, persistent pupillary membrane, degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, pancreatitis, and anal gland impaction. These conditions can affect the eyes, joints, and neurological health of Lancashire Heelers, with primary lens luxation being a notable inherited eye disease in the breed. Regular testing and monitoring for these health issues are recommended by the United States Lancashire Heeler Club to ensure the well-being of these dogs, who are generally healthy and can live well into their teens.


How often should a Lancashire Heeler visit the vet?

Key points about Lancashire Heelers and vet visits include the importance of regular check-ups for puppies every three to four weeks until at least 16 weeks of age, and for senior dogs, blood work and X-rays every 6 months after age 10. It is recommended to have their eyes tested annually by a specialist. Bathing is only needed a few times a year, but regular brushing is necessary. Lancashire Heelers are medium to high energy dogs that are intelligent, alert, and friendly.


What is the average vet bill for a Lancashire Heeler?

The average annual vet bill for a Lancashire Heeler is typically between $500 and $1,000. Initial consultations for medical conditions can range from $195 to $250, while emergency vet clinic visits can cost between $850 and $1,500. Additionally, the cost of raising a Lancashire Heeler puppy from a reputable breeder is usually between $1,000 and $2,000. Overall, pet owners can expect to spend between $700 and $1,500 per year on vet costs, including wellness check-ups, dental care, lab tests, and vaccines for their Lancashire Heeler.


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