The Lancashire Heeler

"Once a heeler, always a heeler!"
The Lancashire Heeler is a small herding dog, actually the smallest working
and herding breed there is in the world! The weight is about 5-8 kilos. The
colour is black and tan but liver and tan is also accepted. Yellow heelers
are unusual and the colour is not regarded officially correct. The
Lancashire Heeler could be described as a happy and an energetic dog,
extremely loyal to its owner, which might also be the reason to the
increased popularity of this rare breed. The first one to be imported to
Sweden came in 1985 and now, in the year of 2000, there are about 550-600
registered heelers here.
In England the breed was used in order to herd the cattle. When trucks were
eventually brought into the picture, the heeler was no longer needed for
thid task and less heelers were seen after this. There were different
heelers in each county, but the Lancashire Heeler was the only heeler-type
to survive. Initially it was also named the Ormskirk Heeler referring to
the small place in Lancashire where this breed once originated. The breed
might appear as a very heterogeneous one, and that could be due to the fact
that breeders have originally focussed mostly on temper and working
abilities and have paid less attention to looks and show potential. To the
farmers these dogs were basically working dogs with herding and even
ratting and rabbiting as their specialities.
The Lancashire Heeler is in itself an individual with very strong bonds to
its family. It is also known to be very healthy and sound. Rumour has it
there are several heelers in England to have reached the age of 20 years!
One must never forget that this is a working dog that is supposed to be
able to be outdoors for a whole day and thus it must have a good fur/coat
adapted to both damp and cold weather. The dog should be sturdily built
with a good set of muscles, all in order to cope with hard work. However,
unlike many other herding dogs this breed does not necessarily have to herd
cattle in order to feel good, it is a necessity though for it to be with
its owner, that is real happiness to a heeler.
As a matter of fact, this marvellous little dog would be pleased with just
about anything as long as it means being together;  a walk, a stroll in the
garden, cuddling up in the sofa. It loves to be where the children are and
wherever there is a high-event-ratio!
One thing is for sure, meeting with a heeler will affect you somehow!

In my family we are lucky to have the great advantage of living together
with this breed!