Lancashire Heelers are grand little dogs
and are very active and alert. They like children, are affectionate,
enjoy a country life with all its advantages and are excellent guard
dogs.
Description & History
There are two distinct types of the breed:
the Lancashire terrier-type dog, which was known as the Butcher's Heeler,
and the Ormskirk Heeler, a slightly larger dog that was used for herding
and general farm work. The origin of the breed is uncertain, but it
is thought that the Welsh Corgi and the Manchester Terrier played a
part in its ancestry.
It is believed by some authorities that
cattle driven by corgis from Wales to Lancashire, in north west England,
were bred with the Manchester Terrier. Strains from the Dachshund are
also thought to have been introduced at some stage. The Lancashire-type
dog did similar work to the Corgi, driving stock to the markets and
slaughterhouses.
Ormskirk Heelers - which had the white
markings of most herding breeds - were found on most Lancashire farms
where they were popular and adept workers. Records show that 150 years
ago the breed lived and worked on many Lancashire farms.
Although some still work, the majority
of the breed are now companions and show dogs. In 1978 the Lancashire
Heeler Club was formed and in 1981 the breed was recognised by the British
Kennel Club.