Lancashire Heeler
Complete Breed Guide
"I'm a big dog in a little dog costume!"
Quick Facts About Lancashire Heelers
Herding
9–17 lbs
10–12"
No
Overview
Lancashire Heelers may be short, but they are swift and were used in England to herd cattle. Today, they are more commonly seen as family pets – and fun family pets, at that! These small dogs have big personalities and are very playful.
Lancashire Heelers aren’t aware of their true size. Stubby and speedy, they can herd cattle, goats, and horses with the best of them. These days, though, they only really do that for fun. Originally from England, it must have caught on that these little dogs have some big personalities and are pretty amusing to have around the house, because their popularity is growing. Lancashire Heelers are known to entertain themselves in a one-sided game of fetch, although they’d rather have you join in on the fun!
Temperament and Behavior
Lancashire Heelers have a strong instinct to herd and are eye level with your ankles. The temptation can be too much to bear sometimes and you might feel them give you a little “love” nip at your heels every once in a while. The good news is you always know they are right next to you! These adorably stubby dogs are a very loyal bunch and like to be with their people. Lancashire Heelers are big dogs at heart and might try to act courageous and guard dog-like around strangers and new dogs. Early training is recommended to remind them who the boss of the house is… and to wean them of herding human ankles.
Coat & Grooming
The coat of Lancashire Heelers changes with the seasons. In winter, it becomes bulkier to protect them from the cold, and in the summer, it becomes a lighter, smoother coat. This extra fur has to go somewhere, though, so be sure to use a firm bristle brush on them weekly to reduce shedding.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Lancashire Heelers are happy in most settings. These speedsters do appreciate a large backyard to zip around but will also be content with a trip to a park to run off some steam. These Heelers are pretty energetic and active whether in a large home or small apartment. Lancashire Heelers do best with older children and dogs they have grown up with.
Exercise & Activity
Lancashire Heelers are fast… very fast. This makes them expert fetchers, runners, and chasers. If you’re interested in competing with your dog, these small Heelers love the challenge. They especially excel at agility and herding competitions.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Lancashire Heeler FAQs
Common questions about the Lancashire Heeler breed, answered by our editorial team.
Find Lancashire Heeler Puppies