MyDogBreeds
The Lancashire Heeler, known also as the Ormskirk Heeler or Ormskirk Terrier, hails from England and is looked upon as a vulnerable breed by the Kennel Club in the 21st century.
He was developed to be a cattle drover, but is essentially a companion dog today. Exact details of the origin of the Lancashire are unknown, but it is generally accepted that Welsh Corgis were used as well as a kind of black and tan terrier known as the Manchester Terrier.
In England, he has been known as a general working dog for more than a century.Gwen Mackintosh began breeding these dogs in the 1960s and the Lancashire Heeler Club was established in 1978. The dog was also placed on the Endangered Breeds in 2003.
As a small breed dog, the Lancashire Heeler stands at 25 – 31cm in height, both male and female, and the dog weighs in the region of 2 to 6kg.
Looking quite similar to a Corgi or a German Shepherd with short legs, the Heeler’s legs are meant to be fairly straight and not bandy-legged. He has a short, weather-proof coarse coat that can be black or liver-colored, with tan markings. The coat is regarded as low maintenance. The hair is slightly longer around his neck.
The ears are erect, the eyes brown and bright and the tail these days is left long with a slight curl.
Intelligent, stubborn, strong willed, playful and friendly, the Lancashire Heeler is capable of making you an excellent pet and companion.
This dog is smart and learns quickly. He is energetic and playful, strong and robust and more than willing to take part in all the activities that you’re taking part in.
With training and socialization he makes a splendid pet, but he doesn’t put up well to abuse and disrespect from younger children. He is willing to get along with other pets in the home too.
As with any dog breed, there are wide variations in temperament. A dog essentially turns out the way it was brought up, similar to a child. Angry, harsh, aggressive, uncaring dog owners produce a dog that is both timid and aggressive, unsure, frustrated and with behavioral problems.
Make your dog part of your family, provide him with good food, exercise and love and he will make an awesome pet.
The Lancashire Heeler is such an amicable, social dog at heart, and treated well, he will turn out like is inherent characteristics. He is an outgoing, friendly dog, more so when he has been trained and socialized. He will adapt to city- or country life, so long as he is exercised each day.
The Heeler has a good, balanced temperament, and counted in as a loved family member, you’ll make sure he stays that way.
Your Heeler can live to be 14, 15 or 16 years of age and live even longer than this with the right care. He is such a healthy breed, but one of the common dog illnesses to look out for are eye diseases.
This is where the ligaments of the eye are weakened so that the lens actually loosened and then displaced, causing pain for the dog. This displacement can obstruct fluid drainage from the eye too and your vet may need to perform surgery.
The shock-absorbing intervertebral discs can have spinal compression and contribute to significant pain for your pet. Early signs will see your Lancashire Heeler being reluctant to jump on his chair like he may once have done. Preventing obesity is important for reducing pressure on the dog’s spine.
Known as a low maintenance dog, the Lancashire Heeler’s short coat will require little grooming, just a good brush twice a week.
If your Heeler doesn’t wear his nails down naturally, they will need to be clipped as part of the grooming process. Ears should also be checked regularly. Excess wax and dirt can build up which can lead to an ear infection. This can drive your dog mad with frustration. Teeth also need to be brushed regularly.
Remember, if you feel guilty for not getting to grooming your pet, there are professional groomers at your local vet or who work independently and they will do all of this for you.
Your Lancashire Heeler is such a social, active little dog who is always willing to be counted in to all your fun and games. If you’re lucky to have a fair sized garden, involve him in some ball games, or use a rope for him to tug on while you pull the other side. Whenever you go for a walk, he will be thrilled to join you as he loves picking up all those new scents outside his garden.
Nutritious food is important for longevity and health in a dog. Every dog has different dietary needs throughout their lives – when they’re puppies, when the female is pregnant, after they’ve been spayed or neutered, as a working dog, when they’re sick, when they’re old and so on.
There are some good dog brand foods to use, but you want to choose the best ones to ensure your dog gets all the vitamins and minerals needed as opposed to those that are packed with colorants, preservatives and fillers.
Home-made food is important too and some cooked chicken, cooked rice and raw or cooked vegetables can be added to his dry kibble from time to time. Don’t complicate your dog’s diet – just feed him plain, wholesome food like this with a little bit of raw meat added in occasionally. Simple, nutritious food will ensure he is energetic, bright eyed and happy. Make sure he always has fresh, cool water.