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Lancashire Heeler

History Lancashire Heeler

Heeler has come about quite recently in Great Britain by a selection of Welsh Corgis crossed with Manchester Terriers combining a herding instinct with an ability to hunt vermin. The shape of the first and the colour of the second breed. It was intended for herding cattle. (AS A PET) The Lancashire Heeler has proved to be an attractive proposition for many because of its size, sleek coat and lovely nature. He has an engaging cheeky expression and the breed have gained immediate popularity too in the show ring. The coat is fine underneath and covered by a waterproof short thick and hard flat outer covering. This is easy to keep clean as water runs off and soiling quickly disappears either by hand grooming with leather or towel combined with clean bedding for the dog to sleep in The Heeler loves to exercise when it is available and enjoys nothing more than a few rabbit holes to investigate out in the country. However he will passively enjoy a walk in town too. Good food will assist in adding shine to the coat though he is not a massive eater. A small dog with a bigger dog inside is the best way to describe the Lancashire Heeler. Teeth, ears,and nails should be checked weekly. It is essential for young puppies to allow their owners from a young age to brush the teeth regularly and wipe away any surface dirt in the ears. Problems with either should be referred to a veterinary surgeon. Nails should be cut as necessary and this will occur less often if the dog has some exercise on firm surfaces.

General Appearance *** Small, powerful, sturdily built, alert energetic worker.

Characteristics *** Works cattle but has terrier instincts when rabbiting and ratting.

Temperament *** Courageous, happy, affectionate to owner.

Head and Skull *** In proportion to body. Skull flat and wide between ears, tapering towards eyes which are set wide apart. Moderate stop equidistant between nose and occiput. Tapering continues towards nose. Skull and muzzle to be on parallel planes.

Eyes *** Almond-shaped, medium size, dark colour except in liver where they may be lighter to match coat colour.

Ears *** Showing alert lift, or erect. Drop ears showing no lift undesirable.

Mouth *** Lips firm. Scissor bite – jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Under or overshot to be discouraged.

Neck *** Moderate length, well laid into shoulders.

Forequarters *** Well laid shoulder, elbows firm against ribs. Amply boned. Pasterns allow feet to turn slightly outwards, but not enough to cause weakness or affect freedom of movement.

Body *** Well sprung ribbing, extending well back with close coupling. Firm, level topline, never dipping at withers or falling at croup. Approximately 2.5 cms (1 in) longer than height at withers. (Measured from withers to set on of tail).

Hindquarters *** Muscular, with well turned stifles, hocks well let down. From rear should be parallel, when moving or standing. Never bandy or cowhocked.

Feet *** Small, firm and well padded.

Tail *** Set on high, left natural. Carried over back in a slight curve when alert, but not forming a complete ring.

Gait/Movement *** Smart and brisk. Natural, free movement.

Coat *** Fine undercoat is covered throughout by weather resistant, short, thick, hard, flat topcoat. Topcoat slightly longer on neck. Undercoat should not show through topcoat nor allow any longer hair at the mane to stand off. Long or excessively wavy coat hightly undesirable.

Colour *** Black or liver with rich tan marking on muzzle, spots on cheeks and often above eyes, from knees downwards, with desirable thumb-mark above feet, inside hindlegs and under tail. Richness of tan may fade with age. White to be discouraged, except for a very small spot on forechest being permitted, but not desired. Pigmentation to tone with coat colour.

Size *** Ideal height at shoulder: dogs: 30 cms (12 ins); bitches: 25 cms (10 ins).

Faults *** Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note *** Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.