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

Description: The Lakeland Terrier looks like the smaller version of the Welsh Terrier. It is a squarely proportional dog, with an elongated head and strong straight legs. Its face has bushy hair on the forefront, and its teeth is either overshot or undershot. Its eyes are either dark or hazel, the nose is dark, and the ears are triangular in shape.

The Lakeland Terrier’s outer coat is hard, and the undercoat liner helps protect the terrier from brambles and bad weather. The Lakeland Terrier is usually born with a dark coat. At first glance, the dog looks as if it is standing on its toes.

Dynamics: The Lakeland Terrier is a very cheerful and affectionate dog. The breed can be a little feisty and willful, as it has a lot of energy to spare. It is alert and courageous. It needs some firm training so that it does not overrun you with its endless energy. This breed may also be very difficult to house break so a lot of patience is needed in training it.

Despite its stubborness to training, the dog is an intelligent one. The Lakeland Terrier loves to dig around and can be a bit of a barker. It also likes to guard what it owns, including toys and food. Its affectionate nature allows it to get along well with other dogs. This breed also loves children and likes to play. It becomes wary among strangers but gets along well once it becomes familiar with a person. Regarding smaller household pets and animals like cats and birds, the Lakeland Terrier likes to give chase. Training and socialization is needed so that when the breed gets older it does not continue chasing after the animals.

Breed Group: Terrier

Weight: Males 17 pounds (7.7 kg), Females 15 pounds (6.8 kg)

Height: Not above 14½ inches (36.8 cm)

Color: The Lakeland Terrier’s coat may come in combinations of black, black & tan, reddish, red grizzle, wheat, liver & blue, grizzle, and grizzle & tan.

Country of Origin: Originally called the Patterdale Terrier, the Lakeland Terrier was bred from the crossings of the Bedlington and the Old English Wirehaired Terrier in England.

Activities: The Lakeland Terrier was used in hunting den animals like badgers and foxes. The breed was also good at hunting in water and uneven terrain. Other talents of the breed is watchdogging and tracking. It also enjoys running and playing off the leash, which makes them suitable for sports activities like catch and agility.

Grooming: Because of its somewhat thick hair, the Lakeland Terrier should have its coat cut or plucked two to three times a year. Loose and excess hair should be removed, especially from the ear passages and between the pads of the feet. This breed requires heavy grooming. It sheds little to no hair.

Other Info: The Lakeland Terrier has a life expectancy10 to 12 years, although some have reached up to 16 years. This is one of the healthiest breeds, having no serious hereditary diseases. The Lakeland Terrier will do well living in an apartment and can do without a yard.

Photo: Sannse

AKA: Russell Terrier

Description: The Jack Russell Terrier has sturdy and compact body. The height is proportional to the length, creating a balanced and solid countenance. The head has a defined stop and a slightly short muzzle. The nose is black, and the almond-shaped eyes are dark-colored. The ears are shaped like an inverted triangular as it falls forward, facing the front. They are set high on the head, and the Jack Russell Terrier can stand them up or, as is usually the case, let it hang forward. The jaws are powerful and form a level or scissors bite.

The body is also muscular, with a strong neck, sloping shoulders, and a fine back. The forelegs are strong and straight, while the hind legs has a good stipulation and a good bend. The feet are small, round, and catlike. The chest is shallow and the back is strong and straight. The tail is set high and is carried gaily.

There are two types of Jack Russell Terrier: the English type, and the Irish type called Jack Russell Shorty which is distinguished by is shorter legs.

Dynamics: The Jack Russell Terrier is a playful and loving dog. It is obedient, yet also spirited and mischievous. It enjoys games and playing with toys. It has a friendly temperament and kind and patient to children. This is an intelligent breed. It is a little difficult to train and requires a firm and consistent training. Aggressiveness can be seen if the Jack Russell Terrier does not have the proper training and socialization.

Socialization for the Jack Russell Terrier is important to moderate its aggressive trait. This breed also has a strong hunting instinct and should be watched when around other small animals. The Jack Russell Terrier likes to explore and run around. It also likes to bark and dig. The Jack Russell Terrier can also climb and jump over fences. This breed can become destructive when ignored.

Breed Group: Terrier

Weight: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg)

Height: 10-15 inches (25-38 cm)

Color: The Jack Russell Terrier’s coat is dominated with white, with tan, black, or brown markings. Brindle markings are not acceptable in shows and competitions.

