AKA: Ormskirk Heeler, Ormskirk Terrier

Description: The Lancashire Heeler can be identified with its short legs that set it low to the ground. While the head and other parts of its body is proportional to each other, the legs are not, being shorter and sturdier. The paws slightly turn out.

The Lancashire Heeler has wide ears and bright eyes that are set apart. Drop ears are not unheard of but breeders prefer the ears to be erect. The Lancashire Heeler’s chest is long and deep, going with a firm abdomen. Its back is strong and ends in a tail that is set high and carried forward over the back. Its coat can either be long or short, depending on the season. During the winter, the coat is plenty and with a mane. In the summer, the coat is sleek and shiny.

Dynamics: The Lancashire Heeler has the energy of a shepherd dog and a hunting dog. It has the skills of an excellent ratter and can help in catching rabbits. It has a shepherd dog’s strong instinct in that it nips at heels. This breed makes a wonderful herder of cattle, goats, and horses, although they are rarely used for this task.

The Lancashire must be taught not to nip at people’s heels. It an alert and energetic breed, and it like to run and give chase. It is friendly with the people it is familiar with but wary of strangers. Socialization is important. This breed needs to be watched with small children and smaller pets. It does better with older considerate children.

Weight: 6-13 pounds (3-6 kg)

Height: 10-12 inches (25-31 cm)

Color: The Lancashire Heeler’s coat is usually black and tan, but there are also those with a liver and tan coat.

Country of Origin: The Lancashire Heeler of today are actually recreations of the original Lancashire Heelers from England. The original breed almost became extinct when people no longer relied on cattle dogs. Today’s Lancashire Heelers are considered a vulnerable breed.

Activities: The Lancashire Heeler is great as a herder but is also very helpful in hunting. This breed oozes with energy and must be kept busy else it will become destructive. It needs to be taken out for a long walk daily.

Grooming: Bathe the Lancashire Heeler only when necessary. Its coat is easy to groom. Just comb and brush with a firm bristle brush.

Other Info: The Lancashire Heeler has a life expectancy of 12 to 13 years. This breed is okay living in an apartment. It is an active dog, and will be okay as long as it is properly exercised and let out for a walk daily.

Photo: Sannse

AKA: Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Heeler, Hall’s Heeler, Queensland Heeler, Australischer Treibhund, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler

Description: The Australian Heeler is a powerful and agile working dog with a body a bit longer than it is high. It has a broad head, dark brown oval eyes, and moderately pointed ears. Its teeth forms a scissors bite. Its tail is slightly curved and reaches down to the hock.

Dynamics: The Australian Heeler is one of the most intelligent breeds. Born a working dog, this breed needs to be always in motion. Leaving it alone and making it bored might lead to behavior problems. Training it will require a firm hand and lots of attention.

The Australian Heeler is a loyal and protective dog. It tends to be a one-person dog. This dog can be aggressive and suspicious of people and other dogs. It has to be socialized with children and other pets since puppyhood if it has to get along with them very well. This breed also makes an excellent guard dog.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: males 32-35 lbs (15-16 kg), females 30-35 lbs (14-16 kg)

Height: males 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), females 17-19 inches (43-48 cm)

Color: The Australian Heeler comes in either blue or red-speckled (Blue Heeler and Red Heeler, respectively). The Blue Heeler may have black, blue, or tan markings on the head with tan points. The Red Heeler is evenly speckled and may have darker markings on the head. The Australian Heeler is born white but the adult color can be seen in the paw pads.

Country of Origin: The Australian Heeler was developed by pioneer settlers in Australia in the 19th century. The breed came from a mix of smooth blue-speckled Collie imports form Scotland and wild Australian Dingoes. Other breeds crossed to make the Australian Heeler are the Australian Kelpie, Dalmatian, and Bull Terrier.

Grooming: The Australian Heeler has a short water-resistant coat so it is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a bristle brush. Bathe only when needed.

Activities: The Australian Heeler has a great amount of energy to use. Exercise and work are important for this breed. The Australian Heeler’s talents consist of retrieving, herding, guarding, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.

Other Info: The Australian Heeler has a life expectancy of 12-15 years. It is generally healthy but is prone to hip dysplasia, PRA, and deafness. The Australian Heeler is not suited for apartment life. It will fare better in a home with a wide and open yard or field nearby.