Country of Origin: The Jack Russell Terrier was developed by a clergyman named Jack Russell in England back in the 19th century.

Activities: The Jack Russell Terrier has a lot of stored energy within. It has to be sufficiently exercised, else it will become destructive and have behavioral problems. Play sessions and games are also important for this breed. The Jack Russell Terrier’s talents include hunting, tracking, agility, and performing tricks.

Grooming: The Jack Russell Terrier’s coat is easy to groom because it is short and smooth. Combing and brushing it regularly will do. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Jack Russell Terrier has a life expectancy of 15 years or more. It is prone to the dislocation of kneecaps, eye diseases, deafness, and Legg Perthes (disease of the hip joints). Other than these, no major health issues are noted. This breed can live in the city or in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised and taken outdoors from time to time.

AKA: Harehound

Description: The Harrier is a medium-sized compact dog with an excellent nose. It has the physical characteristics of an English Foxhound, although it is smaller in comparison. It has a muscular build, with good bone structure. Its body is rectangularly proportional, slightly longer than it is tall.

The head has a strong square muzzle, with pendant ears and brown or hazel eyes. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. Its feet is catlike, and its toes may turn inward. The tail is carried curved high, but not curled over the back.

Dynamics: The Harrier is a sweet-tempered breed, cheerful and playful. It is excellent with children and gets along well with other dogs. It should be watched when among non-canine household pets, however. But with proper socialization and training, it can get along with everybody. This breed is also the curious and brave kind, going off after a smell. The Harrier also likes to be with people and other dogs, preferring to be in the company of others than being alone.

Breed Group: Hound

Weight: 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg)

Height: 19-21 inches (48-50 cm)

Color: The Harrier comes in any color but its coat is usually in combinations of lemon and white, red and white, or white and tan. Black hair along its back is also common.

Country of Origin: The Harrier originated in the United Kingdom, where it retains its popularity as a working pack dog and as an excellent hare and fox hunter.

Activities: The Harrier needs lots of exercise and outdoor activities. Otherwise it might create behavioral problems.

Grooming: The Harrier’s short coat is easy to groom. An occasional brushing and combing is enough to take out dead hairs.

Other Info: The Harrier has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is a generally healthy breed. But it is still prone to common dog breed health issues like hip dysplasia. Epilepsy is also possible in the Harrier. The Harrier is not recommended to live in the city. It needs a lot of space and is at its best outdoors.

AKA: Smooth: Smooths, Fox Terrier Smooth Coat
Wire: Wire Fox Terrier, Fox Terrier Wire Coat, Wire

Description: There are two varieties of the Fox Terrier: the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier. The only difference between the two varieties is the type of coat. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a smooth and flat, whereas the Wire Fox Terrier has a dense wiry one.

The body of the Fox Terrier is squarely proportional, and of medium size, The head is triangular, with the ears set high.

Dynamics: The Fox Terrier is an energetic and playful dog. It is excellent with children and it is affectionate with the family. It can be jealous at times when it is not given attention. It is brave and impulsive, and can be very aggressive. It may pick a fight with other dog breeds, no matter the size. It also does not trust other household pets and animals. Proper socialization and training is needed for this breed to get along with other household pets, but it still needs to be watched when around them.

The Fox Terrier likes to bark and make good watchdogs. It can be rowdy and boisterous with all the barking at times. Behavioral problems may occur when it is not properly trained and socialized.

Breed Group: Terrier

Weight: males 15-20 pounds (7-9 kg), females 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg)

Height: males 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), females 13-15 inches (33-38 cm)

Color: The Fox Terrier (for both varieties) have the base colors of tan or black and tan. White coloring in the coat is present because of a “spotting gene,” and is not related to albinism.

Country of Origin: The Fox Terrier originated in England, where it was bred to assist in fox hunting in the mid 90th century.

Activities: The Fox Terrier needs to have lots of exercise, but play sessions can be a good alternative. This breed was used for fox hunting, and can also be a watchdog and a good family companion.

Grooming: For both varieties of the breed, brushing with a firm bristle brush is enough. Bathe only when necessary. There is a complex show-grooming routine for the Wire Fox Terrier that professional groomers can teach you.

Other Info: The Fox Terrier has a life expectancy of at least 15 years. Health issues include epilepsy, deafness, post nasal drip, lens luxation, distichiasis, cataracts, Legg-Perthes, shoulder dislocation, and skin problems. The Fox Terrier can live in an apartment as long as it is given a proper amount of exercise or play sessions.